My Christmas Traditions!

Everybody has Christmas traditions, whether or not they celebrate the day. It’s just unavoidable, like crowded malls and excited children. 

And my interest is often piqued when people share theirs. After all, someone else’s usual tradition could spark a new one for you.

So here are mine!

What Has Changed

Things change as the years go by, so why should Christmas traditions be immune?

This is what has changed for us.

Where We Celebrate It

There haven’t been many years where I celebrated Christmas at my house. Either because of foster care or us shlepping to some family member’s house of my stepdad.

So, it’s been nice doing our own things the past few years, like us going to Vegas or me going to Texas last Christmas.

Attending Christmas Eve Service

We used to attend church all the time, but not since my mom got her current job. And she hates that, being a devout, although non-traditional Christian.

But I’m glad I don’t have to go to church anymore. It was never my choice, and I never felt like I fit in with the other kids, teens, or adults.

My Bedroom Tree

For years after I came home from foster care, I had a small artificial tree on which I would put on my dresser and hang tiny ornaments. And I would get presents under it each year.

But after I got my Keurig, I no longer had room for it. So now, it’s been sitting in storage, waiting for the day I remove it from its box and put it on display again.

What Hasn’t Changed

Despite my unusual and fragmented upbringing, I lean back on a few Christmas traditions annually.

Christmas Movie Watching

I am an avid movie watcher anyway, but I have classic movies I rewatch each holiday season. I’m staring at you, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and the Santa Clause trilogy.

Along with new ones with find and like them, like Candy Cane Lane this year on Prime Video.

Holiday Baking

My mom loves baking, especially during the holidays, so what she’ll create for us each year is exciting.

Hopefully, we’ll make Polar Express cookies, a childhood favorite of mine that I haven’t had in years, which I’ll likely write about for you guys.

And yes, they’re named after the awesome movie.

Cutting Down and Decorating the Tree

Other than when we went to Las Vegas a couple of years ago, we’ve always had a Christmas tree.

While I do believe fake trees are an option that should be explored for many, my stepdad has to have his Douglas Fir every year. 

This is fine, except for the fact we have a short ceiling and specific tree requirements, so finding the right one can be challenging.

Then we hang ornaments on it, which change a bit each year, but a few favorites manage to be hung up.

Getting New Ornaments

Every year, we get three new ornaments, one for each of us. We own so many we could decorate several trees and still have enough to have one with only birds or balls on it.

Christmas Morning Brunch

Because we’ve spent most of our holidays with my stepdad’s family, my mom learned to be more creative about what she made for us.

So, Christmas brunch was born. And it’s usually some carb-filled delight with bacon or sausage on the side to tie us over until dinner.

Will More Change?

Oh, I’m sure it will, as does everything. And, as I’m learning to love that concept, it excites me.

Embrace Your Traditions!

Because whether you’re a Christmas fanatic or a bit of a Scrooge, we all have that thing(s) we do this time of year.

And happy holidays!

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