My family has had this tradition that is unlike the normal traditions for Christmas. My father was born and raised in Delft, Netherlands (Holland) and so this tradition comes from his side of the family. When he met my mother in 1952, they got married and the tradition was started.

Oma had always sent a gift of a chocolate letter for Christmas. That is an initial of your first name that is made out of chocolate. It is a special chocolate that is from Holland.

Growing up with four siblings, we would all receive a chocolate letter in our stocking. It came from my Oma and that made it extra special. Santa Claus would stop by her house and pick up the chocolate letters and would deliver them to our house every year until she passed away in my youth. Since then, Santa didn't make the extra stop, but made the letter for us and we received them until we were grown and having children of our own. That is when my dad and mom made the tradition to have Santa deliver the chocolate letters to them, so they can send them to the separate families. They send the letters to each of the children's households and then we deliver them to our families. Over the years this has grown from seven chocolate letters to over 50 chocolate letters, to be sent throughout the United States.

These are letters for mom and dad, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We have family in New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. These chocolate letters are the only thing that my parents give us for Christmas, but it is the best gift that they could give. It has been said, "You can give me the world, but if you don't give me a chocolate letter for Christmas, it isn't Christmas." It is the only gift that I expect from them. It may be small and it doesn't cost a lot of money, but it is the tradition of receiving that gift that is the most important to me. When my parents pass, I will be continuing the tradition for my family. My siblings have said the same thing.

Becky Wilkinson

Reprinted from our archives

Coral and the crew 14224 U.S. Highway 12 Orofino, ID 83544 (208) 476-7530

To see previous Christmas Memories just click on the date:

1   3   4   5   6   7   8