If I was being totally honest I would confess to you that traditions are a little rough.
In my mind traditions are restricting and exhausting. After awhile making sure you do the same thing in the same way as the year before starts to seem like more work than enjoyment. To me that goes against the reason you started the tradition in the first place.
That is why traditions are not concrete in our home. Some years we do one thing and other years we do something different. Ironically, I think you would call that a tradition. :)
One tradition that I do adore and means a lot to me is the Christmas tree. Each year I spend the weeks before we decorate the Christmas tree looking for the perfect ornament. Every family member receives one ornament that captures a moment from the year.
Our Christmas tree has become a visual reminder of some of the best moments of our lives. Brent's and my first Christmas together ornament hangs next to, "Babies First Christmas." A Santa ornament in a hula skirt reminds us of our trip to Hawaii, and Donald Duck riding a bike reminds us of the year H. learned to ride a two wheeler.
This year, like every year since Brent and I celebrated our first Christmas together, I went on the hunt for the best ornaments. This is what we ended up with in no paticular order.
Al, has become our resident musician. She is currently participating in two choirs and is taking piano lessons. She loves singing and playing the piano. It is fun to watch her grow in her own talents.
Each year I try to find Brent a Santa ornament. I think this started with his mom who always found his dad a Santa ornament. I like to think of this Grinch as the one who found his heart and discovered the Spirit of Christmas. Brent has been full of Christmas Spirit this year putting up with all my request and helping me more than ever.
H. participated in his first year of football and loved it. I'm pretty sure this wont be H.'s last football ornament.
After many months of hard work A. earned an X-box 360. I never thought he would meet all the requirements, especially considering the requirements included no fighting and dish duty for three solid months. However, he did it and impressed his mom and dad.
This year S. had a tough year that included Doctor's orders to quit swimming followed by surgery and several months of recovery. From April to November she was not allowed to swim. In November she was able to start swimming again and she is working hard to make up for lost time. I hope she always believes in herself and her talents.
Finally, my ornament. This is the two elves from the show "Prep and Landing." There job is to prepare everything for Santa's visit. I guess you could say that is how I feel each year. Working hard to pull off the best Christmas possible. Sometimes everything doesn't go as planned but those are the moments that stories are born.
Now the Christmas tree is decorated and my husband surprised me this year with a rotating base. Now all of the ornaments can be enjoyed as the tree slowly turns. This year I smile each time I walk into the room and a new ornament is highlighted.
Happy Holidays
Krissi
In my mind traditions are restricting and exhausting. After awhile making sure you do the same thing in the same way as the year before starts to seem like more work than enjoyment. To me that goes against the reason you started the tradition in the first place.
That is why traditions are not concrete in our home. Some years we do one thing and other years we do something different. Ironically, I think you would call that a tradition. :)
One tradition that I do adore and means a lot to me is the Christmas tree. Each year I spend the weeks before we decorate the Christmas tree looking for the perfect ornament. Every family member receives one ornament that captures a moment from the year.
Our Christmas tree has become a visual reminder of some of the best moments of our lives. Brent's and my first Christmas together ornament hangs next to, "Babies First Christmas." A Santa ornament in a hula skirt reminds us of our trip to Hawaii, and Donald Duck riding a bike reminds us of the year H. learned to ride a two wheeler.
This year, like every year since Brent and I celebrated our first Christmas together, I went on the hunt for the best ornaments. This is what we ended up with in no paticular order.
Al, has become our resident musician. She is currently participating in two choirs and is taking piano lessons. She loves singing and playing the piano. It is fun to watch her grow in her own talents.
Each year I try to find Brent a Santa ornament. I think this started with his mom who always found his dad a Santa ornament. I like to think of this Grinch as the one who found his heart and discovered the Spirit of Christmas. Brent has been full of Christmas Spirit this year putting up with all my request and helping me more than ever.
H. participated in his first year of football and loved it. I'm pretty sure this wont be H.'s last football ornament.
After many months of hard work A. earned an X-box 360. I never thought he would meet all the requirements, especially considering the requirements included no fighting and dish duty for three solid months. However, he did it and impressed his mom and dad.
This year S. had a tough year that included Doctor's orders to quit swimming followed by surgery and several months of recovery. From April to November she was not allowed to swim. In November she was able to start swimming again and she is working hard to make up for lost time. I hope she always believes in herself and her talents.
Finally, my ornament. This is the two elves from the show "Prep and Landing." There job is to prepare everything for Santa's visit. I guess you could say that is how I feel each year. Working hard to pull off the best Christmas possible. Sometimes everything doesn't go as planned but those are the moments that stories are born.
Now the Christmas tree is decorated and my husband surprised me this year with a rotating base. Now all of the ornaments can be enjoyed as the tree slowly turns. This year I smile each time I walk into the room and a new ornament is highlighted.
Happy Holidays
Krissi
Comments
I like Bronner's, but these are even better.