Sweet Christmas Memories and Favorite Traditions

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SWEET CHRISTMAS MEMORIES AND FAVORITE TRADITIONS In a year that has been anything but traditional, and families unable to be together due to the pandemic, the Church Life Committee has compiled these stories, photos, and recipes to help make the holidays feel more festive.

December 2020

By Nancy Barry Holiday Workshop The Pageant This was a large project early in Advent on a Friday This used to be featured on the newspaper’s society evening for several years. We would meet in the main page. It was performed on a Sunday afternoon during dining room for dinner and after have a choice of Advent. Margaret Cox (Jonathan’s mother) used to several projects to do for the holidays. Examples were: conduct the rehearsals. Advent wreaths, trees made from chicken wire and It was very impressive. Often you wouldn’t recognize thistles, marshmallow snowmen (for the young some of the teens between the costuming and children), soap decorations, and special caricatures of additions of wigs, beards, or mustaches. people by member Sig Potembski. A young baby from the congregation was often used to portray the Christ Child. (Never did one cry!). It was a Nancy’s Memories of a Pageant great honor for a member of the youth group to be selected as Mary. (The Sanctuary was always full with When my son Douglas was three, he was chosen to be the members of the church and the general public.) one of the angels for the first time. As they were all processing down the center aisle, he looked up, saw The Pageant was a famed presentation of the church all his family in the balcony, and excitedly waved to every year. Once, someone had acquired several us. Oops- he tripped on his gown and fell flat on his impressive costumes and props from a company going face! No horns, but fun memories! out of business. The youngest children all had white robes, halos and wings, and that year they also had long, long horns. Two of the angels got into a duel up on the Chancel with their horns used as swords. That was the end of the horns for the angels! 2

By Karen Lewis

The Windows, A Memory

Children view Christmas through a magical lens, and those memories and traditions usually last long into adulthood! For me, they have... and the joy they continue to bring is a real gift!

I grew up in northern Indiana where there was a large department store in the center of the downtown area. Each year my parents would pack up my siblings and me and drive us to the store for the annual event that took place in early December... the unveiling of the windows! I think there were five. One was always some version of the Nativity, each year somehow different from the last and always beautiful. Of course, there was always a Santa display, sometimes featuring elves in a workshop and sometimes Santa on a sleigh. There were choirs and caroling themes, family gatherings in front of fireplaces, snowmen and snowy scenes, and not one window included a sign or a product for sale inside the store! In later years, the windows came to life with motorized moving figures, music, and elaborate lighting. The windows were intended to bring joy to the passers by; if customers decided to shop inside, all the better. But I didn’t know that then. I was just embracing the magic of the Christmas season at a time that has long since passed.

When I moved to Western New York as an adult, I learned about the Buffalo stores which had provided similar magic with their holiday displays. As malls and big box stores replaced them, the windows were boarded up or reclaimed for other purposes. But for those of us old enough to remember, the memories are a gift!

“Can Do” Cookie Dough Submitted by Kathy Booke Fitzmorris

2 Eggs 2/3 cup shortening 2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened 1-1/2 cups sugar 3-1/2 cups Flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla *when using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat the eggs slightly in a large mixer bowl. Add remaining ingredients; blend on low speed about 30 s4ec. Mix on medium speed until ingredients are well blended and gather together, about 3 min. Form dough into a ball with hands. (If dough does not hold together, add 1 or 2 tsp of cream or milk.) Cut into two equal parts. Roll dough to 1/8” thick on a floured surface. Cut dough with 2 to 3” cutters. Place on ungreased baking 1963 Christmas Workshop sheet; sprinkle with sugar or ice. Bake 8-10 minutes Left: Kathy Booke Fitzmorris, Peggy Booke or until light brown. Others unknown

