7 Meaningful Christmas Traditions We Love
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Christmas, a joyous time of year! At least it is for me. Yes, there are times when things may seem overwhelming. When that happens, I sit down on my couch and admire my tree, my Grandma’s Christmas village and all the rest of my decorations. It calms me and brings a peace to my heart. I love all things Christmas, especially Christmas traditions! I have read and heard about many people’s Christmas traditions. Sometimes I am like why did we never do that, we should start! I wanted to share with you some of our most meaningful Christmas traditions.
Passing on Family Decorations:
My Grandma always put up a Christmas village. Every year someone would buy her a new building to add to it. She would set up folding tables just to be able to display it. When she passed away, I was lucky enough to inherit it. We put it out every year. My mom has bought me a few new buildings or pieces to add to it over the years. My hope is that one day one of my kids will want it to continue the tradition.
Mark’s mom kept his ornaments from when he was a kid and passed them on to us. We hang his ornaments on our tree along with ones that we have bought over the years. Do you have any decorations that have been passed on to you? Do you have any decorations that you want to pass on?
Special Ornaments:
Following along with Mark’s mom’s tradition we decided to get our kids a new ornament every year. We started with baby’s first Christmas then started getting them things they liked. We have unicorns, soccer balls, cartoon characters, sport teams, etc. When they get out on their own, I will pass their ornaments on to them. Mark and I have also bought special ornaments just for us over the years.
Do you have special ornaments that you collect or make? Do you get your kids a new ornament each year? If you would like to start this tradition it is always fun to get an ornament that represents a milestone from the year. Like becoming a bother or sister, new job, a new sport or club, etc.
Christmas Baking:
I love baking Christmas cookies! I usually spend days baking. As the kids have gotten older, they enjoy helping me also. They even find new cookie recipes to try. I bake enough to give them out as gifts to others. We usually turn on Christmas music and get to baking. We enjoy this family time.
Do you love baking? If so, you could start this fun tradition and bless others with some goodies!
Christmas Movies:
I will admit that I love Christmas movies. I can watch some Christmas movies at any time of the year. Yes, I am a Hallmark Christmas watching fool. I do get a little disappointed that they start the Christmas movies 24/7 before Halloween, but I still watch them.
Our family takes a couple nights throughout the holiday season and watches Christmas movies. Some of our favorites are The Polar Express, The Grinch, Christmas with the Kranks, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Disney’s Prep and Landing. My favorite Hallmark Christmas movies are The Christmas Card, Christmas with Holly, Snow Bride, The Christmas Ornament, Matchmaker Santa, A Shoe Addict’s Christmas, A December Bride, A Christmas Wish, Crown for Christmas, A Royal Christmas, Christmas Under Wraps, Switched for Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Let it Snow.
Do you take time out of the busy holiday season to enjoy some family time? If so, plan a family Christmas movie night. Get out the popcorn and hot chocolate and enjoy!
Christmas Music/Playlist:
I adore Christmas music. My favorites being Little Drummer Boy, Away in a Manger, and Silent Night. Once Thanksgiving is over, I am ready to hear Christmas music 24/7 until the New Year. It usually does not happen that way because the radio stations do not play it constantly until like Christmas Eve. When I had XM radio, I would put it on the Christmas station. I now play iHeart radio Christmas music.
I listen to Christmas music in the car and while we make Christmas cookies. I also turn it on when I am wrapping presents. On Christmas morning one of the first things we do is turn on the music so we can listen to it while we unwrap our gifts.
I would suggest making a Christmas playlist. I like the randomness of the radio, but there are times I wish I could hear some of my favorites. What is on your Christmas playlist?
Christmas Party:
We have an adult only Christmas party every year. We started this about 8 years ago. We invite a small group of our closest friends. They all bring some food and drinks. We spend the evening eating, drinking, and being merry. Our friends love it also. They will cancel/turn down plans when we set the date for the party.
Try having a small Christmas party with your friends. It does not have to be adults only either. It is a great way to forget about the stress of the season and just have a good time. You do not have to make it an elaborate party either. We just all bring finger foods like a cheese and cracker tray, buffalo chicken dip, meatballs, jalapeno popper pizzas, cookies, etc.
Christmas Dinner/Food:
Holiday food is the best! At least I think so! We have a variety of foods over the Christmas holiday. I am always the one who has to bring the deviled eggs apparently because they are the best. I am also the one designated to bring hamburger baked beans to all the meals. I made it once and it was a big hit. My mom is required to bring broccoli and cheese casserole and to make pumpkin pies. My uncle is in charge of making the gravy. We all have our specialties.
Do you have special dishes you make just for the holidays? Do specific people have that one dish that they must make?
I love our Christmas traditions. I love sharing them with our kids. I enjoy sharing them with friends and family. I hope when our kids get older, they want to continue our traditions. I also hope that they may some of their own.
Stay positive, stay motivated, and make today amazing!
With love and encouragement,
**P.S.
I would love to hear what your Christmas traditions are. Feel free to let me know in the comments below. Maybe you will suggest something we will want to try next year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
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