When we (my sisters and I) were growing up, my grandparents always spent Christmas Eve at our house. It was so special to go wake up my grandpa at 5 in the morning and snuggle with him until my parents woke up, just staring at the tree. My mom always had a very adult tree upstairs, it was mostly covered in blown glass ornaments/very breakable ornaments and covered in white lights, white garland, and white beads. I always loved to admire that tree.
Even though we don't plan to do "Santa" with our kids, as a child we did celebrate Santa coming. My grandpa would "go to the mall" on Christmas Eve, which meant he went to the basement to get dressed up like Santa, then would come and knock on the upstairs door and give us a quarter. He did this for everyone in the neighborhood. One year, I asked my mom, "Mom why is Santa wearing Pap's glasses?" I was about 4 so I don't remember her answer, but I think the cat might have been out of the bag then ;). He also made one of our neighbors so afraid she locked herself in the bedroom on Christmas Eve. Oops! He totally didn't mean to scare her. He was the greatest pap ever! We'd also usually eat pizza from my mom's favorite pizza shop that evening.
On Christmas morning, we had gifts from my parents under the tree upstairs. Then we would eat some breakfast (usually some nut roll, date roll, and other sugary goodness) and then open the presents "from Santa" under the tree downstairs (aka gifts from my grandparents.) Then our parents would finish up lunch while we played/put away our new gifts.
(I realize now the tree always looked so much more majestic when I wasn't allowed to touch anything).
At lunch our aunt and uncle would come, we'd all sit down to eat lunch. Afterwards, we'd open up our stockings and gifts from them after lunch. It was a very special time.
Normally our tree had more decorations but I don't know why we didn't that year. This was my last gift from my grandpa. He passed on the following October. He was the best paper catcher/thrower awayer ever! ;)
my sister loves beagles so she got some beagles that year
Then we'd head to my dad's parent's house after all the dishes were done and put away. We'd eat some dinner down there, exchange gifts, and then head to our neighbor's house. They would offer us the most delicious assortment of cookies. There's one I have no idea what it's called but it has chickpeas in it and it's soooooo amazing (perhaps because I grew up on it).
I'm not sure what our new traditions will be as we start our own little family. I sure do miss though being able to wake up on Christmas morning (even in high school) at 5 am and snuggle with my grandpa. Those were the days! I'm sure though we'll start focusing our family traditions around Christ after our little one gets here. He truly is the reason for this Season.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6-7
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6-7
What are some of your Christmas Traditions??? How have they changed since being married?
Our Christmas tradition since we got married has been setting up the train :-) I'm sure next year will bring the start of lots more traditions!
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