Our Christmas celebration starts within a few days after Thanksgiving. The first event is setting up the tree and decorating the house. We have struck a balance that keeps us all happy: I decorate the tables, doors, & entertainment center. Stephen & I set up the tree, string the lights, and the garland. The kids decorate the tree with ornaments. In truth, I used to want to a perfectly decorated tree. But each year, the kids love decorating it & that makes the tree more special to all of us. I wouldn't trade their decorated trees for all the perfectly decorated trees in the world. Here is there beautiful tree this year:
The girls also love taking turns sleeping with "Herald" the snowman. Herald sits on our entertainment center during the day throughout December and sleeps with one of the girls each night.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we begin our secret santa tradition. Every Sunday, we draw each other's names out of a sock. Then we have a week to do something nice for the person we drew. The "rule" is to do at least one thing during the week, but it seems that many more small acts of kindness are performed throughout the week. Then on the following Sunday, we find out who our Secret Santa was and redraw names. We keep doing this tradition until the Sunday before Christmas.
Another favorite tradition is our ward (church) party. We have lived here for 8 years now, & the people in our ward have become like family. It is so fun to get together with all of them & celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Hannah was very proud of the star she made in Primary to put on the tables as decoration. She was very excited to find her star.
Emily was getting ready to eat her plate of Ham, corn, salad, & potatos when she noticed she had a very loose tooth. She rushed out to the bathroom & pulled it out herself because she was afraid it would fall out while she was eating dinner!
Emily & Hannah sang with the Primary kids and Kaitlyn participated with the Young Women in a skit.
What did Jonathan do? He hung out with his friends. They just got home from an overnight winter camp out & they were too tired to move, but enjoyed laughing & making jokes.
After the program, we all sang Jingle Bells, and who should appear? Jolly Ol St. Nick!
After the girls sat on Santa's lap, we helped clean up. It was a fun week!
1 comment:
Thanks for the post. Your traditions are great!
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