Happy Wednesday! With only a few days until Christmas, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
I tried and tried to find a time to snap my kids’ photos for a card, and the best I could do was asking them to put on some nice clothes, sit, and smile in the hotel lobby over Thanksgiving.
Not too shabby for a spur of the moment photo sesh:
Of course, Hayden and Hadley were insistent that Homer make the annual Christmas card too! Well, he wasn’t at the hotel with us, so we took a quick photo once we returned home from our KC Thanksgiving.
Again, this was the best we could do because Homer refused to get near the tree in the living room. So, on the sun room couch, kind of near the tree is the best we could get.
I think the cards turned out great.
front
I was pleased that we got an impromptu family Thanksgiving photo, and that the kids ran into Santa at Union Station. We were able to add a few informal photos to the back of the card.
back
I believe that I shared last year that I typically order two cards. I purchase one set from Shutterfly on Cyber Monday, and then I also print some at Walgreens. I love making two cards because I always have a hard time choosing just one template.
Also, it’s time consuming (but worth it!) to send cards, so I love being able to get started sending cards while waiting on the Shutterfly order that typically takes longer to arrive.
2021 card #2
Bonus Holiday Photos:
I shared this photo that I ordered from Narci a few weeks ago…
…but I also ordered this one to have out during the holiday season:
These photos are so sweet and special. I will certainly cherish them for years to come.
Also, Homer is excited for Santa Paws 🐾
I know that the holiday season is such a special time for so many, but for others it can be a very difficult time as well. Trav has recently lost a special member of his family, and I know they aren’t the only ones who’ve lost a loved one. Also, with the recent devastation from the tornadoes here, so many are starting over and rebuilding their lives while mourning lives lost.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who have experienced loss and sadness making this a difficult holiday season.
We’re staying home this year, and while I know I will enjoy a slower pace these next few days, I’m certainly missing my KC family.
I’m taking the rest of the week off to spend time with my family, but I plan on posting a few times next week.
Please know how grateful I am for this community.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Today, I’m taking a look back at my blog for 2021.
Blogging is just a hobby for me. It’s something I do for myself. When I started this blog in August of 2019, I didn’t know what to expect. Along the way, I’ve “met” so many new people, and I appreciate all the love and support from my readers.
I feel like I’ve found a groove with blogging. I like sitting down each month and planning my posts with pencil/paper. I always write down the link ups, and then fill in the blanks for other days with my monthly posts like Monday Memes and What I’ve Been Reading. I enjoy coming up with my own topics, but I also love writing on the same topic as others but with my own thoughts to share.
When I started out, I blogged three days a week. During Covid, I had a bit more time, and was blogging five days a week most weeks. This school year, I definitely needed to slow down a bit, but I didn’t want to give up on writing. So, four days a week tends to be an achievable goal for me.
This year, I’ve “stretched” myself a bit, and I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Not Just a Mom link up and becoming an Amazon Associate. Thank you so much for your support!
Stats:
It’s definitely not about the numbers for me. I joked when I first started the blog that I figured it may just be my mom who reads it! That being said, I find it interesting to see how things have progressed throughout the years. From the number of posts I write, to views, and interest in certain posts, I just think it’s neat to look at occasionally.
As of yesterday…
I wrote 197 posts (with a few more planned before the year ends)
61, 478 views in 2021a
18, 516 visitors in 2021
September 2021 has the highest viewership with 5.8k views.
I realize some bloggers get that many views in a week (or a day!), but it’s just fun to see the growth from year to year. Last year, I had 41,000 views from 16,000 visitors.
It still blows my mind that people read, comment, and/or “like” my posts. haha
Popular Topics:
My most read categories are:
Holidays
Friday Favorites
Clothes
Let’s Look
Amazon
Commenters:
I appreciate all who read my posts, but the following are my top commenters.
I think it’s so interesting that they have blogs of their own!
I’m a pretty reflective person, and I just like to take a few moments to look back on the posts and stats from the year. As I continue to grow as a blogger, I’d love to know what topics you are interested in reading about, and I can try to to plan accordingly. So…feel free to let me know!
As always, thanks so much reading. I truly appreciate this special community!
See you back here tomorrow for one more post this week.
Hello! How was your weekend? We had a great one. I’d been wanting a peppermint shake from Chick-fil-a, but hadn’t gotten one yet this season. So, we started off break with me picking up the kids and a couple of their friends after school. We headed to CFA for a treat. It was fun hearing the kids talk about all the middle school things, and they were definitely excited for break.
