Christmas Traditions

Our little family of five created our own Christmas traditions over the years. The kids have outgrown many of them like making Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve (Julia and I still like to do this together) and sprinkling reindeer food on the driveway. Some traditions still happen like watching the Polar Express on Christmas Eve (although it may not be all five of us anymore) and enjoying our delicious Christmas morning breakfast of French toast with bacon and maple sausages. 

But one of my favorite Christmas traditions that we did with our kids was passed down from my Mom and Dad. The waiting at the top of the stairs to help build up the Christmas morning suspense! Drinking orange juice while you wait wrapped up in warm bathrobes. That feeling of knowing Santa came and you're not allowed to go downstairs until you get the OK from Mom and Dad. 

You kind of know when the tradition is ending...hahaha...notice Nicholas' face : )  That's OK though. It's a wonderful memory!! 

Then running down the stairs and turning the corner to see the beautifully lit Christmas tree with lots of wrapped presents underneath...and stockings filled to the brim with candy...and half eaten Christmas cookies you made the night before eaten by Santa on the plate with crumbs everywhere...and seeing soot left by Santa's boots covering the red bricks. It was evidence that Santa was really there. 

Such wonderful magical memories. I know I remember them so well from my childhood. I hope my kids will always remember them too and pass them on to their kids someday...and make their own traditions. It's the feeling and traditions of Christmas that we all will remember...and just maybe a favorite present or two (like a dollhouse).  

Merry Christmas