Traditions

A very wise lady once said, "Traditions are the glue that hold us all together." Thanks, Mama Bear, so true! Since we are far from family, we sometimes feel far from home, even though we are in our own home for Christmas. Our traditions are so special to us and do make us feel connected in a way to those who are far away and who have passed on. Here's a few old and new that we hold dear to our hearts.

We had a visitor join us this year, the Elf on the Shelf, to be exact. Buddy the Elf visits us Dec. 1- Dec. 24 and reports back to Santa if we deserve to be on the Naughty or Nice list. Each night he visits Santa while we're asleep, then appears in a new place in our home for the kids to find each morning. Our kids LOVE this and had to find Buddy first thing each morning, often dragging Mom & Dad out of bed for the latest Elf sighting.

Secret Santa! We love a chance to share the true meaning of Christmas with others and our children, so for several years now we've been able to surprise some families with Christmas gifts. Sometimes it's through an Angel Tree program, but more often than not, we find someone we know that we feel impressed to help. The boys love to knock on the door with our gift wrapped surprises and RUN! This year we joined some of our friends in giving away two Nativities, a piece each night, with a verse from the story from the Bible attached. I think this has been my favorite year of giving so far!

Tuna Sandwiches: Ben's family always has tuna sandwiches Christmas Eve night. The story goes that his dad's family always went caroling on Christmas Eve and would come home cold and hungry. His grandma knew what a quick, easy meal it is, and I have to agree. This year we had ours on the 23rd, because we had another dinner party Christmas Eve night. It worked out great, because Ben & the boys got home after 5, and we had to be at the church to clean at 6. Ben was cute telling the story of his family's tradition and both the boys tried it this year. We also had our hot cocoa with snowmen marshmallows for dessert.

Christmas Eve program: Ben's mom's family always had a little program Christmas Eve that included reading the Nativity by candlelight and Christmas carols. My family always did the same, minus the candles. Both of our families also opened one gift each right before bed, which are typically pajamas. The kids loved their super soft monkey pajamas this year and slept really good that night, until 7:30, I must add! I also gave them a Night Before Chistmas quilt that my mom and I made.

Good Fors: My family always finished our Christmas Eve with writing out "Good For" coupons for everyone in the family and also Jesus. We wrote ours the day after Christmas this year and it was really meaningful. K said he'd make D's bed all week and help with his chores. D said he'd play with Ruby and K said he'd teach her to stand and walk. D also promised me beautiful pictures. Ben & I promised the kids more one on one time, and date nights for my boys. Ben promised me he'd work out at least 3 times each week, and I promised him that I'd arrange for sitters at least once a month so we can go out more. We keep ours in a special tin and review them the next year. Heart, heart, heart!

Of course there's many more, but this year instead of stressing out about fitting everything in just like it used to be when we were kids, we've decided to spread them out and really enjoy them. Kaleb has been singing all week that it was the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER and I'd have to agree.