Christmas Traditions

I am not a big "tradition" person by nature...I like trying new things often. However, Christmas is one of those times that I tend to get a bit more sentimental and enjoy tradition. I thought I would share a just a few of our Christmas traditions with you (I put the captions above each picture this time)....

Christmas cookies boxed up and ready to deliver to our wonderful neighbors. Matt's parents do this for their neighbors and I always thought it was a good idea. I just feel Christmas is a great time to let our neighbors know how much we appreciate them.

Each year Matt and I buy our children a Christmas book. Sometimes it is a religious based book (like the Christmas Story), and other times they are just fun (like The Grinch). These books are ONLY out at Christmas time...so that makes them extra special and fun.

Christmas cookie decorating!! This is a tradition that has been around for YEARS in my family. I always enjoy it because it starts off pretty serious (my mom, sister, and I are all trying to make the prettiest cookie - we are pretty cut throat about it) and as the night wears down it just gets downright hilarious. Maybe it's that we are tired, or maybe it's the wine...but the cookies get more and more funny as the night wears on!
Each year Matt and I buy Eva and Jaden a special Christmas PJ to wear on Christmas eve or for a family Christmas if we visiting until bedtime (this picture was taken at my Dad's family Christmas this year).

Giving to others is super important to us. This picture is of Eva helping me wrap gifts for a needy family.

We have 2 Christmas trees. One tree is decorated more thematic (all bright red and lime green this year) and the other tree holds all of our special family ornaments. There are ornaments on there from when Matt and I were little, ornaments our children have made, baby ornaments, and ornaments that we have purchased during family vacations. I love it because each ornament has a little story behind it.

As I said, these are just a few...we have quite a few more! One thing regarding tradition that I try to tell myself is that when the tradition is taking the fun out of the holiday it is time to end it. For example, if baking cookies for the neighbors becomes too much this time of year it is not worth it (a special note would be just as appreciated) or when the children have outgrown the joy of having special jammies I will set that tradition aside too. Traditions should be fun and enjoyable...never ever a chore. And lastly, the most important tradition we share with our children is talking about the true meaning of Christmas and God's love. That is something that no picture could ever capture...but, to me, is the most important tradition of all.