The holiday season is upon us, and while we are looking forward to enjoying the season with family and friends, it can also be quite stressful. The shopping and gift-giving can sometimes be above and beyond what the true meaning of Christmas is and was meant to be. I am a prime example of this: I start my shopping on Black Friday and go strong, right up to Christmas week. I probably spend more than I should and even more than I can afford, but the truth is, I love to surprise my children and others with presents. Watching a present being opened with excitement is one of the best feelings. It’s exhilarating.
It’s Better to Give than to Receive
For me, it’s about giving, not receiving. While I treat my children all year long, and I probably don’t need to do all I do at Christmas, the fact is, I enjoy doing it. It’s not about proving my love or providing them with material things, it is simply because the love I have for them is so overwhelming I can’t stop myself.
So, who could blame me for wanting to give them the world? I’m sure there are many parents out there who do the same. Even though my girls are now young adults, they still live at home and have the same Christmas they did as children. The traditions we started so many years ago, are still in motion.
Our Holiday Traditions
Thanksgiving week the Christmas decorations go up, that includes the tree and ornaments that my kids have either made or bought. Decorating the tree has always been a special night for us. We play Christmas music, bake cookies, and place the ornaments on the tree. It’s a nice tradition that I hope my children carry on when they start their own family.
We also honor other traditions in our family, such as decorating cookies with grand-mom, making ornaments with the whole family, hanging the same childhood stockings, visiting a Christmas village in our area, and the order in which my kids come down the steps on Christmas morning. No matter how many gifts are under the tree, they always enjoy starting with their stockings.
The Magic of Santa Claus
Sadly, the traditions we had when my children where young and still believed in Santa are long gone. I miss the wonder and awe of Santa riding a sleigh guided by reindeer. It’s a story that every parent across the world loves to tell. I remember putting out the cookies and milk, sprinkling reindeer food on the front step (mixture of oatmeal and glitter), sending a letter to Santa, and reading, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. And of course, the one tradition that most parents probably miss when their children no longer believe, telling them to be on their best behavior because Santa was watching. No child wants to get coal or be on the naughty list! It worked like a charm.
How Will You Celebrate?
My children missed out on the Elf on the Shelf, but I know many families are having fun with that tradition. For some fun hiding spots, take a look online to see how Santa’s little helpers have inspired the imagination in others! What holiday traditions do you have? Start some new ones with your family this holiday season.
Happy Holidays! Enjoy your family and all the traditions you take part in.