Keeper of the Snuff

Christmas Eve 2010 is the day that I became Keeper of the Snuff. A strange title, but for me it holds the nostalgia of memory and the responsibility of kinship. The snuff tradition is held every Christmas Eve at the annual home of that wonderful nights festivities, the warm, rustic cabin of my Uncle Ricky and Aunt Glennae. However, the tradition of the snuff goes back to the days before they hosted the celebration to when Meemaw Russell was alive and the family gatherings were full of joy in her warm and chaotic home. I spent many days in my childhood at Meemaw’s home, which in truth was the cornerstone of our family. Meemaw was notorious for never letting anyone leave her home hungry. She tended a large garden in her back yard, and I can still taste her boiled new potatoes. At the dinner table she would serve her chicken n’ dumplins made from scratch and then plop another spoonful or two or three into your bowl. I spent many adventurous days with my cousins Julie and April at her home. We would taunt each other through games of sorry, look for snakes in Meemaw’s well kempt garden, playi riotous games of freeze tag, or admire her crocheted octopus in the guest bedroom. I remember spending as much time arguing about whether hide and seek or sardines was better as we did scurrying for hidden cover in the back yard. When I was alone, I would occasionally have the honor of having a sleepover with Meemaw, which was unpleasant for her as I was a restless sleeper and kicked by bedmate. I remember vividly her telling me that she thought she had slept with a “booger monster”!!! When Meemaw died, it was very hard on the family. The snuff tradition is performed every Christmas Eve in honor of Meemaw. All of the females in the family over the age of eighteen slip their names into a hat, and the name that is drawn must keep the snuff in honor of Meemaw. I did not know about Meemaw’s affinity for snuff until the first Christmas Eve that we celebrated without her. Self-conscious, she kept the habit hidden, especially from the grandchildren. Now, I look forward to the tradition every year, and taking the time to remember my great-grandma, tell funny stories, and treasure my family.

As keeper of the snuff, I want to honor her this year by working on certain aspects of my life to honor Meemaw. One of the ways that I want to do this is to become a better gardener and help my Dad and the kids with their new garden. There will be new potatoes. Meemaw used to quilt and sewed her loved ones pillows and thick blankets. I too hope to show my family that I love them with home-made gifts.

For all of those in my family reading this post, please take a moment to think about the days at Meemaw’s house, and maybe share a comment about what Meemaw or our family means to you. How has Meemaw influenced practices in your own life? I love you all!