Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas Eve Traditions






As a child I was never home for Christmas, I was always sent to ski as my mother continued on working. As much as I longed for a Christmas at time it did create some amazing memories as well. One of the most magical one was the "descente aux flambeaux" down the mountain before heading to Midnight Mass. The whole village would get together, the best ski teachers, all volunteers and the best of the resort would be handed lit up torches and we would watch them go all the way up the mountain. It would take a while but the village was so busy and the mood happy. After a good 30 minute wait we would watch the procession start. It was by far one of the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. A trail of warm fire glowing in the dark and yet reflecting on the snow. Everyone quiet just taking in the sight, mouth wide opened smile on their face. As the skiers come down they go towards the church followed by all of us, Christmas mass starts we all sing as the church fills in and the snow falls. Christmas night is magic.




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