Very Merry Traditions A Sailing Excursion On Lake Pend Oreille And A Christmas Eve Crab Feed Were Just Two Of The Many Intersting Holiday Customs Readers Shared With The Slice

Fri., Dec. 25, 1998

By Paul Turner srpaulturner@gmail.com

The peanut baby Jesus might have been the most unusual.

But after requesting snapshots illustrating family holiday traditions, The Slice received evidence of a variety of seasonal customs.

The special legume, with part of its shell missing but still containing a nut, was found several years ago by a boy who lives north of Spokane. Members of his family quickly decided it looked like the Christ child nestled in swaddling. And a revered tree ornament was born.

Others shared pictures of personalized holiday decorations, a special dollhouse, family portraits and memorable Christmas cards.

Rebecca Lind of Post Falls sent a picture of her husband Bill lighting Advent candles.

The Mittelstaedt family of Reardan, Wash., sent a picture of little Kara Mittelstaedt eyeing a cake - their tradition is to have angel food cake after eating lutefisk on Christmas Eve.

From Colville, Wash., Gladys Walston sent a snapshot of a beloved tree angel her now 39-year-old granddaughter made back when she was 8.

Betty Isaak of Coulee City, Wash., sent a picture of her late father, Clarence Miller, reading the Christmas story from a Bible.

Thanks to everyone who shared their pictures and stories.

As you can see, traditions vary from household to household. But it’s clear there’s plenty of holiday spirit in the Inland Northwest.

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