Christmas Traditions...or lack of!
Before my husband and I had Zach we had really stopped a lot of our traditions. The year before I got pregnant we almost didn't put up the Christmas Tree. Seriously, it went up 2 days before Christmas ONLY because I ended up hosting. We had been together over 8 years and it just wasn't that big of a deal for us anymore.
This will be our 2nd Christmas with Zachary and it's absolutely amazing. We already have the tree up and are decorating it this weekend as a family (My husband and I work opposite schedules so we are waiting till his day off). It's so fun to see the amazement in his eyes now that he understands. But here are a few traditions that we do every year.
Every year we take Zach to see Santa at Somerset Mall. They take reservations so you don't have to wait long and they give you all your images on CD. It was $25 but completely worth it. The set up is amazing! Here is one of his best shots from last year.
Jim's favorite movie to watch every single Christmas is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I'm sure one day Zach will love watching this every year too.
My whole family gets together earlier in December. We pick a Saturday that works and all the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc. get together at my Aunt's house. As the family has grown, this has become harder to do on the actual holiday, so we do it early in the month so everyone can attend. Everyone brings a dish and we just hang out and enjoy the company.
Christmas Eve is usually at my house and I love that. I love to host my family and I don't have to take off early because Zachary needs to go to bed. All the brothers, sisters, girlfriends, husbands, etc. buy a generic gift and we play White Elephant style. It's easier than drawing names and anyone that attends can participate easily.
Christmas Day we usually do absolutely nothing. We wake up, have breakfast, and then open gifts from Santa. I'm sure that order will change when Zach gets older. ;) Then we stay home and play with the new toys, watch movies, and just relax. My mom usually comes by for either breakfast or lunch and then heads to visit my brothers. I actually like not having to go to a million places. It makes for a relaxing Christmas Day.
Jim and I do not really exchange gifts. We stuff each others stocks (lol). Since we've been together for so long, there is no hiding and if we want something, we usually buy it so it's just turned into stockings only. But you can get a lot in that little stocking: Gift cards, electronics, jewelry, etc. It's actually fun!
One last picture from Santa last year. It's another favorite and so adorable!
I'm SO excited for this link up because I am hoping to get some good ideas for traditions going forward!
I love the set up at Somerset! That's such a beautiful mall! My husbands family also does the White Elephant gift exchange thing. It's fun! We actually turn it into a Chinese Gift thing and every draws a number and then then you can steal each others gifts if you want a gift someone else opened. It's pretty fun!
ReplyDeleteAww! Zach is so adorable! Those photo's are precious. I hope you guys have a great day & I'm sure the tree will be amazing. I love laying on the couch with the Christmas lights on & napping. It's so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is one of my fave holidays. All b/c of the traditions and family affairs that take place. great pics. and I know you'll love making traditions with your little man.
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My hubby and I really only have one tradition: making one new tree ornament craft each year. This year I ma making a mini clear crystal one filled with shells from my favorite beach in Crete.
ReplyDeleteChris and I don't really do gifts either.. too many people we like to buy for! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are all great traditions! We visit Santa every year now too and we always watch Christmas Vacation. Its my husband's favorite too. We are spending Christmas Day at home this year for the first time ever and I'm actually pretty darn excited about it. I'm really looking forward to a nice relaxing day at home since they are so few and far between. Merry Christmas to you and your family. :-)
ReplyDeleteSince 2005, our tradition has been to NOT put up a Christmas tree. Well, it's set up and decorated but in our outbuilding. It's a long story. You can find out more here (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/2013/12/non-traditional-holiday-tradition.html).
ReplyDeleteAs kids, we used to open up one present on Christmas Eve and it was just what we needed to get over the craziness and last one more night until Santa came. Love the Santa pictures. We always used to get those as kids too. Fun!
I’m a follower of yours on Bloglovin. Thanks for linking up to this weeks Bloglovin Hop (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/2013/12/bloglovin-hop-december5.html). I hope that you find some new followers.
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
Great Christmas traditions!
ReplyDeleteAww. I love his photos with Santa, especially of the one with him looking at him! SO CUTE. Trust me though, I completely understand how you feel. Last year, I NEVER put my Christmas tree up. This year, I'm not even CLOSE to be ready for the Holidays. Even now on 12/18.
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