Last year, I presented what I hoped proved a lighthearted, thoughtful — if somewhat meandering – reflection on Christmas traditions: what activities, cuisine and unique family habits had over time, gradually, surreptitiously, incidentally calcified themselves as bona fide holiday rituals that determined whether Christmas feels like Christmas.
This year, I decided to ask around for similar input, querying a few of our community administrators about what form roasting chestnuts over an open fire takes in their households during the holidays.
For some, like Columbia County Planning Commissioner Russell Wilder, Christmas is welcomed “old-fashioned, Norman Rockwell” style, with a nice dinner with the family.
Augusta Planning Commission Chairman Sonny Pittman also cites one constant, “old and very enjoyable family tradition” his family has had for the last 35 years.
“We have a full Christmas breakfast that includes country ham, bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit and juice and sometimes pancakes or a breakfast casserole,” Pittman said. “This started with my in-laws and now we have it with our daughter and grandchildren. After breakfast, we open gifts that we have for others in the family.”
Columbia County District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch, who is about to complete her first year on the Board of Commissioners, also celebrates with family, a season-long process with several get-togethers, “full of good food and excited kids who can’t wait for Santa’s arrival.”
“From little moments like searching for the Elf together every morning and watching classic Christmas movies at night, to attending Christmas festivals on the weekends, and candlelight church service on Christmas Eve,” said Couch. “We make the most of every moment.”
Charlie Walker, president of the Richmond County School Board, remembers when he and a group of college buddies would drive around town in their sleigh, caroling at friends’ and neighbors’ homes who had cars in their yards.
“It was such a hit that we developed regulars year after year, and the families would invite us in after our songs,” Walker said.
He notes that this was long before any of the group had gotten married or had children.
“As our families grew, we all went our separate ways and did not get together to continue the tradition,” he said. “But this year, we are reuniting to sing carols and reminisce about the good ol’ days.”
Richmond County School Board Vice President Shawnda Stovall — who’s married to Augusta Press’ own sportswriter Gabriel Stovall — plans to enjoy Christmas with her church family and friends. However, her holiday tradition certainly highlights family, as hers adopts a family each year for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“We support them with a meal and gifts for the members of the family,” she said. “Sometimes I invite the family into my home on Christmas day, if the family does not have relatives in Augusta.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
