Like most families, Christmastime reminds me of so many things that took place when I was growing up. I remember sitting at home on my mother's couch unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. I remember my mom in the kitchen cooking (and not letting anyone touch anything) and all the smells and sounds of the holidays. There are so many wonderful memories that happened during this time of year.
Even though now all of my grandparents are passed on, and in recent years Christmas has changed in many ways, now that I'm a mom, there are some traditions I just can't let slip. I've realized more and more over the years that I probably never will. While I'm all for change — because it happens for better or for worse — holding onto important traditions keeps the holiday magic alive for me. Now, even as young children, my kids have picked up on some of those special things that they look forward to every year.
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Here are some of the holiday traditions that I'm keeping going.
Waking Up to Cookies for Breakfast on Christmas
Christmas morning means pretty much anything goes. My family never made a big deal out of breakfast, since we were just going to eat so much delicious food throughout the day anyway. From turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes to endless cookies and treats, there was just no point in eating a big breakfast. I remember my mom saying, "Christmas is the only day when you can eat cookies for breakfast and not feel bad!" It's totally true, and it's better with coffee.
Getting a Real Tree
My family always got a real Christmas tree. I don't have that many memories of actually hunting for the perfect tree, but I always remembered the smell. That delicious holiday smell that can only come from a real tree holds so many memories. As an adult, I took the tradition one step further. Now we cut down our own tree every year, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Seeing 'The Nutcracker'
When I was a kid, my grandmother always took my sister and I to see The Nutcracker ballet. I loved getting dressed up in my tights and fancy dress and going to a ballet — it made me feel so grown up! We do it a little differently now because my daughter performs in The Nutcracker each year, but it's still a big part of the season for our family.
Making Sugar Cookies From Scratch
Every year a few days before Christmas, my grandmother would bring over her homemade cookie dough, and she, my sister, and I would spend hours rolling and cutting sugar cookies. They were the yummiest cookies around (at least that's what everyone said). When my grandmother got too old to make the dough, I learned to make it myself. Now my kids look forward to baking the cookies, with my grandmother's recipe, every year.
Filling Stockings With Clementines and Golden Coins
It's a bit of an old-school tradition, but my mother always put clementines in our stockings. My grandmother would bring over the little bags of chocolate coins. Now I do the same for my own kids. It's just not Christmas without a clementine and chocolate coins in the bottom of the stocking!
Listening to the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Christmas Album
Little known fact: Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers have a pretty epic Christmas album. It's not news to me, since I've been listening to it since before I could walk. I'd play the songs on repeat while jumping on the couch in my Christmas excitement. Now my kids are equally obsessed with the album, which is fine by me because it definitely holds up, and I look forward to hearing it every year.
Opening One Present on Christmas Eve
The kids get to open one present the night before Christmas, and it's always the same thing — a new pair of Christmas pajamas. They come from Grandma, which was exactly what happened when I was a kid. My kids tear them open, throw them on before bed, and then snuggle down and wait for Santa to arrive. It may not be the most exciting present, but something about their new Christmas jammies signals that Christmas has finally arrived!
Celebrating With Our Chosen Family
Every year, I host a Christmas party for my friends as well as my kids' friends. It's equally as important to me as all of our other holiday traditions. My friends are my chosen family, and I want my kids to grow up knowing the importance of their friendships. Celebrating with close friends makes this time of year so much more enjoyable. It's a tradition that's been passed down, too. My mom used to always host a Christmas Eve party, and all kinds of people would attend. The more, the merrier!
As Well as Our Regular Family
Of course, Christmas is all about family. We make plenty of time for our family not just on Christmas Day but pretty much the whole week. Family comes in from out of town, and we get together several times during the holidays. We have dinners, watch movies, reminisce, and make new memories.
I'm endlessly thankful for these holiday traditions that were instilled in me by my parents. It just wouldn't be Christmas without those things that bring me back to old times while making room for new memories to begin. I hope my kids realize the value of all these traditions and hold them dear. And if not, I hope they make plenty of their own!
