The holidays always bring up the idea of tradition. And we had a great conversation on Twitter the other day on this very same topic.
We do Santa here – Santa in our house brings the majority of the gifts and the stocking. It’s just how it was when I grew up (and Mike too) and I can’t imagine it any other way. I had NO Idea that people didn’t start Santa until their kids showed interest in it, or that parents of toddlers were worried about “pulling off” Santa or just not doing it at all.
It is so interesting and enlightening to me to hear about how others celebrate and what is important in their families.
We talk about WHY we celebrate Christmas – this year that will probably stick a little more – but we are REALLY trying to emphasize how great it is to GIVE gifts. that is a hard lesson to teach a 2.5 yr old. Like, really very ridiculously hard since she thinks everything that is wrapped belongs to her 365 days a year.
We always visit a local christmas tree festival, which is one of my most favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit.
This year we are going to introduce elf on the shelf which I am really excited about. We ended up getting one from elf magic which is totally adorable.
We have been making ornaments for family members each year, which is fun. And also reminds me that I need to come up with a plan for that.
this year is full of a lot of new traditions – a gift exchange, which we have never done before in our family and a gag gift exchange which I am really pumped about!
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Like you, I had no idea people had issues with Santa. I mean, I knew some people might not celebrate as we did, but I did not know that people worried about "pulling off" Santa. I think sometimes people think too much about it.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, my holidays have been complicated from the start because it is also my birthday. But it has gotten more complicated by the fact that my husband comes from a Jewish background. So, we celebrate Hannukah, Christmas and my birthday. I try to make each one have it's own flavor. The first night of Hannukah we have latkes and play driedel. We usually invite some people over and share this night. We light a menorah each night and talk about what Hannukah means to everyone. The kids get a gift the first and last nights of Hannukah.
I think we celebrate nearly identical Christmases. :) I can't wait to hear what G thinks of the holiday season - 2 seems like the most perfect age for finding the magic in Christmas.
ReplyDeletefrom the time i can remember, we've always done santa...i will do it until my kids are grown just like my mother does.
ReplyDeletewe have our elf, but seriously...nothing scares these crazies. they're outta control.