One of my favorite memories is laying on the floor under the Christmas tree with my brother when the rest of the house was dark — either early in the morning or before bedtime. (Or after, sometimes, if we were sneaking around.) We’d just look up, watch the lights blink and change the branch shadows on the ceiling. I still do that now by myself.
If it’s just me doing it, it’s probably not a tradition, exactly, but I think of it that way.
Your favorite holiday traditions? I’m looking for ways to make Christmas feel like Christmas. It hasn’t for a long time, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m parenting it or if I’m older or if I’m so busy I don’t have time to notice it until it’s a week away. Eek.
I listen to holiday music. At odd times. Like when I’m vacuuming. And I look at a lot of old pictures and remember when my mind was a bit more settled, less crazed. I think the whole holiday scenario is really all about feeling comfortable and cozy. Nostalgia.
I remember looking up at the lights as a kid. I need to go do that again. The music definitely gets me going as does the Advent calendars. (Yes, calendars because there are three kids and we can’t have fighting over Advent calendars, right?) And driving the kids around to see the crazily decorated lights. Ahhhhhh, Christmas!
i see balls
We always took a horse drawn carriage ride every winter. We also always opened one package every Christmas eve…we always knew that it would be pajamas. NOw that I’m a mom I understand why..that way the kids aren’t wearing ratty ol jammies in the Christmas morning photos 🙂
Thanks, everyone! (almost everyone – ahem)
My kids reminded me this weekend that they get to open one gift on Christmas Eve — which reminded ME that I’d better wrap some stuff up so they can do that. This is the first year ever that I have not bought them new PJs, but I just can’t swing it.
I totally lay under the tree and look up at the lights. It counts as a tradition, even when (maybe even especially when) you do it by yourself. Merry Christmas! Hope it was peaceful….