Secondary Smorgasbord: Traditions


It is time to link up again for the Secondary Smorgasbord. Thanks to The ELA Buffet and Desktop Learning Adventures for hosting!

I just love Christmas as it is my favorite time of year. My family has had many traditions that have come about over the years.

The tree almost always goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving. It certainly never goes up before. When I'm decorating the tree (only the hubby helps now), Christmas music must be playing. Decorating the tree is a walk down memory lane. I have many ornaments from my childhood and special ones that have been purchased over the years. My hubby does not always appreciate my childhood ornaments but oh well. 

He has one from 5th grade that goes on the tree every year.

On December 1, we start our countdown to Christmas. My parents give us all a chocolate advent calendar to help countdown the days.

During this time of year, I enjoy baking and making candy, watching a lot of Christmas movies, and listening to Christmas music daily.

Christmas Eve is spent with my side of the family. We dress up and my mom makes a fabulous meal. Prior to the meal we have a toast and pop our crackers. Of course, you must wear the fancy crown during the meal. After dinner, we take family pictures and open presents.


On Christmas morning, my family opens presents in our pjs. We then have monkey bread for breakfast. I tried to fix something else one year, and they wouldn't hear of it. We then spend the afternoon with my husband's family.

Over the years we've enjoyed different activities. When the boys were young, we would take them to see Santa at the Indiana State Museum. Years ago we went caroling in our neighborhood. Other activities have included buying gifts for the Angel Tree at church, driving around looking at Christmas lights, Secret Santa at work, making Christmas crafts, painting ornaments, decorating gingerbread houses, and seeing a live nativity.

For me it is a time to reflect on the birth of Christ and what that means in my life.



What traditions do you observe?