Michael and I grew up in North Park Presbyterian students and service members returning home for Church, which was located on Parkside Avenue, in Christmas break and it was a major benchmark to North Buffalo. It closed about fifteen years ago but participate in the service and celebrate the annual in our long-ago youth it was thriving: Sunday tradition. School, two worship services, full choir, Adult Ed class, Sunday evening youth groups, Youth Club, Fast forward a decade or so and Michael and I Women’s and Men’s Associations, scout troops, were new parents. For that Christmas Eve, we sat even bowling teams (2!). You get the idea. We were at the back of the sanctuary with our extended confirmed there, we were married there, our kids family in case we had to make a quick exit. Colin were baptized there. slept through the service right up until the time the sanctuary was cast in total darkness for “O There were many beautiful and meaningful Holy Night”. We quickly retreated to the narthex. worship moments at North Park, but my personal After the solo, the notes of “Silent Night” began to favorite was the annual candlelight Christmas Eve fill the air and the candles started to spread their service. I am sure I was not alone in my feelings light. Amazingly, he began to quiet and I realized because it was one of the most heavily attended that he was mesmerized by the growing services of the year. It was a classic Lessons & brightness. We followed the light to the back of the Carols service with choir anthems interspersed sanctuary and finished singing with the rest of with scripture readings and Christmas hymns. congregation. It somehow brought the Newborn The highlight came toward the end when all the Christ Child closer that year. lights in the sanctuary were extinguished and a lone soloist sang “O Holy Night”, holding a single Quick post-script. Six years later, that scene was candle (I later came to appreciate what a feat that repeated with our second son, Ian. Only he was was for both organist and soloist). This was not alone. Three other babies were being rocked to followed by the congregation joining in to sing the refrain of “Sleep in heavenly peace.” What a “Silent Night”. As we sang, the sanctuary was beautiful tradition. gradually brought out of the darkness by acolytes carrying candlelight to every window candle and Ellen Henry handheld taper. By the last verse, every candle was burning brightly, signifying the newborn Light of the World. The acolytes were always college

Holy child of Bethlehem, you are the hope of the world, the song of the angels, the treasure of our hearts, and the glory of God among us. Call us to worship you in the places where your love is born anew: wherever kindness prevails, justice flourishes, and peace reigns. Send us out to serve you, sharing good news of great joy, and praising God through you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Every Christmas Eve Central Presbyterian Church would rose from his chair and was beside the canvas, chalk in have a Children's Service at 7 pm and a later service at hand, drawing the scene we were hearing from the 11 pm. When we were children it was my family's pulpit. When we began singing 'We Three Kings' the tradition to attend the 7 pm service and then head home wisemen appeared on the canvass in chalk guided by Mr. to spend the evening with our extended family. Of all the Hadley's talented hands. My eyes were torn between services over the years one service, when I was 12 years singing the written word in the hymnal and the imagery old, stands out as my favorite and most memorable. appearing at the altar.

As usual the sanctuary was dimly lit, primarily by And so it progressed, with song and verse, a visual candles with an assist from the overhead chandeliers. nativity scene created in real time before our very eyes. When we entered the sanctuary that evening, we saw a Time stood still as my siblings and I and the large blank canvass situated in the front of the church at congregation were kept in rapt attention at the unfolding the base of the altar steps. A modest light from a dim scene and at the same time the hour service whisked by spotlight was trained on the easel and blank canvas. To and before we knew it it was over. At the end we walked the right of the canvass, sitting on a chair, was an older to the front of the church to see Mr. Hadley's gentleman (he was probably around 60!) who I later 'masterpiece' up close. It was an exciting and memorable learned was Norman F. Hadley, founder of Hadley Christmas Eve. Exhibits. Right away I knew this Christmas Eve service would be different. Fifty-eight years have passed since I witnessed 'that glorious story of old' presented in unforgettable imagery The Children's Service told the Christmas Story through by a member of our church who shared his talents with biblical readings and carols. A quick look at the bulletin children and those young at heart. It is as alive an told me that the text of songs and stories were the same vibrant in my memory today as it was when it unfolded but just minutes after the opening prayer I saw that this in real time those many years ago. Merry Christmas. year format would be different. The first scripture was of angels appearing to shepherds while they were tending Don Houck their sheep. As soon as the reading began Mr. Hadley

