Christmas is absolutely my favorite holiday! The weeks leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is full of decorating, cooking, shopping, planning and fond memories. Some families drive into the forest to cut down their own Christmas tree, and make an evening out of decorating the tree together , other families might go see The Nutcracker, or go caroling. Our family has a tradition that I don’t think I have seen anyone else do. It is the much anticipated giant painted mirror in my Mom’s living room. My parents built their home in the 1970’s, and it has been the gathering place for most large family holidays and special occasions, especially Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has been a magical time every year for over 40 years at “The Hill” (What we affectionately call the family homestead) Things have changed, people have come and gone, children have grown up, and beautiful modern updates to the Hill have changed the look a bit, but the one thing that remains is the Giant Mirror my dad installed when the home was first built around 1975. Since that time, almost every Christmas eve has been a place of music, food, worship and laughter. Our family and friends have always been welcome, and my Mom and Dad would host upwards of 70 people on some Christmas Eves. Many friends still recount their fond memories of Christmas Eve at the Hill. My mom always had at least one present for everyone, the kids of course got lots more, but no one was ever left out, and it was a frenzy of wrapping paper, bows, boxes, treasures. laughter & smiles. But not before a wonderful home cooked meal, live music, and heartfelt prayers. Marty Robbins, “A Christmas Prayer” was always a favorite song, mom would sing, then my daughter learned to sing it, it is my favorite. Oh Holy Night, Jingle Bells, White Christmas and more… The night wouldn’t be complete without hearing mom sing one of her original Christmas songs, featuring my older brother and two of my beautiful cousins.. “Tammie wants a dolly, Joey wants a drum, and Tina wants a little stove that she can cook upon.” (Christmastimes a Comin’) That song was another favorite, I guess Karen didn’t rhyme. LOL. But I love it just the same.
Ok, back to the traditions of the painted mirror. According to my mom, my dad started this tradition. He painted a scene on the giant mirror for the first time in 1975, and every year after that, until my brothers and I got old enough to try and do it ourselves. He gladly handed over the brushes and the rest is history.. This Christmas will mark the 50th anniversary of this Reano family tradition. My younger brother Eddie has been doing the mirror at Christmas almost exclusively since 2002. He does an amazing job, and his kids have gotten into the fun as well over the years. Below are some of the Christmas mirrors from years past, and I can’t wait to brainstorm the 50th anniversary mirror this year! Now I feel so Vintage! 50 years! Wow..