Friday night, we celebrated a close friend’s 40th birthday. We all had a great time.
Saturday started with a basketball game for Hayden. Then, the four of us went out to lunch and then split up to let the kids pick out their gifts for each other. I took Hayden, and Travis took Hadley. I love this tradition, and it is always fun to see what they pick out for each other.
Sunday, I was up before everyone else, and enjoyed my quiet time.
Then, we went to church, I ran a few errands, and then I got some time at home to relax and wrap presents while Travis took the kids to Louisville for the afternoon.
This morning, I was excited to not set an alarm and to be able to ease into the day. #itsthelittlethings
How in the world is it already only five days until Christmas?! Before this month wraps up, I wanted to share some of my favorite memes with you!
1.
Y’all, one night last week at 9:30 I was so tired and wanted to go to bed. I opened my spice cabinet to put something away and couldn’t handle how unorganized it was. I’d been needing to purge it for some time. Not even ten minutes later with fifteen expired (hello! 2014!) spices in the trash, and it was a whole new cabinet! I slept really great after that 😉
2.
Hmmm…who could this be about? #rhymeswithmaiden
3.
My morning time before the rest of the house wakes up is some of the best time of the day for me.
4.
I feel seen.
A few holiday memes…
5.
I wrap most of my presents while in the basement. No matter how organized I try to be, I swear I have to come upstairs at least twice for scissors, a marker, or tape!
6.
Haha! The kids each have a Trader Joe’s advent calendar, and they enjoy their morning chocolate. Thankfully, I can show some restraint.
7.
For some reason, all last week, I would wake up about a half hour before my alarm. I swear my brain would just turn on thinking of everything I needed to do that day.
8.
I’m forever sitting there doing the math trying to figure out if it’s worth it to buy something else in order to get the free shipping. Thankfully, with Amazon, I don’t have to do that kind of math. #freeshippingforever
9.
Speaking of shipping…
…and, I don’t want to jinx anything, but I haven’t experienced many delays in what I’ve ordered.
10.
This one just made me chuckle. It’s so easy to get stressed out this time of the year. I’ve been trying just take each day as it comes and enjoy this holiday season as much as I can.
and…
as of Friday at 3:30, everything officially became a “January” problem 🤣
I hope these memes started your week off with a laugh or two.
We don’t have much to do today, so I hope to finish wrapping presents. I plan on posting tomorrow and Wednesday, so be sure to come back!
Hello and Happy Friday! Well, we made it to the end of the week!
Today is the best kind of Friday…the last day of school before a two week break!
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
The kids both had a very busy Saturday last weekend. Hayden had his last club cross country race of the season, and Hadley’s dance studio had their Winter Showcase.
I missed Hadley’s first performance trying to get to Hayden’s cross country meet, but I was able to make it to her second performance. My mom was in town, and was able to see both her grand daughters’ performances.
Hadley performed in both a ballet and competition jazz routine.
Hayden was supposed to run at 11:00, but the race got pushed back to 12:30 due to the storms. I thought I could watch Hayden run, and then make it to Hadley’s second performance, so I tried to do both. Well, it’s a forty-five minute drive, and Travis warned me about the long line of traffic to park. Right as I reached the mile long line of cars, it started to rain again. Travis texted me that the race got pushed back again to 1:15. So, I drove all that way just to turn around in order to make it to Hadley’s performance.
This was a USATF National race with top runners from throughout the country…and these were the running conditions:
While I know Hayden didn’t finish where he wanted to, he still ran a great race. He gave it his all which is all we can ask for from our kids.
My mom was visiting, and brought the kids these hot chocolate bombs which, of course, were a favorite.
Then, they helped her bake cookies. This is definitely a favorite Christmas tradition.
On Sunday, my brother and sister-in-law hosted us for an early Christmas dinner.
The kids were excited to open some gifts! My mom was able to stay a couple of extra days and help with school drop off, pick up, schoolwork, and was able to see my nephew’s Christmas performance too.
Homer welcoming us home is always a favorite. He’s been such a good boy this year with the trees and ornaments.
Wednesday night, we were able to carry on with another favorite tradition. We drove through the Southern Lights at the Horse Park. I love this tradition, and it was the perfect night to see the lights.
