Well, I haven't written in awhile & I've had this one saved back till after Thanksgiving. Since my house was stuck with the stomach flu yesterday, I'll share this one today.
With the Christmas holiday drawing near, I'd like to ask that you share a tradition you have. It could be something you did as a child or something that you've continued doing with your kids.
My parents always bought us an ornament every year so that when we were grown, we'd have a great start for our own trees. My Mom tried (meaning some years it didn't happen) to bake a cake for Jesus every year. I mean, 'Tis the reason for the season!! We always went to my Mom's parents house on Christmas Eve. I loved my childhood Christmas'.
I want so badly to start new traditions with my girls. I've decided that this year we are going to read a book on the true meaning of Christmas, attend mass on Christmas Eve, bake a cake, pick out & cut down a real tree, open new PJ's Christmas Eve night, & I will pass on the tradition of giving ornaments. I've also thought about having everyone write each member of the family a "Why I love you" note to give Christmas morning & donating our time to a local charity. Of course, those may have to wait a few years when the girls are older.
Christmas, Christmas time is here. Can you hear me singing to you? :)
OK, it isn't a tradition...but I think it fits what you are looking for. 2 years ago when the economy started to turn ugly, my family (three brothers and their wives)...were looking for something different to do with gifts. None of us really had the money to buy all kids of presents. So I came up with a different plan. I got some decorative boxes, one for each person. Everyone was assigned to bring notes for each person. The notes were to talk about what you loved-admired-respected about the other person. Then we wach got to sit and read them. The greatest part was that now we have these great boxes to look at whenever we are feeling down. I think I may write some notes this year just to keep the boxes going. :D
ReplyDeleteOh! I love that idea, Heidi! We have also started doing the chinese gift exchange(if you do not know what that is, let me know, I will explain)-- but with the gift exchange, noone can get something new-- everyone has to look around the house for something that they havent used in awhile- or something funny- and wrap it up-- that way noone is spending any money.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Heidi! Love that idea. That's something I am hoping to do w/my hubby & girls when they are a little older.
ReplyDeleteJ-I've really loved doing the exchange the last few years. So glad you've loved it too!!