Well, here it is November already! The holiday season is fast approaching. This got me wondering about people’s holiday traditions. What kinds of things does your family do to celebrate each year?
Several years ago, our family started a tradition of doing what we call “Thanksmas” where we do a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas on Thanksgiving Day. We haven’t done it every year, but we have done it several times.
I think it takes some of the pressure off the Christmas season because one celebration is already done and we are not trying to coordinate schedules during one of the busiest times of the year.
One of my goals has been to not put pressure on my children that we “have” to get together on a certain day. As long as we get a chance to be together at some point, that is fine.
Tom and I made a decision when the kids were young that we were going to be home on Christmas Day with our family. Most Christmas Eve’s, we went out to eat pizza and drive around and look at Christmas lights. Those are some of my favorite Christmas memories.
As the kids got older, the traditions changed, but I treasure those early years of making memories with them.
Our family has grown with the addition of a son-in-law and two grandchildren. At some point, I expect it will grow further when the other kids get into serious relationships and the family expands again.
We will work to create and incorporate new traditions that honor the changes in our family. The important thing is to find ways to be together, not what day we spend together. Tell us about your favorite holiday traditions!
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