Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

The topic is a natural for me. Why not write about Christmas Eve?

Christmas always has been my favorite holiday. Growing up, my family and I would travel across town to the home of my great-aunt and uncle for our traditional Christmas Eve meal followed by presents, of course. 

With our stomachs full and our precious loot packed away in the trunk, my brother, Jason and I would pile into the car, and let the twinkle of Christmas lights reflecting off freshly fallen snow and the sounds of Christmas carols lull us to sleep. 

My husband, Brian, and I have since tried to pass on that same tradition to my 5-year-old son Brendan. 

But this year, and every year going forward, we’ll be adding a new tradition into the mix, birthday parties. 

On Christmas Eve, my baby boy, Cameron, turns 1. Can you believe it’s been a year already? 

For the first time, my family will be attending a birthday party on Christmas Eve. Today is no longer simply about Santa’s impending arrival. Rather, it’s about Cameron’s arrival and the joy and celebration that comes from starting a new tradition. 

So what’s your favorite holiday tradition? 

I posed that same question to several East County coaches and athletes this week to see how they’ll be spending Christmas and the duration of the holiday season. From opening presents with siblings, to burning Christmas trees to a party with the Grinch, it’s apparent that everyone has their own version of tradition. 

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"One of my favorite traditions is my wife and myself hosting an annual 'Grinchmas Party.' We invite family and friends over and we prepare a typical Whoville meal. We make Roast Beast, Who Hash, and Who Pudding, as well as other items. Then we all watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

— Braden River baseball coach Craig Page 

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"Dressing up as reindeers with my friends and singing Christmas carols." 

— Braden River kicker Kyle Thoma 

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"The Bavaro family goes into New York every year and does Rockefeller Center.  The boys, Vito and Drew, go Ice skating in Bryant Park; and we usually catch a broadway show. The Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team also gets together during the Christmas break and goes into the gym to play indoor soccer. We usually blast the music in the gym and have a lot of fun."

— Lakewood Ranch boys soccer coach Vito Bavaro. 

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"My family’s annual tradition includes travel to Lowville, N.Y. where my parents live.  Lowville is at the foothills of the Adirondack National Park. There is usually a lot of snow on the ground, and the temperatures are less friendly than what we experience in Florida. I spend most of the vacation outside with my nieces and nephews.  We love to play in the snow. There is always hot chocolate and lots of food. Although we are somewhat boring, our tradition is to all get together, no matter where we are in the world.  It is the best time of the year for our family."

— The Out-of-Door Academy swim coach Michael Salmon

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"Some of my fondest memories of Christmas are waking up as a kid in our hectic home in snowy Rochester, N.Y.  We were a family of seven, including my parents and five boys. Christmas morning would be spent fighting to get access to your presents, which were in the corner of the family room separated for each sibling to open. The mess of wrapping paper filled the room and the noise of voices trying to be heard over one another was like being at a sporting event. There was no system to opening the gifts, not one person at a time, it was a free for all. You couldn't hear yourself think during this time.  I wouldn't trade it for the world!  I was and am very blessed to be a part of a wonderful family and that blessing continues into my immediate family in now Bradenton." 

— Braden River Athletics Director Matt Nesser

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"We host an annual Christmas tree bonfire, kind of an 'End of the Season' party, each year now for 14 years. People bring their trees and we watch them turn into an amazing fireball. It’s great outdoor fun with friends and family." 

— Tampa Mustangs 18U softball coach T.J. Goelz 

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"I always love Christmas because we get to be with our loved ones. But as I remember back to when I was a child, I got a letter from Santa thanking me for the milk and cookies I set out for him, and the carrots for his reindeer. Childhood is such a precious time."

— Lakewood Ranch softball coach Maggie Feix

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"During the Christmas holiday in my town of Napoli, Italy, everything comes to life, like the Presepe Napoletano (Neapolitan Christmas Nativity) and all the pastry shops with their display of the traditional Neapolitan struffoli, chocolate dipped Mustaccioli, nutty and crispy Roccocò, the S-shaped Susamielli and pyramids of boxed panettone rise to the ceilings of every salumeria. One aspect of my tradition I miss is la Cena della Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve dinner). My mom would only shop for the freshest fish, fruits and vegetables. She would shop for the most important ingredients of the meal, the eel – il captione, the clams – le vongole, salted cod – il baccalà, and the sea bass – la spigola. To end the night, the game of Tombola is played. Tombola is similar to the American game of bingo. Numbers in the game have different meaning by the Neapolitan Smorfia, for example: 23 is the fool, 52 is mother and 17 is bad luck." 

— Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch Director Antonio Saviano 

"My favorite holiday tradition is going over to my Aunt's house on Christmas Eve and hanging out and playing games with my cousins. I added another favorite tradition of having an annual Christmas party with my favorite basketball team and watching them exchange their secret Santa gifts."

— Lakewood Ranch girls basketball coach Tina Hadley 

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"The day after Thanksgiving my family gets its Christmas tree, and on Christmas my family wakes up early to open gifts." 

— Braden River first baseman Bethaney Keen 

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I hope in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you take a moment to reflect on your favorite memories and enjoy spending time surrounded by those you love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!