Christmas Traditions

Having Traditions & Their Meaning

Today I would like to share my childhood and young adult life Christmas traditions that I simply treasure and love.

These have helped bring fun, as well as happiness into my family's and I's life during the holiday season throughout the years. And I sincerely hope they will to you too!

I will be listing 5 special traditions that have been in my life.

There will also be a bonus tradition that I hope to start next year, (because it is too late this season to do so.) In which you will find at the end of this Blogmas post.

Christmas is only in 4 days... so I suggest we better start now!

My Traditions

1. The elves and the candy canes. This one first began when I was little.

My mom would wait till us kids were asleep, and on Christmas eve she would quietly hang the peppermint sugary treats on the tree. When morning came and it was time to celebrate the day, we would find that the "elves" snuck in the house along side Santa while he left the presents, and left them there for us to find.

It brought an extra touch of wonder I think. And it was even carried on from my older brother and sister with their children. (And perhaps one day if I become a parent, I'll do them same.)

2. 1 Christmas eve gift. Here is a tradition for the whole family! That we all still to this day enjoy. Have you ever been so excited the night before Christmas, that you just wanted to open one gift?

Well, that's exactly what happens. Everyone gets to open one gift of their choice.

It's just enough to hold everyone over till Christmas day. (May I note, that these were the gifts from the parents or other family members. Not from Santa.)

And in a few short days, I'll be excited for this tradition!

3. Nighttime Lights. This tradition can be done anytime of the month of December.

All you have to do, is grab your favorite people, a warm beverage, (I personally like cocoa, on this night.) And don't forget the warm blankets. Hop in the car, and begin driving to an area that's all lit up. You know the kind, a place that looks like it could be Whoville.

A small down town is a wonderful place to start, if I might add.

4. Wishlist letters for the New Year. Usually when making these letters, it's done on Christmas eve, and it's usually the most fun. HOWEVER, you can do it, as long as it done before January 1st.

All you will need is a small piece of paper, and a pencil. Next, think about everything you wish to receive/do in the upcoming year. It could be to learn a new hobby, how to become more mindful, or even try a new recipe. Whatever that is good, and brings you joy, write it down. Now, you might be thinking that this sounds like a new years resolutions.

And I suppose it sort of is. But it's a lighter approach, in being hopeful and not to stress over. When you're all done, roll it up like a tiny scroll, and place it into a plastic ornament. (That way it's easier and safer to take out on next years Christmas eve, and see what came true!) Hang it back on the tree and wait.

5. Homemade bird seed pinecones. The best part about this tradition, is that you can do it ALL WINTER LONG! and get to help feed the little feathered friends stay fed during the cooler months.

It's best to look for pinecones when there isn't any snow on the ground, as a heads up.

Once you have gathered a handful, take them back inside. Tie a long enough piece of string to the top of your pine cone. (So you can hang it up later.)

Next, fill a tray with bird seed. Have a bowl of peanut butter at the ready, and roll the pine cone generously in it. Roll the now covered pinecone in the seed, and ta-da!

Repeat with the other pinecones and watch the beautiful birdies flock around your home! (I always loved watching the different kinds of birds. <3 )

6. Chocolates and Books. Bonus for next years holiday.

I recently read about the tradition that comes from Iceland back in 1944. It sounded absolutely perfect!

It's called, "Jolabokaflod" and it translates to "Christmas Book Flood."

You can give or receive a book on Christmas Eve. Everyone sits around and reads their books, while eating chocolate. (And no I'm not making this up.)

Being a lover of both Books and chocolate, I'm really looking forward to this one.

Enjoy All Your Days & Holidays Too

Alright, that is another Blogmas wrap! If you want to try any of these for you and yours, I hope they bring you as much happiness as they have myself.

Is there any tradition that is special to you? And if so, I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Because I'm a sucker for a good tradition. I also find it fascinating to learn about how others celebrate.

I would like to point out, that even though Blogmas is nearly over, I have been delighted to try my hand at Christmas blogging. With that being said, I wish you all a lovely day, night, winter, Christmas, New Year! And everything in between and here after.

Xx. -A