Holiday Traditions

This time of year brings me back to so many wonderful childhood memories. Reminiscing of the little moments spent with my family while growing up fills me with such joy. Now I am filled with the anticipation of recreating all the magic and memories with my own little family.

It might be the pregnancy hormones but I literally cried last week watching the Nutcracker with my daughter. As a little girl, I would dress up in my fave Christmas dress and attend the Nutcracker with my momma. Eventually, my sister was old enough to join us, and one time my brother was even in the Nutcracker as a little boy attending the Christmas party opening a present under the tree! How am I now old enough to have my very own little girl to be able to take to the Nutcracker? I was brought right back to my childhood at that moment sharing the experience of dressing up and going to the ballet with my little one, and it was truly wonderful.

Over the years we have instilled some special holiday traditions that I hope these kiddos are able to look back on and recall their childhood with merriment.

Advent Calendar

Nona sends these two their very own Advent calendar each Thanksgiving. They LOVE getting to open a window each day of December to see what shape chocolate is awaiting them. Not going to lie, our track record for getting ready and out the door for school in time on these December mornings is pretty great. It is super helpful when I can bribe them by making sure we hurry along with our morning routine in order to have enough time for them to indulge in a piece of candy before school.

Matching Christmas Pajamas

I love picking out matching PJs for us all to sport over the holidays. Some years Levi and I skip on the matching outfits, but I can’t help but make sure the littles are set up together. Siblings just look even more adorable when they have matching cuddly pajamas on, am I right?

Cutting down a Tree

It feels like eons ago but on December 2, 2007, while cutting down a Christmas tree Levi asked me to marry him. I (thankfully) said yes and our first “family tradition” was started right then and there. Over the years and in 3 separate states, we have always made cutting down a Christmas tree a special event. I will admit that we have had to purchase a tree at the grocery store once thanks to influenza. Yet, no matter how the tree makes its way into our home it always turns out beautifully decorated and reminds me of one of the best darn decisions I have ever made.

Decorating Gingerbread!

Gingerbread houses and gingerbread men are a staple of the holiday season around our house. Levi and I decorated gingerbread houses before we even had children and now that we have little ones, it is that much more enjoyable. We have never been brave enough to try to make gingerbread from scratch and the kits you can buy in-store are so convenient it makes it an easy decision. The kids are getting more patient and creative every year and it is really fun to see their gingerbread creations year to year.

Christmas Wreath

My mother-in-law made this delicious breakfast wreath one Christmas morning while Levi and I were celebrating the holiday at their home. I fell in love with it at first bite! She has spoiled us with this treat on our winter visits ever since and it really does get me a little too excited to eat. Now that we spend Christmas morning at our home, I have tried to carry on this breakfast tradition. It never tastes the same as Grandmas, she has the magic touch, but we all thoroughly enjoy it nonetheless. Here is a recipe is you so desire to make one this year!

Watch every Christmas movie ever made

Our faves this year have been Christmas Chronicles and The Nutcracker & the Four Realms on Netflix. Last night we all actually snuggled up and started It’s a Wonderful Life, a classic that we are all looking forward to finishing up tonight. Claire watched A Christmas Story for the first time this year and was pretty taken with it. I LOVE the movie Elf, but for some reason, the rest of the crew isn’t into it. So I like to watch Elf and Love Actually and while wrapping gifts alone.

Family Pictures and Pics with Santa

Seems kinda obvious, but still worth noting how integral it is in our routine. We take professional pictures for our annual Christmas cards usually in October or November. Then of course finding a place where we can visit with Santa, share their wish list, and snap a picture with the kiddos on his lap is just a must. We hang each year’s picture above the fireplace also as part of our Christmas decor. It really is one of my most looked forward to parts of unpacking and setting up our holiday decorations. It is entertaining to see how much the kids grow and change from year to year, and how ageless Levi and I seem to be, jokes.

Taking in the Lights

Christmas jammies, hot cocoa, Christmas tunes on the radio, and driving around looking at Christmas lights is a fan favorite here. I am a bit of a planner so I usually peruse social media and find out where the best lights are located. Then make a plan of attack and create a route so we can enjoy all the “must-see” lights recommended by others. The kiddos certainly enjoy seeing all the lights, blow-up Christmas characters, and of course the always impressive lights set to music. With bellies full of hot cocoa, cozy in their PJs they usually fall asleep in the car.

Baking Cookies for Santa and Treats for Friends/Family

I assume almost everyone does some sort of holiday baking. Our family is no different. As the kids get older, the holiday baking gets more creative. Like this year Claire took the lid off the red sprinkles and dumped the entire bottle onto her little star sugar cookie, really making it sparkle! Henry loves to eat sweet ingredients as we prep and baked goods don’t get too far out of his sight. One of my favorite little mixes we made for a Christmas Eve party was this Chex Mix complete with Bugle Santa hats.

I also did a fun little survey on social media asking others about their holiday traditions. I have listed a few below that I would LOVE to try to take on, perhaps next year.

Scavenger Hunt

I LOVE a good scavenger hunt. So next year first thing I plan to add to our routine is to create a Christmas scavenger hunt for the family. I might get this little game on Amazon first for a little creative push.

25 Days of Giving

As mentioned, we love to do an advent calendar each year, opening a window in the morning and starting our day with a piece of chocolate, because who wouldn’t? But next year I want to add to our daily ritual by incorporating more of the giving spirit of the holidays, that unfortunately gets a little lost while making Christmas lists to Santa. Developing a custom calendar or jar full of little thoughtful acts of kindness we can choose and add to our day during the month of December.

Caroling

Now this one could be fun, I just need to hone in on a great group of peeps to join me that can drown out my not so great singing voice. Plus I like to make up most of the lyrics because yeah I don’t really know them. But when is the last time you had carolers show up at your house and sing a little song? I mean I have seen it in the movies…but I think this could be something to make happen.

What are some things you love to do with your family this time of year? Did you grow up doing them with your family and now you keep the tradition alive or did you start it once you had your own family? I can’t wait to hear more ideas!!

Merry Christmas!!