Red has been back in action at our house…
He hasn’t been getting into too much trouble.
Hayden brought home this ornament he made in art class. The wooden Santa belt is the perfect addition to our tree.
Usually, I share a “favorite mom meme,” but this one seems fitting right now as a teacher:
Weekly Recap:
I was a busy bee blogger this week. There are my posts:
What are your plans this weekend? Hayden has a basketball game, I have a friend’s birthday party, and we hope to make time to let the kids shop for their gifts for each other!
Hello! I’ve shared a few This or That posts, and I think they are a fun, quick way to share thoughts on a topic. Shay recently shared her This or That for Christmas on Instagram, and here are my responses too!
Fake TreeorReal Tree: We used to have an artificial tree for years, but have gotten a real tree for the last few years. I do love having a real tree as our main tree in the living room.
…but I love having a smaller artificial tree in the sun room and our bedroom to enjoy for a bit longer than a real tree lasts.
White ElephantorSecret Santa: Why is it that both of these options stress me out? I swear I’m a fun person. 😆 I guess I just feel like it’s one more thing to do / gift to buy when the time comes. I do think if I had to choose, I prefer Secret Santa because at least then you give and get something you’d probably actually want.
Egg nogor Hot cocoa: I love egg nog in December. I’m not a big cocoa person…but Hadley sure is! Hayden prefers egg nog. Sweet story: when the kids were little, my dad started calling egg nog “Christmas milk,” and it’s stuck! Also, my kids prefer the AE brand, and we don’t get that in Lexington. So, my brother bought a few at Thanksgiving, and put them in a cooler to bring back to Lex. Then, my mom brought a few cartons when she visited last week. So, Hayden has been so happy to have some extra “Christmas milk” on hand.
The GrinchorElf: ahhh! I love the Grinch story, but prefer the Elf movie.
Mariah CareyorMichael Buble: Well, 1997 me would have been blasting a Mariah Carey CD in my car this time of the year, but the 40+ year old me definitely loves Michael Buble.
Black FridayorCyber Monday: Hands down, I’m a Cyber Monday girl. I’ve never understood why people Black Friday shop. It’s too much pressure, too hectic, and too crowded! I love to make a list and be ready to go on Cyber Monday for probably 70% of my shopping. Then, I enjoy taking my time while out and about in December to choose other gifts when I have more time to do so.
Christmas Dayor Christmas Eve: I think I’m more of a Christmas Day person. While I love the traditions of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day has a slower pace to it and a bit more time to relax.
Christmas Eve service is a favorite…as is Christmas dinner
Ugly SweaterorMatching PJs: I love pjs! It’s always fun seeing my kids in their Christmas pjs excited for Santa. I hope as they get older, they will still continue this tradition in some way.
Giving GiftsorGetting Gifts: I definitely enjoy giving more than receiving! It’s always fun to see someone open a gift you think they’ll like.
Eating treatsorBaking treats: BOTH?!? I do have quite the sweet tooth, so I enjoy eating treats, but I also love baking them. The kids and I bake some cookies with family this time of the year which is fun.
So, that’s a wrap on those topics! What about you? What are your preferences?
I can’t believe we only have two more school day until break. I can’t wait to not set an alarm and have some time to actually wrap gifts, bake cookies, and have a little extra time to relax.
‘Tis the season for reds, green, and sparkly. Well, at least that’s what you’ll see at my house.
This is the first year I didn’t decorate until after December 1st. I typically try to have my house decorated the Sunday before Thanksgiving, but with the kids’ birthday that weekend and then holiday travel, I just didn’t get it done until the first weekend in December.
My holiday decor tends to stay the same year to year, but I tend to always pick up at least one or two new things to add to our home. These posts are a way for me to share how I’ve decorated, but they also help me remember where I put things each year.
Come on in…
Outside:
For the second year in a row, I purchased two strands of garland from Trader Joe’s. I have no clue if it actually helps but I take a spray bottle of water and midst them every couple of days hoping they will stay green until December 26th 😉
I love my door hanger from a local artist, the Rudolph pillow covers are from Etsy years ago, and the light up trees fit pretty perfectly in the planters I keep out year round. I also add bows and a few pieces of leftover greenery to the planters.
Travis puts lights in the bushes which are a nice finishing touch for the front.
Front Hall:
This area pretty much stays the same year to year. Next year, I may find something to replace the light up tree…it can be glitchy.
