KEEPING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS ALIVE
It's the holiday season, which means parties galore, kids out of school, getting all the last minute gifts and snacks prepared. But the holidays are also such a lovely time to bring family together, take time for loved ones, and do it all with pure intention. Each year I think more and more on how I can make special moments for my family.
I look back on my childhood and all the traditions my mom set in place for us to enjoy. She was so good at taking little pieces of the season and turning them into memories I still cherish today.
Some of my favorite holiday traditions growing up were:
Advent Calendar
The Nutcracker Performance
Christmas Eve Service
Yule Chimes
Getting to bring these from my childhood into my adult life and mold them into ones my family can carry on has been such a blessing. Some of our Elias family traditions include borrowed ones from my childhood and new traditions we have created together:
Advent Calendar
Elf on Shelf
The Nutcracker Performance
Christmas Eve Service
Yule Chimes
BB Tea Party
Ice Skating
Photos with Santa
Trail of Lights
Making Pomanders
Mozarts’ Light Show
Reading a Christmas book at night
Crazy Christmas Headbands
Matching PJs (siblings and cousins)
A Christmas Affair
Traditions don’t have to be grand. They can be as simple as making pre-bought cookies the night before Christmas. Or spending an afternoon making crafts out of all the miscellaneous items in the closet. Even stopping for a holiday drink with your kids during a day full of shopping. Think back to the times you loved most as a kid, and the magic they brought. Put your own personal spin on some of the memories and make them into new ones of your own.
And you can start new ones at any time. I’ve found that as my kids get older we tweak our our traditions…add some that are more age appropriate.
May your holiday be filled with little moments that become big memories for you and your family!
With LOVE and grace,
Elizabeth