Today is all about TRADITIONS.
Is anyone else currently singing: “Who day and night must scramble for a living, feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers? And, who has the right as master of the house, to have the final word at home?”
“THE PAPA….THE PAPA. TRADITION! THE PAPA… THE PAPA. TRADITION!”
(As an aside, I love Fiddler on the Roof. And, it may be because I played Golde as a junior in high school. I think I was a dang good Golde, as far as Goldes go. I may even have a video of it somewhere. But, unfortunately – you’ll probably never see it. Sorry.)
Back to why you are here.
Last year, I talked about our traditions for our first Christmas here. Most will be continued this year.
– Spend Christmas Eve at my grandpa’s home.
– Spend Christmas Day at Ryan’s parent’s home.
– Spend Christmas evening together (possibly seeing a movie again).
– Host the world-famous, 2nd Annual day-after Christmas breakfast at our home.
– Find an item/ornament during every trip we take to put on the Christmas tree. In 2009, we picked up ornaments in Arizona, Starved Rock State Park and Atlanta.
– Exchange special ornaments with Ryan for Christmas and date them.
– Send out Christmas cards to friends and family.
– Display all of our Christmas cards and choosing a favorite after the holidays- The Favorite Holiday Card Award.
– Take a post-Christmas getaway for our anniversary.
And, as a new tradition – I picked this up to document our holidays (because blogging it just isn’t document enough).
The Christmas Memories Book is from Potpourri Gifts. I’ve spotted the un-personalized version at a local gift store (and purchased it several years ago for a gift for Ryan’s brother and sister-in-law). I decided that we needed one of our own. It documents 20 years of Christmases. So, I went ahead and filled in last year (our first Christmas married). And, I’ll continue this tradition of writing it down. You know, for future generations. Because… they will care.
Inside, each year includes 5 simple pages – The following prompts with journaling space – “Holiday Visits and Visitors,” “Christmas Eve,” “Christmas Day,” “Christmas Dinner,” “Special Gifts,” “Things we want to remember.” Plus, space for a family photograph and a favorite Christmas card. Isn’t that fab? Just enough space to journal the overview and things you want to remember. Then, we’ll just store it with the holiday decorations for the next year. I’m pretty excited about this.
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me about your traditions.
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Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
The Christmas Memories Book is such an awesome idea…the years start to run together and this is perfect to remember them.
Thanks so much for hosting the blog party! I had so much fun and “met” so many creative bloggers. Now I have even more blogs to keep up with!
I can’t pick a favorite week…they all rocked. I am disappointed that we were traveling the last weekend of the party and I did not have my act together to get a post done before we left. Oh well…I am enjoying seeing everyone else traditions.
Thanks again!
Kimberly says
I also buy ornaments from everywhere I go!!! I love bringing them all out every year and remembering all the good times and beautiful places. This year, I had help from my roommate to decorate, so we shared stories about our ornaments. So much fun!
ashley morgan says
The Christmas Memories book is such a great idea! I think I will start one too.
Thank you for hosting such a wonderful blog party! It was such fun being creative and meeting new bloggers. Great job!
Erin @Domestic Adventure.com says
Ohhh, I love the Christmas Memories book (and all of your other traditions). Heck, I pretty much have been floored by everything you’ve done throughout the blog party!
Thank you so much for organizing and hosting this “gathering.” It has been so fun, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and all of the other girls!
Jen @ homeinthecountry says
I love your book idea! How fun will it be to look back at how much things have changed over the years!?
alexandjess says
I love that you host a day-after-Christmas Breakfast. My dad hosts an annual day-after-Thanksgiving waffle feast and it’s my favorite part of Thanksgiving.
Thanks so much for hosting the party. I had so much fun! My favorite week was seeing everyone’s tables Thanksgiving week.
pk @ Room Remix says
Love the idea of a Christmas memories book! My first time participating in the party. Thanks for hosting!
Lindsey says
Love this idea!!
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Kim, thanks a bunch for hosting this awesome party. So much fun to be a part of each week. I didn’t have a favorite week, they were all great! I have some great ideas for crafts, recipes and gifts for next year, hurray!
And to Mama Holli, thanks for kinking up this party. It was way too tame before! 😉
Grandma Jan says
I have enjoyed this party very much. It has really kept me on task for the holiday season. Thanks for planning and organizing the party. It has been a blast!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family and all your blogging friends.
Mama Holli says
I have the exact same book! I have been writing in it for over 16 years now! It was given to me as a wedding gift! I am kinking up to the party!
Shannon says
Kim, you are my Christmas hero. Thanks so much for putting this together, it was so fun and I’m just po’d that I had to go and get sick and miss 2 of them. You gave me so many awesome ideas and I found some fun new blogs and I bow down to your Christmas spirit.
Carrie says
Aww…I love the idea of that memories book! I just bought one for us. 🙂
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
I love the Christmas Memories book, definitely want to get one to start the tradition at my house!