Regardless of the holiday our families celebrate, we all have traditions we remember from our childhood. From my memories surrounding the holiday season, it is never about the gift but about the small moments and the people I was surrounded by.
As soon as I became a mother, I knew I wanted to create new traditions, and certain experiences that could be unique to our family. Over the years, some of our yearly activities have naturally fallen into place as traditions.
Here are some of the simple things we do that my children ask for every year.
1. Thanksgiving Breakfast and Arrival of the Elves
This has become one of my favorites. Thanksgiving morning is a relaxing day at our house. I make an overnight French toast, and our scout elves arrive with Advent calendars and tickets to the North Pole Express. This signals the start of the holiday season for us.
2. Matching Family Pajamas
I know my family secretly looks forward to what new matching pajama set we will all be wearing on Christmas Eve.
3. Decorating the Tree and Christmas Vacation
I’m one of those people who has a tree in every room. For my kids, the most important tree is the one we pick out together at the farm. This tree we call our “Hero” tree, and it is full of all the unique ornaments we have collected over the years. Everyone in the family helps decorate, and afterward, we watch Christmas Vacation. This is something I carried over from my childhood.
4. Christmas Lights
Something we really enjoy is driving around to check out all the spectacular light displays. Last year, we went to Sterling Road’s Santa’s Runway in Trumbull and will be adding that to our yearly list.
5. Under the Tree Donation
I have participated in BHCare’s Under the Tree holiday gift donation program for years. A few years ago, I decided to involve my children. Every year, my kids look forward to dropping off the gifts we shop for. I hope that they will continue to give back throughout their lives, and I hope to be instilling the true meaning of the holiday season in each of my kids.
