Christmas Traditions

We usually spend the holidays at home. This year, we traveled to Phoenix to be with family and came home on Christmas Eve. And though traveling made it a bit more hectic this year, we tried to squeeze in as many of our traditions as we could.

Tradition #1: Christmas Tree: This earlier post was all about chopping down our own tree. We do it every year and it is by far one of our favorites. This year, the boys helped with a lot of the decorations... Here's a sample of what the branches looked like! 

This had to be one of my favorite trees in recent past. Not sure why, but it just seemed perfect! Big brother actually cried the other day when we took it down. 

It's hard to see, but there's a train under the tree that the kids beg to have out all year. It's one of their favorite traditions to have the Christmas Train running around the tree.

Tradition #2: Sweets, sweets, and more sweets!

      From gingerbread houses to baking, we spend a lot of time baking (and eating!) No wonder my pants are always too tight in January!  

This is White Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn. We make it for neighbors and family every year.

The kids made these for their friends in the neighborhood and their cousins. They are pretty easy and turned out really cute. Here is a link to the directions we used.

This little guy was in hog-heaven! He's got a major sweet tooth like his mom!

Tradition #3:  Advent "House"

We have a countdown Advent House that we stick candy in for each day we count down to Christmas. Along with it, we read a book that gives a bible verse and an activity to help us prepare for Christmas. Little Brother woke up EARLY every morning anticipating the chocolate treat waiting for him downstairs!

Tradition #4: Treats for Santa and his Reindeer

     We've always left cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer. 

This year, Big Brother's teacher gave him reindeer food (oats with gold sprinkles) that we scattered all over the walkway. It was so cold, we didn't get a chance to get rid of the oats, and the kids were upset the reindeer didn't eat their treat. Not sure if that part of the tradition will stick around!

Tradition #5: Church on Christmas Eve. 

    This didn't happen this year because of traveling. And you know, it made for a weird night. We went out and saw a few houses all lit up, but it didn't compare to focusing on the Light that came into this world on that first Christmas so long ago. 

In all the traditions, we try to keep our focus on Jesus and his birthday. It's so easy to get caught up in Santa and presents and the "gimmeees". So easy for ALL of us to lose sight of what Christmas is really about...

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.