2002 Three Kings celebration at former BPS 36. Gregg Borland, John Long, and Ron Primm dressed as kings and took presents to the students. 5

Christmas Memory by Liz Kamke

One of my favorite things to do at the Advent Workshops when I was a kid was to make the amazing thistle Christmas trees that Pete and Betty Conti made possible. Pete would go out somewhere and cut down hundreds (it seemed) of thistles and bend these wire grids into cone shaped Christmas tree bases. You would start with the biggest thistles and poke them into the wire grid, going round and round til you got to the top with smaller thistles and one poking straight up! Then, you spray painted your wonderful thing, choosing from a variety of colors. I usually picked gold or green. Then Betty had cute decorations that you could poke into the tree. I am telling you, I was so incredibly proud of these amazing trees! Every time I pass a field of thistles, I think about the amount of hard work they must have put into those preparations, and how much it meant to everyone who made one!

1963 Christmas Workshop Photos Submitted by Dan & Kathy Fitzmorris Captions by Kathy (Booke) Fitzmorris

On the right side, Ann Brady (red and white ?, ?, Mr. John Louden, Mrs. Dottie Craig, smock), Sandy Louden, David Conti Rick Booke were at the candy wreath table.

An interesting double exposure! The 3 gentlemen are from left: unknown, Edward Fitzmorris (my dad!), Earl (Pete) Savage (Liz Kamke's dad!), the silver haired, silhouetted lady in back between Edward and Pete is Beulah More photos available on our Fitzmorris (my mom!) website and Facebook page!

1965 Christmas Pageant

Sweet Christmas Memory & Family Tradition by Janet Hill

One of our favorite family memories originated a few decades ago. When my husband and I were first married, we purchased a nativity set that was handwoven in Central America from local grasses. We chose it for its simplicity as well as the idea it supported native commerce. When our daughters were small, one of them, who shall remain nameless, inquired if she could play with “Jesus and the basket family.” To this day Jesus and the basket family play an important part in our Christmas celebration.

Some Christmas memories from the Hess family and friends-

 Walking home from the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in the freshly fallen snow

 Baking cookies with my mom, then with my own children

 Watching favorite Christmas movies such as White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife  and We’re No Angels.

 Christmas tree lights that blink on and off at random times because they are broken but we still use them because they are one of a kind! That makes them extra special!

 Decorating the tree, smelling the fresh pine, getting tree sap on your hands, looking at the old ornaments and remembering old times and other memories, bringing you back to Christmases with people no longer with us.

Sketch by Mickey Harmon  The first snowfall on the trees

 Having Christmas music on the radio for a month straight

 People lighting the Advent Wreath at church and Holy God, all-glorious giver of sharing those familiar verses grace, you are light, shining in  Hearing Feliz Navidad for the first time when I was 5 or 6 darkness; you are life, the life

 The magical warmth from the Christmas tree lights of all people. Fill us with the when all of the other lights are turned off light and life of Christ, through  Being given off the week between Christmas and New Year’s as an adult whom all things were made,

 The quiet in the house after the kids are in bed on so that we may be faithful Christmas Eve disciples, bearing witness to  The children checking that baby Jesus really did arrive in the manger on Christmas morning your grace and truth; through  The joy and fun of being with extended family Christ, your Word made flesh.  The Messiah Sing-a-long at First so many years ago John 1:1-14  The wonder of a child’s face at Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year to all! From Tim, Jean, Catherine and Andrew Hess 8

