My Favorite Christmas Traditions
Part of the reason I love christmas so much is because of the tradition that comes along with it. I grew up Catholic, and my faith has always been really important to me. If you didn’t grow up Catholic or Christian, or religion hasn’t been important to you, that’s okay, I hope this post till inspires you!
I believe that part of living life in a way God encourages us to live is to put love first. During this time of year, I find love and generosity so much more of a “front of mind” thing for me. Do you feel the same?
In my military lifestyle, keeping these traditions is even more important to me than in the past. I am a “put the Christmas decor up the day after halloween” type of gal, so you can only imagine what this means!!
I’ll never forget unpacking all of my stuff when T and I moved in together and his utter awe and astonishment when he saw my multiple containers full of Christmas decorations! He is only going to be more thankful when our house is full of Christmas joy and coziness in the years to come!
For many years ahead, T and I will be living in multiple homes, away from our families, with “change” becoming more of a regular part of life. Christmas has always been such a joyful time of year, and I don’t want that to change amidst this ever-changing life.
I wanted to share with you a few of my family’s Christmas traditions that I grew up with, and a few that I want to make a tradition for us!
Growing Up:
Christmas Eve mass
Family gifts Christmas Eve and Santa gifts Christmas morning
The movie White Christmas on Christmas Eve
Chrismas morning brunch
Donations to those in need - either donating to a cause or purchasing gifts for a family in need
Christmas cookies and sugar cookie decorating - now that I’m in charge I’m going to add in a few more “healthified” into the mix!
Festive “Christmas” outfits! What can I say, I love dressing up! One of my favorite things is picking out a little something new for Christmas Eve mass and dinner with my family.
Prime Rib and Mom’s famous mashed potato casserole (it is life changing).
Me and T:
Matching jammies
Pickle in the tree
Elf on the shelf
Gingerbread house making contest
“Gift tradition” - for years I would give my mom a decorative plate. Then that evolved into adding one piece at a time to her Lenox nativity scene. I’d love to create some tradition in this idea with T.
This year, I decided to put together a little collage of some matching Christmas pajamas I thought were too cute that you might love for your family too!
What are your favorite Christmas traditions?
Merry Christmas!
XO, Di