Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Traditions


Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, I think, because of traditions. This time of year I spend time with my family and we have traditions we have done for years and new ones we start. I thought it would be fun to share some of my family traditions.
CHRISTMAS EVE-for as long as I can remember my family always gotten together on Christmas eve for snacks-everyone brings snacks that have become tradition that we only make for Christmas eve. We usually eat in front of the TV watching Christmas specials or old Christmas movies. Afterwards we clean up (now my mom and dad have a pool table so everyone will be playing pool) and then Santa Claus rings Christmas bells outside and leaves a present for each child on the door step-usually the story is that the children have been extra good this year and Santa had to make room in his sleigh. My boys are always a little nervous to open the door so mom and grandma have to help while dad takes pictures and grandpa is mysteriously cold. I remember my parents and grandparents doing this when I was a child. I hope my children look back on this tradition as fondly as I do and pass it on.

CHRISTMAS DAY-this day always starts early. Grandma and Grandpa usually sneak up to see what Santa brought and a quick cup of coffee and Christmas bread/cinnamon rolls. Then they go home to get ready for everyone to come to their house. We go there around noon. Open presents and have Christmas dinner. Afterwards the kids play for awhile and everyone lounges or plays pool. Then we have pie and everyone goes home for a early evening. We usually come home and watch a movie as a family and put the boys to bed early because they are exhausted. By then so are mom and dad and we fall asleep on the couch.

These traditions have been in my family as long as I can remember and it is so fun to share them with John and my boys. So this year I can't wait to keep up old traditions and to start some new ones. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas full of tradition.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Sitting On Santa's Lap(maybe)



So Santa was at Stewarts saturday. I asked both boys if they wanted to go and sit on his lap-and of course the immediate response is yes and excitement. That was of course until we were getting ready to leave. Riley was very excited and willing to sit on Santa's lap. But Kayden started to act a little worried and I asked what was wrong and he said he didn't want to sit on Santa's lap. I told him that was ok but maybe he could stand next to Santa and tell him what he wanted, he agreed. But when we got there he told me he was didn't want to stand next to him either-so he didn't-when I asked him how Santa will know what to get him for Christmas he didn't even have to think about it and said I will write him a letter. Sadly to say last year he did not sit on Santa's lap either. He is definetly my shy boy. So we will write a letter instead and all will be well. Merry Christmas!!