Christmas Traditions

Kelly’s Korner “show us your life” request this past week was to show off your holiday traditions. Since this is my first holiday with kids that are ‘mine’, I read through dozens of the blog posts looking for ideas. And then I decided to most stick with what is familiar. A traditionalist at heart.

~ I usually put the tree up during Thanksgiving weekend. Since I have such busy little hands wanting to help this year, my brother held them off while I re-fluffed the branches. The lights are on it, but no ornaments. I’m not sure the cuddler could be held back… I might just stick with the wooden/reed ornaments.

~ This weekend I’ll tackle the outdoor display. I love outdoor displays. The more ostentatious, the better. Every year I buy something new to build the display. Last year, I bought timers and extension cords. Exciting, no? This year, a mechanical deer. I am exited about how the kids will react to seeing that.

~ The cookie making will have to start soon. I can’t wait to introduce Lala and the cuddler to exploding cookies, buckeyes and papa’s cookies. I’ve always made tons of cookies to give away (and eat!). Lala had such fun making the halloween cookies, I know she’ll love this tradition.

~ Dec. 13th is Saint Lucia Day. We will be getting up early, eating some buns and reading stories. At this point, Lala is a bit young for the lighted crown and I’m pretty sure that her CW would not approve.

~ We open presents on Christmas Eve. Plus the huge family party… it’s a smorgasbord of food, paper and people. Santa’s presents are left for Christmas morning, but that’s mostly stocking presents. Christmas day is more like a quiet family day, where we play and eat leftovers. We also track Santa’s progress via NORAD during the day. It’s possible that sleigh bells will be heard at night.

~ Stockings hold small presents like games, books, candy and an orange in the toe. No electronics.

~ The kids will be getting new Christmas jammies. I think it’s a cute tradition to start and everyone can use an extra pair of jammies!

~ A co-worker will be writing a letter to Lala from Santa. As her children have outgrown this particular tradition in her family, she sought out new recipients.

All in all, it’s going to be a fairly relaxing holiday season. The shopping is pretty much done, there’s plenty of time to bake, decorate and travel. My sister was even able to pick up a DVD player for the car ride on Black Friday.

It’s exciting, but everything is so new for the kids that anything I do is fantastic. That’s what makes the holiday the best time… seeing it through the eyes of a child.