Christmas Eve Traditions

When I was a child, my favorite day was Christmas Eve. I loved the intense feeling of anticipation for Santa and trying to stay up as late as possible. However, I loved this day mostly because my entire Brewer side of the family would meet at my grandparents home. Not only do we meet with my aunts, uncles, and first cousins but we also have my great uncle and aunt that join us. On Christmas Eve, we would eat a big meal, lots of pie, give each other presents, watch old family videos, and go caroling/ deliver cookies and gifts to other families. This is a Swedish tradition that came from my Grandpa Anderson. Now the focus is no longer on the gifts but on spending time together.

Our favorite Christmas Eve activity is playing the card game Scum. We all trash talk each other and laugh constantly. My Grandmother Brewer is the worst offender of the trash talk. She is very sassy and says whatever she likes. She becomes very animated if you stand in her way. A few years ago she even hit (ever so lightly) a guest of my brother. This year was no different with the trash talk but this time she only struck me (ever so lightly.) My grandmother Brewer and I are a lot alike. She still enjoys dancing, singing, and being sassy yet sweet.

Mom and I in the kitchen * Gram Brewer making meringue * Collin checking out the pies

The entire family eating dinner

This is my favorite holiday decoration. It is a Christmas goat that is part of a traditional Swedish Christmas. This Christmas goat was brought to the USA by my great-great grandmother when she came from Sweden. It has been passed down the family line and will actually be going to me next!!!!

Cousins Thad and Kaitlyn with Carlee * Brother Levi * Me with Carlee and Collin

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