Our elf left the bow on our new mirror, and I forgot to take it down. I kind of like the added touch.
I add a few holiday touches to our built in’s.
I love this tall Santa, and I found him the perfect spot on the living room fire place.
I’ve had the same pillows and blanket for quite a few years. Next year, I may find one to replace the “Peace” pillow because a red pillow and Homer hair aren’t a great combo.
I always love decorating the tray on the coffee table. I have quite a few trays and tend to move them around. I light this candle every morning while I have my quiet time.
I gave Travis a hard time about the size of our tree, but I really do love it. The snowflake pillow, picture of the kids under the tree at a month old, and a few packages (Amazon boxes I wrapped a few years ago) round out this corner of our home.
I added a few festive touches to the top of the cabinet in the office.
My Gma made this winter shadow box for me as one of my Christmas gifts. This week, I found a perfect spot for it on our desk.
The view from the kitchen to the office is a fave of mine. I added a few holiday pieces to this tray on the island as well.
A friend made me this sign a few years ago, and I love displaying it every year.
I shared in a previous posts that Hayden was insistent that we find a place for the village my Gma gave me years ago. I can’t believe I didn’t think of the buffet sooner. It’s perfect there.
This glass dome sits here almost year round. In the fall, I fill it with pumpkins, and for Christmas, I fill it with ornaments.
The small wreath with ribbon was a last minute addition to the tobacco basket. The wreath typically sits on my candle holder, but I wasn’t using it right now. I just tied it to the basket with a leftover piece of ribbon, and it was the perfect touch.
I always swap out my china for Christmas plates, and the angel can hold a tea light; I’ve had it for years.
Here’s the village lit up at night:
I purchased new garland for the mantle last year, and I’m still pleased with it.
Last year, one of our stocking holders broke, so this year, I decided to just use command hooks. I also moved the stockings to either side, and I like that the fireplace looks less cluttered.
I loved decorating this tray on our kitchen table. I kept it simple with this lantern, some ornaments, and these red berry boxwoods. I only purchased two new things this year. These boxwoods for $5 each at Target and a new pillow for the chair in the kitchen.
I love setting the table with my Target plates that I’ve had for a few years.
Here’s the new pillow I picked up at Michaels.
My mom gave me this cute “Merry and Bright” Plaza lights art, and I love it in our kitchen hutch. I also added a few trees and a favorite snow globe. My Gma painted the tree next to the snow globe years ago, so it’s also one of my favorite pieces to put out each year.
This is the second year I’ve decorated the sunroom. The tree and slip covers were purchased last year.
A few trees and a seasonal candle are perfect for this tray.
In our room, I have one of my cashmere pencil trees and a crock that I add a candle to at night. Both are from Michael’s.
One more peek at our living room tree. She gives off quite the glow in the morning and nighttime hours.
It’s so much work, but I’m always happy when I get everything in the right place. Also, as I wrote this post, I realized that so many of the pieces I put out each year are from (or made by) family. That makes this time of the year extra special.
Next year, I’m seriously considering decorating in early November. I love my fall decorations as well, so I tend to keep them out as long as possible. November is a hectic month for me, but I do think it would be worth it to have fall decor out in September and October, and then have more time to appreciate the Christmas touches in November and December. We’ll see!
I will say that I always love a fresh start in January, and it’s nice having everything back in its place. That being said, I will also enjoy the twinkle of the lights and the cozy decorations for as long as possible.
Hello! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had such a good one, but it was extra busy. Hadley had her dance showcase, Hayden had a cross country meet and basketball, we baked Christmas cookies and more!
I plan on sharing some of those details later this week, but first I want to say thanks to those who reached out checking on us after the storms, destruction and devastation in Kentucky and surrounding areas.
We had some major storms blow through, but the real destruction was to the west. I can’t imagine how those communities are feeling with so many lives lost. Those communities will certainly be in our hearts and in our prayers during this time.
Today, is our last Not Just a Mom post of 2021!
I’m linking up with these ladies to share our favorite holiday movies!
Before I get to that, here’s a look back on our topics for 2021:
Over the weekend, I actually saw these graphics by @ashton.creates about Christmas movies for each Enneagram type. I’ve shared her graphics before, and I love what movies she had for my 5w6.
Funny enough, we watched A Christmas Carol on Friday night. The kids are reading it in school, and I shared with them how my mom taught it to her 7th graders this time of the year for 31 years! I do enjoy this classic.
