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Scenes of the season

The holiday season is a time for tradition. It's heading to the Kiwanis lot to find the perfect tree, unpacking ornaments that hold memories of Christmas past, taking the kids to see Santa Claus at the Woodside fire station, and writing dozens of holiday cards.

It's visiting the Nativity Scene at St. Patrick's Seminary, or hoping to find a seat at Christmas Eve services at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. It's hosting a Hanukkah party and serving Aunt Rose's latkes.

Tradition means finding time to make your family's favorite foods. The season wouldn't be the same without Anita's fudge, Aunt Jeanne's sugar cookies, Arline's clam dip, or Uncle Bill's eggnog on Christmas Eve. Making these holiday treats is a way of remembering those we have known and loved.

The holidays are hard work. We scour the mall for the perfect gift, wrap packages until midnight, and stand in line at the post office. We spend too much money and resign ourselves to being broke in January.

Is it worth it? Of course, it is. All the hard work and preparation fade as we bask in the warm glow of a Christmas tree or a Hanukkah menorah on these cold winter nights. We reflect on the year almost past and hope for a New Year filled with promise.