A few people have asked me recently what our Christmas traditions are as a family and for some reason, I can’t ever think of them off the top of my head . . . maybe it’s just too early in December. So, this post is mostly for myself and to keep a record of things we do as a family during this time of year.
- The Advent Jesse Tree devotional book with ornaments to put on our Jesse Tree each morning at breakfast – great way to start off each day and remind us of the gift God gave to us on that first Christmas
- Some sort of candy advent calender (this year they are from Trader Joe’s)
- Decorating the day after Christmas and enjoying our Thanksgiving meal with Tom while watching a Christmas movie
- Christmas in Seattle, either for the day or overnight (Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Pike’s Market decorated for Christmas, Gingerbread houses at the Sheraton, Winterfest at the Seattle Center, Carrousel at Westlake Center, snow at Pacific Place, visiting Santa and his reindeer at Macy’s) – Here’s a link to our trip a couple years ago. I’m tired just thinking about this!
- Snowflake Lane in Bellevue
- Driving past the Pahl’s house as many times as possible as we leave or come in our neighborhood – they have a crazy amount of lights up!!
- Christmas caroling with friends in the neighborhood
- Hand prints of the girls on the Christmas Tree skirt
- Baking and decorating sugar cookies
- Decorating a gingerbread house or gingerbread men
- Hot chocolate with lots of whip cream, sprinkles and a candy cane
- Christmas Eve dinner and a movie in front of the Christmas Tree
Note to myself . . . remember while these things are fun, it’s a hard month with Tom’s work schedule. I am always so excited for the Christmas season and then the first few days hit, and I am reminded how little we see Tom and am so sad that he is not able to be with us for so many of these fun activities. Not sure why I forget this every December!! Remember to be thankful for the job God has provided and a husband who is willing and able to work hard to provide for us. Remember to pray for him constantly, hug and kiss him, thank him for all his hard work and do everything you can to create a peaceful home for him to come home to so he can rest and enjoy the time he has with us.