Another "Christmas Past" Recollection

The decorations were all in place... the tree was trimmed and it was again time for a family favorite... The Candle Dipping Time.  This was something we did for some of the years our children were teens.  We'd invite friends and a neighbor or two and put on the Christmas carols.  The dinning room table would be all ready, with goodies for after the dipping.

The poem I wrote about the occasion probably says it all.  I am so glad the time is remembered by those who enjoyed the event with us.  It was sort of a magical time...another of those times when you could just 'feel the Love'.

I always love to hear of the wonderful little traditions my friends adopt in their own lives.  These are the makings of wonderful memories, family memories to take out of your treasure chest, dust off and savor over and over again.   Be sure you younger people make some of these memories with your families.

Candle Dipping

It's late December now.

We're busy with preparations,

Our homes to decorate

As Christmas we anticipate.

We've gathered boughs of evergreen'

Made garlands and wreaths, you know,

And hung the mistletoe.

And now it is time for candle dipping

And wassail sipping.

So we gather... friends and neighbors 

And family dear.

The wax is melting in the big black pot

On back of the old wood stove.

As sweetly, carols play, a room away.

Our wicks are all tethered,

We are ready to go !

So, round the chopping block we move

Till it's our turn to dip our wicks

Into the molten wax;

In and out, up and down, then skip along.

Round and round we go

As each completes the task.

Soon the candles take shape, begin to grow.

Smooth and round and even

They taper ever so gracefully.

What a sight to see !
All hanging there in rows of three
'Tween the tall, old chair backs
We're using as drying racks.

We won't forget these jolly times!
Our gathering together
By the fireside;
In from the frosty weather
At candle dipping time.
                                                               Dottie Ann Richardson