Christmas Traditions and Insanity

Growing up, we had some fun traditions. We read a feel-good Christmas story every night, we made gingerbread houses, we went caroling, made candy, read the Christmas Story, and we had the same breakfast every Christmas morning, and only on Christmas morning. When Dan and I got married, we merged some of his family traditions with mine, but mostly we did the traditions of the side of the family we were spending Christmas with. Last year was the very first year it was just our family and no relatives at all. I enjoyed it a lot more than I had expected. This year we again are on our own. I realized we have shaped some of our own traditions.

Dan and I both like reading Christmas feel-good stories, but right now the kids are quite unappreciative. I think we'll keep trying, but I may need to find a more updated book of them, or make my own collection. Last year we did gingerbread houses and it was a lot of fun. I wanted to this year, but with Rylee..... well, it just didn't happen. We did gingerbread cookies and the kids had a marvelous time with that. I usually make caramel, but this year I decided to try toffee again. For the first time, I was successful! It was so yummy! We made plates of goodies for our neighbors and delivered them.

I think I had made our traditional breakfast a few years ago and it was not a hit. I think that's why my family only had it once a year! So we have modified it and now we have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. I am also keeping the no-fancy-dinner policy I grew up with (till I was a teen). Why make food when the kids have gorged on candy? And this morning, that's what they did! We have kept the present-opening policy as well. Dad passes them out and yes, everyone has to wait their turn. I like it because I get to see them open and enjoy their presents. Plus, I feel like it gives the kids a chance to see their siblings enjoy the gifts they chose for them. And a little patience is a good thing for them to learn!

We developed a new tradition as well. Dan and I decided we wanted the children to learn the meaning of Christmas. We have been so blessed with enough, so the last 2 years, we have taken on a Christmas Project. Last year we picked out supplies and presents for the local Ronald McDonald house. This year we got a family to Secret Santa. I think the kids got more into it this year. They really had fun picking out presents and talking about the family we were Santa-ing. I had a great time as well, and I think we will try to continue doing this.

So, we had a great Christmas, and we seem to have added one more new tradition for our family. In addition to reading the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve, we seem to have made a trip to Mount Vernon a tradition as well. What will we do when we move?!

Rylee and I weren't feeling great yesterday, so Dan took the 4 older children to Mt Vernon by himself. There was still a bit of snow, so they all wore their boots.

Aladdin, the Camel was back again for the holidays!

Looking at this picture, I was really glad they all wore their boots!

Okay, this has nothing to do with Christmas. Joshua didn't pass his vision screening at school, so he got to visit the optometrist and I helped him pick out glasses. After he chose the ones he liked best, I took his picture so he could see what he looked like. This was the pair he liked best that I could live with!

It's Christmas Morning!

The kids let us sleep in till 7:30! This is what they were doing until then..... Eating all the candy in their stockings. They get to do that. They can open stockings and enjoy them till the designated wake-up time. Then Mom and Dad get up. They have to get dressed and eat breakfast before the present-fest.

Here they are, all dressed and ready for the loot! I am a bit surprised at their clothing choices, but hey, its Christmas! They each have a present receptacles and they are sitting in them!

My favorite kids in the world!

Joshua wore this when he was 3 months old! And now Rylee is in it. Who am I going to pass it on to?!

Marian picked this feather boa out for Callie. It was so fun to take the kids shopping for each other! Their choices were a hoot. (Marian got Dan and Joshua rubber chickens!)

Delaney loved her tutu and opened the rest of her gifts while wearing it.

This cracks me up. Callie got Dan a set of mustaches!

Marian enjoyed the morning very much.

Here's Rylee with all her new things (except her glowworm from her grandparents, which Delaney immediately confiscated and refused to believe was not hers!).

We've had a wonderful Christmas morning and the children are all happy, content and quiet! They are enjoying their gifts and getting along. And that is MY favorite Christmas present!

Merry Christmas to you!