Submitted by Michael Morton The Luminaries, A Tradition By Karen Lewis For us, Christmas Eve church has been a part of our tradition since we moved back to Toronto No one in our family seems to remember where we got the idea. in 2001. Working in emergency management I It was certainly not original to our neighborhood, but for years often had to be available around the holidays, the tradition of the Christmas Eve luminaries was practiced by but I always managed to be out of work around many of us. Based on the Mexican tradition of lighting the way one o'clock on Christmas Eve day. Many years, to church on Christmas Eve, we organized what became an India and I would meet up downtown - along annual ritual. At 5 pm, families gathered in front of their with my dad and brother (and then later the houses, laden with sand filled paper bags and votive candles. kids) - and see a new movie at a downtown theater. Afterwards, everyone would The kids helped place the bags on the ground, often snow head to church in the city's west end. Church covered, and the adults would light the candles and loosely fold members would often perform a brief "tableaux" the bags at the top. to help illustrate the Christmas story being read to the many members and children present. Weather permitting, we stayed outside and greeted each other, One year Mike, India and Melissa sometimes attempting to sing a carol or two. Often, there was represented the holy family - a powerful and an invitation to go inside for mulled cider or hot chocolate. The deeply religious moment of reflection that made luminaries lined the streets in a three block grid, and extra the season feel so real and present. After bags would be made for neighbors who were out of town or church, the whole family would go to Toronto's could not assemble their own luminaries. famous 24-hour diner - Fran's. The rule was always, "order whatever you want". Melissa's Everyone had places to go and things to do on Christmas Eve. most famous dinner order was chocolate cake Some people went to an early service or mass; others went at and a milkshake. Nothing else. After dinner we'd midnight. Wherever a family went or whatever a family did, drive around the city looking at lights before eyes were on the luminaries to see if they were still “on.” The heading home before Santa was on his way - his little ones were sure that the luminaries would help Santa find status always carefully tracked with check's of his way to their houses! the NORAD website. Things got serious when he started his trek across the Atlantic! Over the years, the tradition of the lluminaries faded. Kids grew up and moved away, parents got older, people left the Upon discovering First Church after our move to neighborhood, and often the weather was too warm or rainy to Buffalo in 2014, we were so thrilled to learn that safely light a candle. Now, however, might be a perfect time to there was a Christmas Eve service. While we bring back the tradition! During the season this year, outdoors now incorporate a Toronto visit and brunch into might be the best place to gather! I think I will buy some bags, our earlier Christmas Eve day, we make sure sand (or kitty litter), and some battery operated tea lights! we're back in Buffalo on time for church. It's such a magical feeling to enter the church early - sometimes helping the kids dress as acolytes - to sit listening to the music surrounded by light, poinsettias and the wonderful decorations. The service sets the tone for our going forward into the evening in peace and gratitude. It's a wonderful culmination to the Advent season, which First Church so wonderfully marks. We have so many fond memories of helping light an Advent candle, decorating the sanctuary (at the expert direction of the Hess family), and exploring the balconies (a highlight for Melissa and Keegan as smaller...slightly mischievous....children). It truly is a foundational part of our Christmas season. Although this year will no doubt be different from other Christmases, we still look so forward to the music and fellowship of First Church on Christmas Eve - whether in person or online.

Christmas Eve 2012 Photo by Mark Armesto

When the Holidays Feel Stressful Submitted by Christina Banas

As much as I love the holidays, I am easily overwhelmed by them. I somehow picture myself reading a Dickens novel by a fireplace, slicing a Christmas roast while wearing pearls and a fancy apron, and placing bows on each gift under the tree. The reality? I don’t even own pearls! I hate wrapping gifts! And I would much rather read a celebrity gossip magazine than a Dickens novel. I found this article and it helps me keep my expectations, and those of others, in perspective. Maybe you will find it useful too.

The holidays can extinguish the brightest light. Here's how to keep yours burning.

What is it about the holiday season that sets us off? Maybe it's because stores start trying to sell us on Christmas even before Halloween has even arrived, or maybe it's the way family gatherings have a way of bringing out the worst possible dynamics.

We can experience great joy during the holidays, gathering together with loved ones. As a child, Thanksgiving was the one time all year that my big, messy extended family would come together on one of the islands in Hawaii. Since everyone was spread around the state, we could easily go all year without seeing each other. I was always excited for a few days to run wild with my cousins, whom I adore. However, as an adult, I understand all too well how those gatherings can get complicated fast.

