Christmas Traditions

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Christmas has always been a big holiday in my family and one that we all look forward to. Growing up my mom always had my sister and I so excited about the Christmas holiday, being out of school for two weeks, and of course the big visit from Santa Clause, it was like we were on a constant sugar high from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. That being said we have a few Christmas activities that have become part of my family’s Christmas traditions.

For today’s post I thought it would be fun to share a few traditions and of course some old Christmas photos; what’s a holiday without a little nostalgia. In my family the day after Thanksgiving marks the day that it is time to pick out the perfect tree, listening to Christmas music, trim the tree, and put up all of the Christmas decorations. Nashville is packed full of Christmas activities: The Nutcracker, Christmas plays, A Dickens Christmas, Light display at the Opryland Hotel, The Christmas Tour at the Belle Meade Plantation, just to name a few. Each Christmas season we usually go see a Christmas play or The Nutcracker at TPAC {White Christmas has been my personal favorite} and go see all the lights at the Opryland Hotel. The one family tradition that probably takes the most is taking the perfect Christmas card photo – before digital cameras my mom would take about 3 rolls worth of film in the attempt to take that oh so perfect picture.

On Christmas Eve we watch a Christmas movie together, usually A Christmas Carol, then go to the candle light service at church. Once home we change into some comfortable clothes, sit next to the tree, and listen to my day read The Night Before Christmas. On Christmas day we open presents in the morning as a family, have breakfast, open some more presents, then prepare for the big event of the day – Christmas dinner. For Christmas dinner my grandparents come over, which is never boring, and we gather as a family, reflect on the year, and remember what all there is to be thankful for in out lives.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!