Growing up, my family had so many fun traditions during the holidays. We are establishing some of our own traditions with Brecken and Lizzie. This is the first year that Brecken sort of knows what is going on and that makes it a lot more fun. I know each year will just add to the excitement. Below are some of our traditions. Some of them are rooted in faith and others are more whimsical and light hearted. I would love to know what y’all do as well!
1. Christmas Music
Yes, November 1st marks the beginning of Christmas music for me. I am sure that makes some people cringe, but there is something about those carols and hymns that bring happiness and peace instantly. My mom used to turn on the TV to the satellite dish Christmas music channel and blare it to wake us up for school. For us right now, we keep it going most of the day on the computer and in the car. Trying to teach Brecken the fun and spiritual songs is so cute and I love how quickly he learns.
2. Pajamas
We got a new pair of PJs ever Christmas Eve from my parents. Usually Christmas themed and matching with my siblings and sometimes my other cousins. This traditions still continues. My mom buys us girls some, but right after Thanksgiving. That way we get to wear them longer.
Lizzie and Brecken’s 2017 PJs are from Carter’s. I have yet to get their picture together, but trust me they are adorable.
3. Reading
I love books! I accumulated quite a few Christmas ones over my teaching years. We are reading one each day the month of December. Even though they are little, I want to instill a love of reading in both of them. I will share some of my favorites in another post.
Something else we are doing is reading a scripture each day that testifies of the birth of the Savior. I have found many different options on Pinterest, but we are using
this one with just a few verses each day.
4. Advent Calendar
This may be Brecken’s favorite one. We have a countdown that you move the candy cane each day. He has a little one in his room as well. He loves numbers and knows them up to 20, so he’s always excited to move the candy cane. Brandon’s grandma gave him one that has a little chocolate for each day. He loves getting his chocolate for the day!
5. Ornaments
My mom bought us an ornament every year. As I got older I got to choose (so many Barbie ones) so now I have 30+ special ornaments that go on our tree each year. We have been doing that with the kids. Brecken chose his ornament this year, a truck of course. Brandon and I also like to snag an ornament when we visit a new place. I love that all the ornaments on our tree mean something. They are also all smashed on the top 1/3 of the tree because of the two year old who loves to play with them.
6. Baking
Some of my best memories of Christmas are in the kitchen. We always had a day of Christmas baking. Fudge, candy, and of course sugar cookies were always made. Then we would take plates of treats to friends and neighbors. We have baked a little this year, but I am excited to get Brecken involved in decorating cookies. I also hope to be better about passing the treats we make along to others.
7. Lights
Y’all, my hometown has the best Christmas lights I’ve ever seen.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights goes all out with over a million lights, and people drive from all over to go through the park and see them. You will sit in line for hours sometimes, but once inside it is so worth it. Not a whole lot changes each year, so going through makes you remember so many other trips through. It was about 5 minutes from my Nanas, so we would add some Krispy Kreme donuts and hot chocolate and that was the perfect night of lights.
One day I will hopefully get to take my family through, but we have some cool places to see lights locally. Temple Square and Willard Bay are both bigger displays in Northhern Utah. We hope to get to one of those before Christmas.
8. Santa
My Nana and Pa’s Christmas Eve was something we all looked forward to every year. One thing they did when we were little is had Santa visit. He would come and bring us each a sucker. Brandon’s Grandma has a party every year with Santa. All the kids get to sit on his lap and get a gift. It’s a great way to see Santa and skip the mall. We went to the Willow Park Zoo for the Reindeer Trek last week. Brecken wouldn’t sit with Santa by himself, but he loved petting the Reindeer. Lizzie slept right through it.
9. SERVICE
This is the most important one. My mom found so many ways to serve others by giving during the holidays. We often participated in an angel tree or adopted a family. Our church has an amazing campaign to serve and remember the Savior called
Light The World It has a focus each day with ways to serve. I am not perfect at it, but we are striving as a family to participate. I would love to know ways to get my little kiddos more involved in service.
What traditions do you have? I’d love to know your ideas.
