I love traditions of all shapes and sizes, and part of my favorite thing about being a mom is establishing family traditions. But part of that is figuring out what works for our family, and in what form. So as we start to pack up the Christmas decorations and music and books, I want to take a moment to reflect. And to share some pictures.
We start on the first Sunday of Advent. Our Advent wreath is some fake greenery formed into a ring around a thrift store candleabra. We light the candle(s) before dinner and after eating sing a verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and extinguish them (using a fancy schmancy snuffer, which makes it ever-so-fun). Doing the “an-els” was also big motivation for Big Brother to take his plate to the kitchen. He was a little enthusiastic with the snuffer, but did a great job with some assistance. This year I think we did verses 1, 4, 6, and 7 (at least as they’re numbered in the Methodist hymnal we use). We switch verses every week, but sing multiple verses on Sundays.
Then, on December 6th, the presents start. St. Nicholas Day is a fun new thing for me, but dovetails quite nicely with my fond memories of hanging my stocking by the chimney with care. We have special orange pecan French toast (no significance, just a favorite) and discover the contents of our stockings—toothpaste, lip balm, socks and the like. Oh, and a magazine. A very important component.
And uploading these pictures has used up my time allotted, so I’ll have to continue next time.
ooooooh! cannot wait to hear about all your traditions! this has been a tough one for us because we crave establishing family traditions and routines especially around the church calendar but neither of us grew up with any such thing and so we're at a loss most of the time...(as well as time-strapped). you inspire me. love the photos of the boys!
ReplyDeleteYou do such a great job of establishing traditions. That's so special!!
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