So I LOVE traditions!
I am always trying to come up with, make, implement new traditions in our family.
I really am a Tradition-alholic!
I think a large part of it has to do with the fact that most of my childhood memories stem from traditions. Another part is that I have literally studied traditions and the impact they can have on families and individuals and they are SOOOO good to have!
They give you something to look forward to.
They give you repetition.
They give you structure.
Some give you fun and joy.
Other's are more serious and connect you on a deeper level.
Seriously, traditions are so good for family life!
Traditions are great anytime of year and I really am always trying to come up with some to do throughout the year, but when most people think of traditions Christmas is the first thing that comes to mind (which is also when I intended to write and publish this post). I wanted to document all the fun stuff with did this past Christmas. We started a couple of new traditions that were a little more age appropriate and the kids LOVED them!
(SIDE NOTE: I am having some serious blogger issues so the pictures are doing all sorts of crazy things. Sorry!)
Santa with GG
We brought back an old tradition of going to see Santa with GG and then out for an ice cream. Jeff used to do this with his brothers when he was younger too. Parker loved it and told Santa that he wanted a Train for Christmas. Em... well you can see how she felt about it. lol. But overall, we loved it!
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| Didn't they come out great! |
We made Milk Jug Snowmen
since we cant make real ones at our house
(above)
Puppets of Praise
(Below)
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| We went at saw an awesome puppet show with Granny & Gramps that Jeff and his bros used to go to as little kids. We loved it! Both the kids were totally enthralled but not comfortable enough to go up and get a picture with the puppets. O-well, maybe next year. Advents |
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| This is a cross stitch that I made and we used it for the first time this year. |
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| The treat GG took us to after the visit with Santa picture at the top |
This was one of the new advents we did. Adding to Santa's beard each night. The kids had a lot of fun gluing on the cotton balls.
This is an advent that I used as a kid. A few years ago it was getting kinda beat up so me and my mom fixed it back up. Now it is as good as new and the kids LOVE it!
This is another I used to do as a kid reading a scripture a day which told the story of Christ Birth.
We also have a binder that has a song and a short story for every night before Christmas.
Parker also helped Grandma P make candy trains to give to people which he loved! Especially when Grandma said one was for him to keep. :)
We also love ding-dong-ditching the 12 days of Christmas
And next year I really want to do one with children's Christmas books like this or this. You wrap up 24 books and each night you get to unwrap and read one. With how much my kids love to read combined with unwrapping a present, I know my kids would REALLY love that one.
I also like this activity a day advent or I've also seen a service advent
I forgot! We also made a ginger bread house. The kids did much more eating than decorating, but I guess that is what it is all about. I think next year we will just use Graham Crackers because they are way better and my frosting was way better then this one.
What are some of your favorite traditions?
Could be for Christmas or any time of year.
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