Traditions have always been important to me. Remembering our heritage, and continuing to put energy into the things that meant so much to me as a child, no matter how silly they may seem.

This is my second Christmas without both of my Grandmothers, who we lost in 2013.  It is still sad, but the tears didn’t flow quite as drastically as they did last year when we dressed the tree.

This year, the sharp sadness is gone, and my passion for retaining tradition is stronger.

As a little girl Christmas started for us on Christmas Eve.  Around 4pm we would head to my Grannies to celebrate an adapted version of her German Christmas.  The table would be drooping with the weight of our feast, foods that now bring back holiday memories no matter when I eat them.

Dark breads, platters of cheeses, fresh made potato salad and Eurpoean weiners (never cooked until the split of course).  Bowls of ice chocolates with their sparkly wrappers, and my Grannies tiny little tree, dressed in her heritage decorations.

And presents.  One for each of us.

Grannie always knew the exact right thing to give us when we were young. Something completely “unpractical” but an item we would cherish.  Grannie chose the Barbie corvette, or the shiny jewellery box. Pretty items, exciting items.

And chocolates. Every year I would get the same box of chocolates from her. Wrapped like all the other gifts, but as soon as I picked it up I could recognize the feel of the box.

A box of Black Magic chocolates. Even with the orange chocolate in there I still loved them.

As we got older, both us Grandkids and her, the gift giving became more difficult.  The presents started to get smaller and Grannies ability to get out to the shops slowed to a halt.  It was easier for her to put pen to cheque book, and frankly that annual gift helps us grandkids out of tight spot more than a few times.

One thing that did always remain was the chocolate.

Grannie was passionate about chocolate. She would always tell us “Never chew chocolate, but suck. Let it melt to get the flavour”  Chocolate was her bliss.

We are going to do our best to retain parts of the magic that was my Christmas Eve for my kids. While we don’t have family that can pop in for a special evening, we will open our home to celebrate with our friends starting this year.  And yes, the table will be filled with meats, cheese and fresh made potato salad.

And after all the guests have gone, the kids will step out of their “fancy” clothes, cozy up in their jammies and I will hand them each a box with a note on top.

Because one thing I can always continue to do is share this special tradition with them.  A gift from “mom” on Christmas Eve. Their favourite chocolate and a little card wishing them the merriest of Christmas’s and hoping they can take this little gift and buy themselves something they would love.

And the gift for me? Passing on the appreciation of chocolate. Knowing that, just like their chocolate choices, each of my 3 kids is different. Knowing that my 5 year old MUST have KINDER®. Watching him get the BIG KINDER® Egg this time, because the night is THAT special.

It is so silly, but that moment on Christmas Eve is the one I look forward to the most.  Everything is perfect, the tree set, the presents wrapped and the food in the fridge.  There is NOTHING else you can do except allow the coming day to unfold, filled with magic.

And this year, as the kids unwrap their treats, I am going to sit back and enjoy the special tradition, as silly as it may be, and thank my Grannie for creating such a special moment in MY life.

And all through chocolate.

Whatever your traditions, KINDER® Canada has a way to celebrate with Chocolate. Check out their Facebook page for ideas and coupons to help you surprise your little ones this holiday!