Christmas In The Old Center

Our December guest blogger, Wendy Wakeman, takes us to a historic hearth and kitchen in North Andover’s Old Center for a peek into her family’s Christmas traditions.

Nathaniel House, with its ample, sun-soaked rooms, was built for entertaining. When Brad and I were considering moving here, its suitability for hosting parties was a factor in the decision.

We were happy in our previous house, a sweet cottage near the library which Brad’s family had occupied for more than 70 years. A baby grand took up almost the whole living room. My favorite Christmas tradition is gathering friends around to sing carols. Over the years, our annual caroling party grew to include a punch bowl full of homemade eggnog and so many friends that we worried about the floor joists. As much fun as the party was, the little house had reached maximum capacity.

Nathaniel House would accommodate the party, and even had room in case we found new friends to invite. Brad and I are always making new friends. We’ve hosted five great Christmas parties here. This year, we’ll take a break.
I’ll miss that happy tradition. Fortunately, Christmas holds many other joyful rituals.

Christmas Eve belongs to Brad’s family. A quiet and adult celebration, we gather for a candlelit dinner followed by services at St. Paul’s. Christmas Day belongs to my big, noisy clan. My brother Josh was born on December 25, 1967. My mom was on her own that year taking care of me, 2, and Barbie, 6. My dad was in DaNang, serving our country in the Vietnam War. For us, Christmas holds extra meaning.

Traveling from family to family is fun, but wanting our own tradition, too, Brad and I carved out a quiet space Christmas morning.

I rise early and toss a batch of popovers in the Aga cooker. The gold-trimmed china tea set that belonged to Brad’s grandmother comes out of the cupboard. I set a tray with tea, softened butter, honey, and a few flavors of jam. Last year, the jam was a jar of grape made by our neighbors the Wordens.

When the popovers are ready, I arrange them in a silver bowl lined with a linen tea towel. The three of us sit by the tree, a fire ablaze in the hearth, and enjoy a special meal while we open gifts.

May you and your family find peace, joy, and love this holiday season. I am certain we will.

Writer Wendy Wakeman is a former Selectman for the Town of North Andover.  She and her husband Brad share quarters with a couple of cats.  While daughter Millicent now calls Minneapolis home, Brad and Wendy keep a sunny bedroom at the ready, in case she wants to visit.