Christmas traditions

[Nati]

What are your Christmas traditions?
On Christmas day I make a big brunch and everyone comes over to eat and open presents.
We added a new one this year...making gingerbread houses with the children in the family, and going to see our local Garden of Lights.
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[love2bmom]

Looks like a great idea and a lot of fun!!

[Mab]

We are not into the "traditional" christmas. since most of it comes from pagon days... :(
but what we did do last year, which i think was a good way of sharing God's Love, was invite family, as well as friends (espeically those that don't have other family to be with) to share the day. everyone contributed towards the food in some way, and we spend time together. I know my one friend who is divorce, and has only a son here REALLY appreciated that they were not alone on the day - and could spend it with others.
So many people are alone then, and it is depressing for them. I want to do it again this year, but am not sure if i am up to having so many people here (with all the preparation & cleaning) and the heat, and my size getting bigger & bigger :) )
I will give someone else a turn this year, but next year - if i am not pregnant again, I will be doing so...

[mamallama]

Nati, that looks like so much fun! What a great tradition! TFS your pictures with us. :D

I am just beginning to start traditions with my children. My family never really had any traditions growing up other than just opening presents on Christmas Eve...snacking on chocolate and cookies and mom always fixes a turkey dinner. This year I have done an Advent calendar with my daughter and we are counting down 'till Christmas with hanging socks for each day. She gets a small treat, a baggie with pieces of a puzzle to complete each day until Christmas, and a verse to a Christmas poem which we add to each day. We also try to do something fun each day such as: make homemade ornaments for the Christmas tree, bake goodies, color Christmas pages, etc.