Sometimes I swear I might be more of a 6! Home Alone is one of my all time faves, and one I had listed for this post already!
Favorite Holiday Movies:
A Christmas Story:
We watch this movie every year on Christmas Day, and we are usually at my dad’s house when we watch it. It’s such a classic, and my kids love it too.
Home Alone:
Home Alone is probably my favorite holiday movie. We usually watch it a couple times during the holiday season. My kids often watch it in the car on long drives throughout the year too. They get a kick out of Kevin’s antics as much as I do.
The Holiday:
This movie is just so cute. I love the premise, and I’m always intrigued by the English village at Christmastime. The cast is amazing too!
While You Were Sleeping:
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I always think of this as a Christmas movie because it takes place in Chicago in the days before and after Christmas. Sandra Bullock has always been one of my favorite actresses, and Bill Pullman is the best! Again, the cast is amazing, and I just love Jack and Peter’s family.
A Charlie Brown Christmas:
When the kids were little, we’d always watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. I’d always record it on the DVR, and we’d watch it when we had time. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve watched it in a few years, but it’s such a good one!
We won the movie gift basket at Trav’s work party. It came with a few movies that I’m hoping we can watch over break.
I also want to watch the new Home Alone over break too. I know it’s just a part of the kids being older and busier, but I do miss having time to watch movies and carry out other traditions without having to plan “family fun.”
What are some of your favorite holiday movies? I can’t wait to see what ones others share!
Also, we have a new graphic and have planned our topics for 2022. We’re still hosting the link up on the second Monday of every month. We’d love to have you join us by linking up and/or reading our posts. Our first post for the new year will be on January 10th, and the topic is favorite bloggers.
I hope to post pretty regularly this week and then here and there leading up to 2022. I’m just kind of taking it day by day. Minute to minute sometimes! 😉
Hello! For some reason, this has felt like the longest week. School seems extra crazy, and honestly, home life does too. I’ve definitely earned my teaching and parenting paycheck this week. haha
I’m going to focus on the positives and link up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are my favorites from the week:
Coffee by the glow of the Christmas tree.
Beautiful sunrises.
I’ve caught two this week.
I did a Bath and Body run recently for holiday and winter fragrances. I picked up a few candles: Snowflake and Citrus, Iced Cranberry Scone, Winter and Frosted Cranberry.
Winter Citrus Wreath hand soap is perfect for the kitchen, and Twisted Peppermint is a favorite shower gel this time of the year.
Hadley had a Christmas chorus concert this week, and I loved it. The choir sang three songs, and then the orchestra and band played three songs each as well. It was a great evening, and we loved watching the performances.
I’m almost finished with my first December book. A Nantucket Christmas has been a cute read.
For the second year in a row, I’ve purchased these sweet Santa photos from Narci. Hayden and Hadley will wake up to this one in a frame this morning:
The sun room is one of my favorite decorated spots. I picked up the tree and the pillow covers last year. I’ve quickly learned a great way to decorate for fall and winter are with pillow covers. Pillow covers save so much space for storage during the off months. They quite possibly have also saved my marriage, so I don’t have to hear Travis ask, “Do we really need another pillow?” I just put these over my regular pillows during the Christmas season.
I ordered this sweater from Amazon recently, and I love it. It’s great quality, so soft, and the green color is perfect for this time of the year. I’ve worn it to school with black pants (pictured below), but I’ve also worn it with leggings too.
Our elf, Red, has been having a little fun:
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Trav’s work Christmas party reminded me of one of the times the kids met Santa when they were little at the same party.
Here they are in 2013…and just a bit hesitant.
And then there’s this one…from 1980 something…
I look a bit uncertain while my brother looks terrified. haha
Weekly Recap:
I’ve had a few posts this week. I shared about our festive and fun weekend, my Amazon purchases for last month, and then a look at our favorite Christmas traditions.
This Monday is our last Not Just a Mom link up of 2021. I’ve enjoyed joining these ladies each month to share about our NJAM topics.
Monday’s topic is Favorite Holiday movies. We’d love to have you join us!
I hope you have a great weekend. Ours will be filled with dance for Hadley, cross country and basketball for Hayden, and maybe we’ll have a bit more holiday fun too.
