What Christmas/Holiday traditions do you have for your kids or want to start if this is your first kiddo?
I want to get Advent candles and do an Advent devotion each week as we light a new candle.
When I was little all of us kids would wake up on Christmas morning and crawl into my parents bed. We couldn't go do anything until we were all there and took a family picture in their bed. I'd love to do that with my family - I think it'd make a great timeline of pictures over the years.
We always went to a midnight service on Christmas Eve and I want to keep doing that with my family.
On one evening leading up to Christmas our immediate family would all get dressed up and my mom would cook a fancy meal. We'd use the china and crystal and we all felt so grown up. Then we'd exchange immediate family presents (Christmas morning was just Santa). I'm not sure how hubby will feel about that since he grew up exchanging all presents Christmas morning. But hopefully he'll be on board with the fancy dinner.
Re: Christmas/Holiday traditions
We always go feet a tree together and the kids help decorate it. last year we all sat around watching a movie string together popcorn garland!!
DS1 and I make cookie plates and then we drive around handing them out to the homeless. DS2 will help this year. I've bought blankets through out the year, and we will hand those out as well.
We always leave cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer.
One thing we do with my stepson that we will do with both boys is the last weekend that we have him before Christmas, I go through all his toys with him and we pack up everything he doesn't like or use anymore and donate it. You have to give in order to receive. He willingly donates at least half his old toys every year. It's awesome.
When I was young my family always did one gift and new jammies on Christmas Eve. We just vegged. I like the idea if a pkg with hot chocolate and popcorn, etc. Very cute! I also love decorating the tree while listening to Christmas music. Hopefully DS will enjoy it too as DH couldn't care less.