Family Traditions

A few years ago I learned that decorating the Christmas tree as a family is WAY more fun if I set up the tree and put lights and bead garland on by myself.  I usually do this part a day or at least a night in advance.  This way our tree decorating traditions don't include mommy swearing and being in a bad mood. (Papa used to do this job but was forced to resign.)

We turn on Christmas music and I dig out my blinking light bulb necklace.  (Because that's normal, right?  Wearing blinking jewelry?) 

Papa is in charge of the ornaments and doles them out to very excited girls.  We all wear Santa hats and clap when Papa puts the star on top.  We got the star light on our honeymoon and the girls never tire of hearing the story of how we found it.

Once we are finished, we admire our work and then break out the hot chocolate and candy canes. 

Next year our littlest helper will be 14 months old, and surely considerably busier than snuggling with me this year.  I can't wait for him to join in.

In order to ensure minimal swearing while decorating next year, I donated our Christmas tree when I took it down this year.  That way I will be forced to get a pre-lit tree.  Smart thinking I hope!

Although the tree is down and the decorations packed away, the memories we made are here to stay.

(Wow.  I am really amping up the cheesiness for 2012.)

This year we started a new tradition, a gingerbread house.  Grandma Marker (Trav's mom) gave us the pan last year and we put it to good use. 

More later,
Lori