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Features /December 2008-January 2009
A Time for Remembering Your Roots
By Katie Schwendeman
Sandi Winans's father loved Christmas. It was his favorite time of the year. As a child Sandi loved watching her father prepare for Christmas by putting the decorations on the outside of the house.
As an adult Sandi has followed in her father's footsteps when it comes to celebrating the holidays. Last year the Winans' had thirteen Christmas trees in their home. Yes, thirteen. "We try to keep it along a festives cene," Sandi said. The Christmas trees can be found in the kitchen, living room and each of the bedrooms. The tree in the kitchen is typically covered with cookies, candy canes and cinnamon sticks. A more formal 9 foot tree can be found in the living room which is covered with family decorations.
Sandi said her family is big on tradition. "It's not the material value of [the decorations]," Sandi said, "but the sentimental value." Sandi hopes that the same passion she and her husband share for the holidays will be passed on to her two daughters.
Other decorations found in the Winans' home include a Dickens Village and a variety of Santas representing different countries. Holiday decorating usually begins for the Winans right after Thanksgiving and lasts a few weeks. "I don't like to throw all of the holidays together. I think Christmas should be held with respect," Sandi said. "Let's get through Halloween and get through Thanksgiving and be thankful for the seasons that we have."
But the holidays aren't just about decorating for the Winans family. "My husband Sam and I have always tried to teach our girls that the first and foremost thing about Christmas is our faith, then family and friends," she said. Sandi's oldest daughter is enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and won't be able to make it home for Christmas this year, but Sandi hopes that in a few years she can celebrate with the rest of the family.
The rest of the extended family will be celebrating Christmas at the Winans' home on Christmas Eve this year. "The brothers that live here in town have taken turns with Christmas Eve and we always spend Christmas Eve together," Sandi said. About 40 people will fill the Winans' home on Christmas Eve for the celebration. "It is a sight to behold," she said. On Christmas morning everyone will head over to Sandi's father in law's house to celebrate Christmas day with a family brunch. "Both of our families feel the importance of being together ... of remembering where we came from" Sandi said. "It's those feelings of Christmas more than any material; more than we decorate and celebrate."
Between all the hustle and bustle of decorating, spending time with family, and eating dressing, cranberry salad, bread pudding and Christmas cookies, the Winans family take time out to help those that are less fortunate. "There are people less fortunate, not only during Christmas but the whole entire year," she said. "There is nothing more precious than to see a child with bright eyes and a smile on their face."
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