I say bring back the magic! Let's return to the heart of the season:

1. I choose to create and continue traditions that are meaningful to me. 2. I get to choose how I respond to any situation. 3. When I am tired, I can rest. 4. I can turn down any invitation that does not appeal to me. 5. I can choose to shift dynamics that no longer support me. 6. I carry the light of the divine within me always. 7. I get to bring a fresh response to every relationship. 8. I choose to eat foods that bring me life and vitality. 9. I listen to my body and what it needs. 10. I give generously with my presence. 11. My love is multifaceted, and giving does not require money or wrapping paper. 12. I choose to make every interaction meaningful. 13. I welcome input from everyone’s perspective even if it differs from my own. 14. Kindness is a gift I carry with me always. 15. I release expectations and welcome each moment as it arrives. 16. My story shapes my reality and I get to write my own story. 17. I don't have to explain myself, I can just say “no.” 18. There is magic at the heart of this season; I choose to connect with that. 19. I offer compassion to myself and those I come in contact with. 20. I recognize and appreciate the many gifts that exist right now in my life.

Author: Kalia Kelmenson, Spirituality and Health

So Many Christmas Memories By Liz Kamke

I remember the year that I wanted the Tiny Tears doll. It was all that was on my list! I must have been about five or six years old. Christmas morning came and there was opening of gifts around, but at some point my mother noticed little me with tears running down my cheeks. With horror, she realized that Tiny Tears was unwrapped way deep in the back of her bedroom closet! I don’t remember how she explained that Santa had somehow committed this faux- pas, but what I do remember is the joy I felt when I got that doll!! That may very well be my most vividly remembered Christmas gift.

Another really fun memory is the year that we woke up the weekend before Christmas and found a wonderful letter from Santa Claus taped to the dining room door frame. Through the doorway we could see a stack of presents all wrapped and under the Christmas tree. Santa had come to our house early that year, the letter explained, because we would be traveling to our grandmother’s house and would be there for Christmas. Somehow, this would make things easier and more fun for everyone, and he wished us a very Merry Christmas! I don’t remember what was in those packages, but I can still see that letter and the tree surrounded by presents in my mind’s eye.

Here’s another fun one. Our family used to do a lot of tent camping at the farm, and one year I noticed the exact miniature of our Eureka tent in the window of tent city downtown. I can’t remember what it cost, but I couldn’t afford it and somehow I convinced them to let me put it on a sort of lay-away payment plan. At the time, the girls all played with these wonderful Mandy dolls. Before Christmas I completed the payments and brought home the little tent. Perfect Mandy doll size. Although I am not at all a seamstress, I managed to make three wonderful sleeping bags. I think it was Woolworth’s in that odd plaza on Ferry near Grant. They had sweet flannel lining fabric and a fabric for the outside that you would swear was made for a sleeping bag. I managed to stitch the three of them together and they were beautiful! I put the tent next to a small Christmas tree, with three Mandy dolls in three wonderful sleeping bags inside. Of all the Christmas gifts I have ever given, I think this was my favorite.

Corn Souffle Submitted by Christina Banas

It's easy to make, travels well, and feeds a lot of people.

Ingredients: 1 stick butter, melted and cooled to room temperature 1 egg 1 can cream-style corn 1 can whole corn, drained 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix 2/3 cup milk 1 cup sour cream Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar

In a microwave safe mixing bowl, melt butter in microwave and allow to cool to room temperature. Beat egg into melted, room temp butter. Add all other ingredients except sugar, stir well. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle sugar on top (optional). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until done. You can tell if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done (just like baking a cake). Let sit for 5 minutes and serve. Feeds 4-6. This recipe can be easily doubled to feed 10-12, just use a deeper baking dish and bake longer.

11 by Sig Potembski

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH One Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201-1213 (across from Kleinhans)

Phone: (716) 884-7250 Fax: (716) 884-7253 www.firstchurchbuffalo.org [email protected]

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The mission of historic First Church is to bring diverse people of metropolitan Buffalo together to follow Jesus Christ through worshiping God, fostering spiritual12 growth and serving the community.