Traditions

On the Back Porch

Christmas time brings blessings and joys, And bright glittery places, Traditions for girls and for boys, With bright happy faces! 

Tinsel and trinkets with sweet stuff galore, Presents and snow and gala affair, Gay lighted trees and wreaths on the door, 

Yes, Christmas is in the air! 

They said it was a “Christmas tradition,” well, what is a tradition and how does something become a tradition? Mr. Webster defines a tradition as, “A tradition is the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice.”

So, a lot of things we experience in life that our forefathers did repeatedly and gave it to the next generation, slowly but surely became a tradition. If it was about Valentine Day, it was a valentine tradition, or if it was about 4th of July, it was a patriotic tradition, so, since it is about Christmas, it just stands to reason that it becomes a Christmas tradition!

One Christmas tradition that is observed by a wide segment of the population over the years has been the art of proclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!” before anyone else can beat you to it. Now, supposedly if you say it first, the one you said it to, is bound by duty to give you a gift! But, nobody pays much attention to that. 

My Granddad, Papa Hop Weathers, exclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!” is my first recollection of this family tradition that has been kept alive through the years. Where, when, and how it started in our family will remain an unsolved mystery, but I am sure it goes away back. 

So, I asked Papa Hop what was the “Christmas Eve Gift?” 

He put on his usual wise look and said, “Bubba, it is just an expression that has been handed down over the years. Without a doubt, I am sure that Christmas Eve Gift is the promise that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would be born on Christmas Day. He was born to eventually save us from all sin. I’m thinking that is the best “Gift” you will ever receive!”

 I thought so too. 

You see, Papa Hop always got up before daybreak and put a fire under the coffee pot before seeing the stock and chores. As soon as someone would come straggling up to the coffee pot, about half asleep on Christmas Eve, he would be waiting for them. 

“Christmas Eve Gift!” Papa Hop would sing out. 

He was always first to give that greeting in my younger years. Later, my Mom, we called her Mammy, carried on this tradition. She was already mixing the biscuit dough by the time anybody straggled in because nobody got up before she had coffee ready. 

Our family still observes this tradition that Papa Hop and Mammy kept alive during their time. Now, each of her kids, especially Ann, extoll to the world, "Christmas Eve Gift!" 

We believe in family unity; and this tradition is one of the glues that hold us close. Of course, the umbrella that covers all of us is our belief in and trust of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And soon we will celebrate the birth of Jesus as we each enjoy Christmas. 

But, on Christmas Eve, if you happen to ride by the Walker Ranch located on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the community of Sattler, Texas, you will undoubtedly hear our daughter Frances exclaiming to the world, “CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!” Proudly carrying on a living tribute to our ancestors by keeping the tradition alive! 

We should all be thankful for our “Christmas Eve Gift!”

Traditions

T’was a cold December morn when sleep just disappears,

He knew it was Christmas Eve,

An’ he smiled, thinkin’ back through all the years,

Papa Hop had helped him to believe.

 

And now, it has fell his lot to proclaim,

This tradition held so dear,

To one and all, family and friends, the same,

“Christmas Eve Gift” so very clear.

 

Like any tradition, how did it get its start?

And through all myths we will sift,

While we anticipate with all our heart,

Proclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!”

 

Yes, the “Gift” is a promise made to us by God,

That a Savior would be born,

And as a man among us, He would travel this sod,

Tho, the Pharisees showed some scorn.

 

This Savior, whose name is Jesus, taught us love,

And that we were to teach it too,

While our faith has made us whole, thru God above,

His Grace has made it so true.

 

We are thankful for the blessings which God does impart,

Unto the Lord our prayers we lift,

And praises we sing, with joy in our heart,

As we proclaim, “Christmas Eve Gift!” 

© Ol’ Jim Cathey

 May each of you enjoy a joyous and blessed Christmas celebration,  

And… oh yeah,  “CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT”!

 

 

 

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Marlin, TX 76661
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