Monday, December 7, 2009

Family Traditions

aka
Proud Mommy Monday

I don't feel like I have much to toot my horn about today. But we are pretty good at keeping up and making new traditions. So, I'll share a few with you today.

We have a fun holiday tradition for the eve of December 1, or November 30; however you want to say it. I think I've shared this before, but I'll share again just in case... So, on the eve of December 1, we gather the kids together and have them make their Christmas lists. They place their list in one of their shoes and set them out near the front door. The elves come into our house at night, take their lists, and leave a small gift and treats in it's stead. The girls look forward to that tradition so much! Even Sue does!

Another holiday must is Christmas brunch at our house. Every Christmas day, we host brunch for all of the family who wants to join us! We do the same casserole each year, and sticky buns, and hot chocolate, etc. But this year, we've decided to switch it up and we're going to make crepes with all the trimmings instead. We'll have chocolate and vanilla pudding, berries, bananas, whipping cream, sausage, eggs and cheese. Mmm. I can almost taste it now! (If you're worried that we're not going to make our traditional meal, fear not, for we are going to make it for Christmas Eve dinner)


We do other Christmas traditions too:
See the lights at Temple Square
Picking out an ornament each year for the kids
Open one present on Christmas Eve (used to be pjs, but we've decided it will be games for awhile)
Game night on Christmas Eve
Elf Festival at Gardner Village...

Another family activity we really enjoy (all through the year) is Family Movie Night. I capitalize it because we really try to make it an event when it happens. Now, don't get me wrong, we do watch movies together. Quite often really. But when a new movie comes out, that we've recently purchased, we really try to make it special. We usually eat dinner downstairs, get some Blue Dew, pick up lots of treats, and finally, crank the sound system! We love it when a good, new movie comes out! Recently we did Star Trek and Up movie nights.

song for today: an un-traditional version of The First Noel by Sarah McLachlan

Looking for a good Christmas cd with a good mix of old and new? Check this one out. It's one of my very very favorites!!
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5 comments:

Evette Mendisabal said...

Those are fun traditions.

Shannon said...

I'd let you adopt me into your family anytime... really! That brunch sounds scrumptious! WAY better than our bacon, sausage, eggs and sweet rolls/toast that we serve each Sunday after gifts! :) And I love the elf tradition! WAY cool!

Unknown said...

I'll be over for brunch....we are family right????? LOL I love your blog I really miss you! We need to find time to get together. I need I80 to quit getting snowed over so I dare to drive in :)

Jenny said...

Great traditions. I just read an article in a parenting magazine last night about the importance of family traditions, whether big or small. I love hearing about traditions, especially for the Christmas holidays!

Shill and Company said...

Those are such fantastic Christmas traditions that your daughters will always cherish. You are such a great mom Brandi!