When darkness fell, we all piled into the car for Christmas Eve service. Every year, after we were all buckled in, my father would announce he had to use the bathroom. He left the car running, with the heat on, as he took care of business. Ten minutes later, we were on our way.
After church, my father drove through the neighborhood to admire the Christmas lights. My sister and I were never interested; we wanted to get home since we knew Santa always came to our house when we were at church. Our house was his first stop, at least that’s what we were told.
As the year passed, my sister and I caught on to my father’s, “I have to use the bathroom,” charade. One year, our suspicions were confirmed when we noticed the light in the garage turn on; there was no bathroom in our garage.
We still open gifts on Christmas Eve, after church. The only difference is, when we’re ready to leave, my father doesn’t get the urge to use the bathroom.
Merry Christmas! Next week I’ll be on a break, so I’ll look forward to seeing everyone on January 3rd. Happy New Year!
In the meantime, what are your family traditions during the holiday season?