A Christmas Eve Family Tradition
When I was growing up on Smith Island, family was everything. To be a Smith Islander means more than having an island address; it means belonging to a particular people with a strong faith in Jesus Christ and a rich heritage. Even those who leave the island still hold tightly to their identity as a Smith Islander. It’s not just where we live; it’s who we are.
One of my favorite memories growing up was our Christmas Eve family tradition. The evening began with the community gathering at Rhodes Point church for the Christmas Eve service. It was a time of worship and reflection, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the heart of our faith. The church was beautifully decorated and all of the kids took part in the Christmas Eve service. There was a sense of wonder and anticipation—not just for the gifts to come but for the joy of being surrounded by family and neighbors in such a meaningful setting.
Rhodes Point church decorated for Christmas.
After the service, we would gather together at one of the family homes. Hosting duties rotated each year, ensuring that every family had a turn to open their doors. The night was filled with good food and even better company. For us kids, it was a magical time. Having fun, laughing, and anticipating the gifts that we would soon be getting. Us kids had to endure the one and only rule of the night, eat first and then exchange gifts.
Each family brought dishes to share, creating a buffet of party food that felt like a feast. Hot crab dip, fried oysters, Swedish meatballs, sliced ham, deviled eggs, casseroles, and jello salads graced the table alongside hot yeast rolls. For dessert, there were cookies, fudge, and sweets we didn’t typically eat during the year. Interestingly, Smith Island layer cake was absent from the spread—a reminder that, for us, it was an everyday treat rather than a special occasion dessert.
When the meal was FINALLY over, the gift giving began. The excitement of unwrapping presents and seeing what everyone else received was pure joy. One year, when I was about 7 years old, there was a huge giftwrapped box on the floor without a name. I later found out that it was mine and to say I was overly excited to have had the largest gift is an understatement. It was such a thrill to carry a bag full of toys home, knowing there would be even more waiting under the tree the next morning.
These gatherings weren’t just about food and gifts. They were about the closeness of family, the laughter, and the shared traditions that made us who we were. The warmth of those evenings remains etched in my memory, a testament to the deep bonds of family and faith that define Smith Island life.
As I grew older and married Carole Ann, our lives took us to Tylerton. Continuing the Christmas Eve tradition meant traveling by boat to Rhodes Point, often with the help of my father and uncle. The last Christmas we spent on the island before moving off to become a pastor was our turn to host. That night, our home was filled with the same laughter, the smell of holiday food, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.
Memories like these are treasures that stay with us forever. They remind us of the importance of family, faith, and tradition. Though life changes and families may drift apart, the spirit of those Christmas Eve gatherings lives on in my heart, a powerful reminder of who we are and where we come from. In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, those moments of reflection are a gift I cherish deeply.
