I love this time of year!!
I love gathering with family and friends often...
Happy mail everyday...
Baked treats...
Neighbor gifts...
And of course ....Traditions.
One of my children's favorite Christmas traditions is reading a different Christmas book each night to the kids.
We have so many books in our house.. I seriously could run my own mini library.
Kinda funny for a gal who doesn't LOVE to read often huh??
Anyways... the first 8 days.. the reading was going great!
The kids love it so much.. I was bribing them to " Hurry and get ready for bed.. so we could read."
And they would hurry.
Well... this last week.. with all of the busyness... and late nights.. some of those days were missed.. and not only did the kids miss them... but I missed them as well.
Soo.. last night.. I made up for it.. and we read a book for all of the days missed.
I am not sure who loved it more... the kids or I.
Almost all of my books are like new... and I buy them at the Thrift store.. so if you like this tradition.. it's easy to do! ~ And it will probably be one of your children's favorites too...
Another Tradition we have had is letting the children each buy a new ornament for the year.
We went shopping on Wednesday night.. and the kids had a harder time picking one out this year.. than previous years. By the time we checked out... I was wondering if I really wanted to keep this tradition up. It was a great reminder to why I never take all of my children shopping together.
It was maddening.
Maybe as they get older.. it will be better??
Happy children with their new 2011 ornaments...
Mary has a "Doodlebug" ( she LOVES to doodle and draw so it fits! )
Tenney has a Cat ( of course ) hanging from a wreath
Christian has a marshmallow man fishing.
Christmas cards are mailed.
After today.. all neighbor gifts will be passed out.
I feel much more calm having those things finished.
Now.. onto 2 more traditions.
Saturday night is our family "testimony meeting" here at my house.
It's going to be our first without Dad physically here... but I can bet that Dad WILL be there with us.. as we express our hearts to the Lord.
I look forward to it.
And... remember my other tradition I do with the letters to my children?
After this year.. I have never felt it to be more important.
Take time for those you love.
THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON I AM GRATEFUL FOR:
Love
A Testimony of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ
Family and Friends
Forgiveness
Kindness
Happy Weekend Everyone!
8 comments:
That is such a wonderful idea!!!!
I have chills thinking about the wonderful feelings that will expressed in your home.
Ya, your dad will be there.
Bless you for making these things so important for your family. Those will be the things they remember forever.
I love the pictures. They are growing so big! I can't stand it!
"Take time for those you love".
That is the best message for everyone at all times of year!!
We have the books and ornament traditions too - except you are brave - I never took my kids shopping and let them pick. I always picked for them - You are a much more patient mom!! Good Job!
Got your card today - Again, I love that picture. Thanks
I love traditions! There are some that I think if we didn't do every year, would throw my kids and family into anarchy!
We kindof do the book reading tradition too. Do you wrap them and unwrap one each night? I don't but it would be fun!
Love Love Love traditions. And LOVE your thankful notes. You are the best note writer! <3 ya!
You are so sweet to send me your beautiful Christmas card.Great photo! It was a nice surprise that is for sure.
I always enjoy my visits and your ideas.Also all the reminders to be grateful!
Happy Holidays Blessings & Cheers Kim
I just lost my Dad Nov 1 st and I do believe he is around all of us still.So I am sure your Daddy will be there with all of you sat.~Blessings Kim
Those are great traditions. I also think Traditions are like GLUE to family memories and values.
Emma does the story telling one as well....she originally got that idea from a post Cheri did.
I am sure that the testimony meeting was beautiful, and YES your dad was probably right there with a big grin on his face.
I am jealous that you're so ready for Christmas. I still have 8 days worth of things to do. Oh well.
Love your traditions! Such a cute picture of the kids holding their ornaments.
I think a testimony meeting on Christmas eve is a wonderful tradition that will hold your family together even though your sweet Dad isn't there physically.
Thank you so much for your darling Christmas card. We didn't do cards...again, I'm not ready!
Merry Christmas, Ann!
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