December 17, 2011

Traditions

Crazy time of year!  Don't you agree?  I really have never felt as much pressure and stress caused by holidays.  Not sure why I'm feeling pressure this year.  I'm actually way ahead of the game... normally I shop the week before Christmas and wrap the day before, this year, I'm done shopping AND, everything is wrapped!  And, I actually remember wrapping them this year! 

If you have young(er) kids, I have a question for you.  Does Santa come to your house?  Does Santa bring different (as in not currently under the tree) presents?  Does Santa borrow your wrapping paper or use his own?  Do you or santa write the kids names on their gifts or do you have another system?

We've tried a combination of lot's of these systems, but haven't really settled into a tradition.  This year, I'm sure Santa will stop, eat the cookies and share the reindeer food, but he will not be bringing presents, at least not ones that are different from the ones under our tree.  It will largely go unnoticed I'm sure.  Just not that into it anymore!

I did have to code all the presents this year.  And last.  Last year I used the same number for each kid, I think it had something to do with their  birthday's... they figured it out.  This year, it's COMPLETELY random, I have it all written down, but there is NO WAY they will figure it out.

What other Christmas traditions do you have? 

We go to the Santa parade downtown Zeeland (weather dependant).
We normally go see Santa at some point, unfortunately it hasn't happened yet this year. 
I love to go to the Critter Barn for thier nativity scene... have to do that yet this year as well.
We always have Cherry Coffee cake for breakfast (at least that's what Bailey says... I don't remember it being a tradition, but I'll humor her).
We decorate the tree together and hang up all the old ornaments from when Matt and I were little, as well as the new(er) ones that have been purchased or made.  No, we don't have a "pretty" theme tree, but we have a pretty family tree... and I love it!
I typically wake up before the kids on Christmas morning!  I get so excited to see them open presents that I can't wait, and apparently my kids aren't quite so anxious.  I remember being up at 5am on Christmas when I was little... now I sleep in a little later. 

Do you do a lot of baking this time of year? 

I typically don't purposely bake for Chrismas, but this time of year makes me want to bake. Yesterday Elliot and I made Salty Caramel Oat Bars, which are seriously delicious.  I LOVE salty and sweet... put it all together - AMAZING!  We also made Chubby Hubby Bars - again, I highly recommend these, they are fabulous, but... they are very hard to cut.  I may try doing the carmel differently.  More like the Salty Caramel Oat Bars next time and just sprinkle the chocolate on top maybe?  Anyway... they are fabulous and will definitely be a staple in our house!  You know... as in one of the food groups offered on a regular basis!  :)


And, I leave you with a rather awkward picture of our family!  Crazy to see my hair getting so much longer... remember last year?