Five for Friday - Five Christmas Traditions

Ahhh, the songs, the shows and the shopping...the decorating, the baking and the picture taking...We all have our favorite things about Christmas. When I was a child, I loved the smell of the freshly cut Christmas tree, driving around looking at all the lights and the presents stacked under the tree. Now that I am an adult, I have been able to share some of the memories I once loved with Anna Cate and we have created some traditions of our own.

1. Hot Cocoa and The Polar Express. We kick off the Christmas season by snuggling on the couch with cups of hot cocoa and watching The Polar Express. Instead of a fire, we have our windows open while cool breezes blow in making it actually necessary for us to use our Christmas down blanket. With only the lights from the tree lighting the room, it is a cozy and calm way to begin the most hectic of seasons.


2.Elf on the Shelf. Four years ago, an elf by the name of Cheesehead, began visiting us throughout the Christmas season. (It happened to be the year Matthew and I were discussing having a second child and AC wanted to name said child "Cheesehead". I thought if the elf received the name than the child would be spared.) Even now, Anna Cate wakes up every morning intent on discovering the elf's most recent hiding spot.

3.Playing in the Snow. I know this one seems strange, but many different venues bring in snow during the season and set up areas where children can sled and build snowmen. This year, we will be travelling to Colorado Springs for a weekend and are hoping to find lots of snow!

4.Christmas Eve at Mission. Our church makes Christmas Eve a true event. They bring in live animals for the nativity, snow mounds for sledding and several rides for the children. The night closes with a short message and carols on the lawn outside the community center. Everyone bundled up in their coats and scarves, drinking hot cocoa and singing carols to candle light leaves me with such a feeling of peace and joy.

5.Travelling to Georgia on Christmas Day. When we began this tradition, I wasn't sure I would like it. But, now when all the presents have been opened on Chrismas day, there is no sense of it all being over. Actually, for us it is just beginning and we are all excited to get back and see everyone.

We make so many fun memories during the Christmas season in our home. Anna Cate's memories will be completely different from the ones I had as a child, but I hope they are as happy. When asked in music class last night what her favorite thing about Christmas was, she answered, "I don't really have a favorite, but I know what I don't like...the waiting!"