Traditions

One of the things that I love most about parenting is that we are able to maintain old family traditions, as well as establish new ones for the four of us.  Christmas is, perhaps, the time when people most adhere to some routine, whether it be in their preparations, baking, musical choices and/or decorations.  It's probably no secret that I adore Christmas and all of its related activities, and I've thought long and hard about some of the traditions we should establish.  

 

First, the kids have begun decorating their own tree.  This is the tree that sits in the hallway just in front of the main door, where it shines brightly for anyone to see as they ride up the driveway to our home.  The decorations on this tree are mostly handmade.  There are lots of treasures, many from our own childhood, along with some new ornaments that the kids have crafted themselves.

Following the tree trimming, I make some popcorn, and the kids watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" in their pjs.  (I'm sure that there was some practical reason for the pajama requirement, but that reason is lost on us now.  The kids, however, remember that they wore their bed clothes last year, so they must do so this year as well.  Thus, a tradition is born...)

Jordan's parents likewise have some yuletide traditions of their own.  New this year was the "Pirate's Night Before Christmas," aptly read by Pappa, who claims to have more than a few drops of pirate blood coursing through his veins. 

Another tradition is that we always go sledding to help work off some of the humungous Christmas breakfast we consumed hours earlier.  This year, of course, was no exception.

Thane, of course, was in all of his glory.  I think that he liked the sledding more than his presents!

Lastly, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the obligatory photo shoot.  

Merry Christmas from the Colville clan!