Something That Goes
Thursday, December 17, 2009 
Growing up, my little brother, Eric, was a typical boy. He loved trains, trucks and racecars; basically anything that "goes," as he put it. In honor of his love of all things with wheels, a tradition was started and each year he received Something That Goes for Christmas. Some years it was a train for his trainset, some years it was a police car or a firetruck.
That tradition was all but forgotten until a couple weeks ago when my brother and I went to aMuse to pick out a Christmas gift for my daughter, Fiona. Not surprisingly, Eric headed right over to the toys with wheels and the tradition was reborn.
Every year, Uncle Eric will give Fiona Something That Goes.
This week, each of us is going to share a tradition in our family and we think it would be fun if you would leave a comment about any special traditions in your family.
Reader Comments (5)
I love that recycling truck!
Growing up, Santa came to our house on Christmas Eve. All of the kids would wait upstairs until we heard a hearty, "Ho! ho! ho!" from down below. We'd race to the bottom of the stairs (accidents were few). Sometimes we'd be met by Santa and sometimes we would have just missed him (he's pretty busy). Regardless, there would be Santa presents waiting for us in the living room. Sometimes we were even graced with hearing the reindeers' hooves on the roof, though mysterious pebbles could be found outside the next day, and one adult member of the family was usually absent because they had to run out for ice...
Amy, I LOVE that! I especially love how childhood traditions appear in retrospect! One year I was given a rusty, beat-up bell right off of Santa's sleigh... I remember it feeling so magical! I can't wait to create that kind of magic for our little babes.
It turns out the best toys are the ones that have stood the test of time. Santa always brought toys that happened to be favorites from our parents childhood. These toys were completely new to us and were really fun because our parents could REALLY play with them and us.
I look forward to continuing this tradition with classic toys that inspire that same sense of wonder...which is priceless.
Every year my favorite aunt would make a personalized ornament for each family member that symbolized some event in that individual's life from that year. She would make ornaments to signify new pets, new homes, graduations, weddings, trips we had taken, instruments we played... Those ornaments have since been passed on to me and my own family and the wonderful memories that each ornament holds is truly priceless.
Steven - I totally agree that the best toys stand the test of time, both by growing with the child as they grow... many great toys can entertain a baby, a toddler AND a kid... and by being passed on. I still treasure my mother's dolls from her childhood, with their intricate, impeccably-made wardrobe, and can't wait to share them with my daughter.
Sarah - I LOVE that tradition... I may have to steal it! I love that the ornaments represent the milestone events from that year! I'm curious whether your Aunt kept the same style over the years or if the "look" of them changed over time? If you felt comfortable sharing, I would love to see a picture of some of your favorites!
miranda@mirandamakes.com