I am so excited for this holiday season! There are so many things I want to do with my kids that we do every year, and so many more things that I want to try. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines tradition as, “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom).”
My traditions have somewhat of a basis from my upbringing, however, some of them I have created myself. As a child, one of my favorite traditions was watching Christmas movies with my family. This year, we are going to do the Christmas countdown with one holiday movie a week until the sleigh bells ring!
One tradition I have started myself is illuminating the holidays by going to see the lights. There are two cities near my home that host the most spectacular holiday showcase. It’s fun to walk around, sip hot chocolate, listen to carolers, and become memorized by the extravagancy of each home. My favorite has always been this huge statue of “surfer Santa.” Every time I think about it, I can’t get his surfboard and jolly board shorts out of my head!
Another tradition I have is writing letters to Santa with my kids and taking them to the local department store where they have a giant mailbox for the North Pole. Aside from the lights, letters to Santa, and of course making cookies, a tradition I cannot live without is the candlelight service that reminds me what is really important. My faith is ignited, the music brings me peace, and I really enjoy a sense of community.
A new tradition I want to start in my home is volunteering with my children somewhere that our service is needed. We have been so blessed by many programs over the years that I really feel it is time to give back.
Whether your holiday traditions have to do with decorating, making cookies, secret Santa, lighting candles, singing, or maybe it’s a glorious dinner served towards the end of the month with family, make this holiday season extra special and embrace the ones you love! If you have a special holiday tradition, I’d love to hear about it! Please share with me some of your favorite childhood traditions along with one’s you’ve adopted in your family! I can’t WAIT to hear your thoughts and ideas! Happy Holidays!
