I was feeling a little overwhelmed with traditions this year.
It felt like there was so much to do, and at times the 'traditions' felt like just one more thing to squeeze into the schedule! I really hated feeling like that. I was trying to figure out if it was because Thanksgiving was late this year, or because I'm homeschooling (and have more going on), or because we just have too many 'must do' traditions!
So, this year I let a lot go.
This is huge for me!
We didn't do EVERYTHING we usually do, but had a fun time with the things we DID do!
Also, I didn't 'document' everything.
(Which means I took a lot less photos)
Here's a bit of what we did....
For Thanksgiving every year we normally have a 'Thankful Box'. In that box we put slip of paper with things we are thankful for on them. This year we made a 'Thankful Tree', and added 'leaves' throughout the month of November.
This was fun.
We usually try to do a Family Service Project during the holiday season.
This year we put together two Christmas Boxes.
We did a Boy age 2-4, and a Girl age 5-9 box.
They have a barcode, and you can register to 'Follow Your Box', and find out where it ended up.
Ours made it to the Philippines.
The kids loved knowing this, especially after seeing the destruction from the typhoon, they liked knowing that a child who might of lost everything got a little something nice in the box.
We didn't miss the tradition mailing of a letter to Santa, and sitting on his lap!
The girls didn't miss it at least...the boys weren't so interested.
Snowy day activities....
Snowflake making.
There was a German Christmas market in Baltimore this year, and we went to check it out.
We enjoyed some bratwurst and Christmas trinkets.
Silly kids.
The girls and I went out to lunch, and then to see the Nutcracker Ballet.
This is something we've been doing since Morgan was 3 (11 years now), and I enjoy it so much!
I had no patience for gingerbread houses this year.
There always seems to be tears. Someones house is always collapsing, or they can't get it 'just' right.
So, we decorated 'Christmas Trees' instead (upside down ice cream cones).
We had some friends over to join in the fun that night too!
Oh the sugar rush!
Another thing we love to do is to drive around the neighborhood all dressed in our pj's, with our robes and slippers on. We play Christmas music and look at all the beautifully decorated homes!
And the above photos are from just one mans home!
It's a favorite of ours, and he doesn't disappoint!
The model train village at the Fire Station.
They have a list of 25-30 items to 'find' in the display. Duncan LOVES this part.
So does Brian actually.
We also enjoyed lots of our favorite holiday movies and books during the month of December, singing Christmas Carols at a Nursing home, baking lots of cookies, and 'Caning' friends.
Doing secret acts of kindness, and learning about the baby Jesus.
When I look back on the month, I realize we did do a lot, and the things we didn't do were ok to fall off the plate. Sometimes less is more. :)
