Social media is a great way to stay in touch with all of your friends and family, especially around the holidays. It’s always so nice to see what everyone’s family is up to, and all of the activities and events they are partaking in. However, it raises a lot of questions at the same time. I’ll catch myself thinking, That looks so fun, why didn’t I think of that? and I can’t believe I didn’t hear about that activity! I’ll have to remember that for next year. It is hard not to see what others are doing and wonder if I am doing enough with my family.
With that being said, I thought it would be great to share some of my own traditions around the Christmas season in hopes that you will share some of yours with me and all of the DMB community.
Let the Holidays Begin…Early
Holidays can be such a great time for families for several reasons, and every family celebrates holidays differently. With my name being Holly Noel, many of you can imagine that I am a huge fan of all things Christmas and will celebrate the holiday as early and for as long as those around me will tolerate. This typically means listening to Christmas music starting around the first of November, putting the Christmas tree up the week before Thanksgiving, and leaving all decorations up and lit until New Years Day.
Gingerbread House Making
Now that I have a family of my own, I am all about starting traditions that will bring our family years of joy! Even prior to having children, my sister and I started a tradition that dates back to high school: every year we get together and make a gingerbread house. Some years turn out better than others, but it is always fun and something that we look forward to every year! We plan to continue this tradition for years to come and can now include my children in on the fun.
Two Christmas Trees
I grew up with an artificial tree and have really always thought I keep the tree up way too long to even consider having a fake one, mostly in fear that it will not be alive on Christmas Day. However, in recent years, I have began to think, What a great tradition it would be to go out with my family and pick a tree, get some hot chocolate, and bring it home to decorate! My ultimate plan might be to have a fake tree and then also get a real one that we can all decorate together!
Annual Ornaments
Since the year my husband and I started dating, we have always gone to Bronner’s in November to pick out a new ornament for our tree. It’s hard to believe that this tradition has been going on for eight years! Last Christmas, while decorating our tree, we stepped back and realized we have very little room left for our children’s ornaments. Oops!! I guess we will just have to have that second tree I mentioned.
Share Your Holidays Traditions
It is always so great to see what families are up to during the holidays, and it is amazing to the see the joy traditions add to the season! I would love to see what your family is up to during the Christmas holiday and be able to pass it on to my family to enjoy year after year!
Happy Holidays!
