Christmas Traditions

I love the fact that Christmas allows families to get together and share traditions. Each family is unique and I always love to hear others share their different Christmas traditions. Here are a few of our family Christmas traditions:

1. Christmas Pajamas - I give the kids new Christmas pj's each year to wear on Christmas Eve, even now at 19 and 16 years old!
2. Going to a Christmas movie together - as the kids got older this was a tradition we added to get them to hang out with family. Some movies we have seen in the past: Polar Express, The Nativity. For some reason, Amber always falls asleep. We're taking bets for this year.
3. Getting the tree - read previous blog
4. Playing the N'Sync Christmas CD and dancing in the living room like fools..."Merry Christmas and Haaaapppy Holidays!"
5. Giving each child a new ornament for the tree - Each year I buy them a new ornament for the tree. I try to find ones that are relevant to what they are into or who they are.
6. Christmas morning video moment - this started when they were very young, they would have to wait for us to set up the camera before they could enter the room and see what Santa brought; the funny thing is that even now, they wait for Tim and I to get set up before they come downstairs, only now they call us on their cellphones to let us know they are ready!
7. Going to the mall together - It started when the kids were young with visiting Santa. Now that they are older it includes shopping and lunch. The malls are always decorated so nice and it puts you in the Christmas spirit to see all the decorations. We love Aventura, but don't always make it there.
8. Going to Christmas Eve service as a family - this seems typical, but as a staff family and having teenagers, this does get harder to do. We also each find a place to serve during the services.

I have a few more, but I would rather hear what your Christmas traditions are!!