Hello! I love writing posts this time of the year because they are so fun sharing about all things holiday related! Reading about how others spend the holidays, what traditions they have, what they bake, and gift ideas are just so special during the holiday season.
In the spirit of the season, today I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for this month’s Let’s Look.
I haven’t been as consistent with my Let’s Look posts, but this year, I’ve shared:
We have so many traditions, and I always enjoy the extra time with my family during the busy holiday season. I hope my kids look back on their childhood and enjoy the things we did as a family in the spirit of Christmas.
The Christmas tree:
We’ve started going to our favorite nursey to pick out a tree for about six years. We used to always have an artificial tree, but after the last one went kaput, we decided to pick one up every year.
The Christmas Shop is always beautifully decorated and has so many options for great trees.
There’s usually hot apple cider and marshmallows to roast by the fire. The floral arrangements and garland are out of this world. Also, their Santa is the best!
Of course, another tradition is putting the ornaments on the tree. It’s always fun to look back on some of the ones the kids made as well as other sentimental ones. My kids know to look for special ones like our wedding ornament, their first Christmas ornaments, the Santa that my grandpa carved, and my ornament from my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Overby!
It’s always a special few minutes when we hang the ornaments on the tree.
Santa:
We make a point to see Santa every year. This year, I wasn’t sure if we’d see him or not, but there he was right in the middle of Union Station in Kansas City when we were there for Thanksgiving. Start about starting the holiday season off on a good note!
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Last year, was the drive by with Santa at our club.
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Most years, we see our favorite Santa at the Christmas Shop.
Again, as the kids get older, I guess this is a tradition that may not continue. But, if the opportunity presents itself, I guess you are never too old for a photo with the big guy!
Christmas parties:
Christmas parties are another fun tradition, but they vary year to year. We always try to go to Trav’s work Christmas party. Sometimes we gather with friends or neighbors for get togethers as well. We’ve also done cookie exchanges and favorite things.
We love celebrating with friends and family throughout December.
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Baking cookies:
We bake cookies every year. Usually, I just wait until we are out of school, and we bake a few cookies for Santa. We’ll share with neighbors and teachers too.
We typically do a sugar cookie, and then I always make the peanut butter kiss ones, and chocolate peppermint crinkle. Hadley and Hayden both help me, and now can even bake pretty independently on their own.
When we go to KC, we typically bake a few cookies with my mom, Gma, and aunt. Last year, my mom came to visit us, and we baked while she was here.
Holiday Lights:
I’ve shared before about growing up going to lights in the park, and once I moved to Kentucky, Travis and I made it a tradition to go to Southern Lights every year.
We also drive around and check out some of the houses in town that we know are always so festive.
Last year, we went to Mustard Seed Hill, and that was a really great experience too.
Christmas Cards:
We do Christmas cards every year. Hayden’s a big fan of this tradition. #sarcasm
The card is typically just the kids (and Homer!) because no matter how much I try to think we can get a family photo in the fall, it’s very rare to happen.
Thankfully, the kids dressing up and smiling has gotten a little easier through the years. I don’t feel like we get as many cards as we used to, so I know this tradition may be one that doesn’t hold year to year for all, but I truly love checking the mail in December and seeing what family and friends have been up to throughout the year.
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A few more traditions:
As far as traditions, we also buy for a couple of Angel tree kids every year. We always try to choose kids who are my kids’ age. You know I love Amazon, but I insist on us going to Target in person to have the kids choose the gifts. It’s such a meaningful experience, and very important to me that my kids understand the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
I always buy the kids some Christmas pajamas for their birthday, and I love seeing them wear them throughout the winter months.
Another favorite tradition is taking the kids to choose gifts for each other. When they were little, we’d split up in Kid R Us and let them choose. We wouldn’t be in the car for two minutes, and they’d tell each other what they chose.
As the kids have gotten older, we try to find an evening when we can go get the gifts and then go out to dinner. Now, we even split up, and I take Hayden somewhere (like Bath and Body) to get a gift for Hadley while Travis and Hadley go to Dick’s Sporting Goods or a bookstore for Hayden. Then, we’ll meet up for dinner. We usually let the kids exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. It’s so special seeing them enjoy what they chose for each other.
Gift exchange in Christmas pjs
We also love the tradition of Christmas Eve service at church when we are in town to attend.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? I can’t wait to see what others have to share.
See you back here on Friday for this week’s favorites. It will definitely be a festive Friday themed post.
