Every family has its unique holiday traditions; time-honored customs and rituals which mark the season and each year symbolize for its members the very spirit of whatever holiday they celebrate.
In some homes mothers and daughters trade Christmas recipes or craft ornaments. In my family, mom and I bond over the sacred, annual gifting of the slutty shoes.
I'm not sure exactly when this tradition began. I do know that several years ago while Christmas shopping with my mom I pointed out a particularly outrageous pair of footwear - fit for a diva! - I was coveting before sighing before dragging myself away:they were too expensive and impractical to consider.
But on Christmas Day - surprise, surprise - those fabulous shoes sat under the tree.
Every year since I have either subtly or not-so-subtly pointed out a fabulous footwear indulgence and every year I am thrilled to unwrap it on Christmas morning.
At first it might seem odd that my favorite Christmas tradition often involves stilettos, fun fur and what my husband calls hooker boots (Christmas 2005) but when you really think about it, over-the-top shoes are everything a gift should be.
A gift should be an indulgence. It shouldn't be something you need, but something you want. It should be something you wouldn't buy for yourself - something that puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Sounds like shoes to me.
Take a gander at Christmas shoes 2004-2006, respectively.
Maybe screw-me shoes don't do it for you, as far as holiday traditions go. Perhaps you prefer baking or crafting or a zillion other things more commonly associated with Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate.
But my mom and I? That's just the way we roll!
Christmas shoes 2007
That really rocks. I love that.
Posted by: sky girl | December 28, 2007 at 06:10 PM
I love those shoes! What a great tradition, I love it!
Posted by: Gabriella | December 28, 2007 at 09:39 PM
The first pair of boots and the leopard print shoes absolutely rock the house!! Come see the pretty I have for you on my blog.
Posted by: Rachel | December 29, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Now THAT'S a worthwhile tradition!
Posted by: Mac and Cheese | December 30, 2007 at 09:28 PM
What a fabulous tradition!
Happy New Year.
Posted by: metro mama | December 31, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Wow. I wish someone would buy me shoes. There's a fab silver pair of Steven Mary Janes I'm eyeing right now if any one is feeling like they owe me one...
Posted by: kittenpie | January 01, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Oh, loverly!
Posted by: amanda | January 01, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Now this is a tradition I could really enjoy.
Love it.
Posted by: ewe_are_here | January 02, 2008 at 04:24 AM