New Traditions

Benj and I were talking about some of the traditions we had at Christmastime growing up. I feel like we are still in the process of making some of our own family traditions. Here are a few we tried out this year.

One of them was the arrival of Buddy the Elf. He hangs out at our house during the day to watch the kids to see how they are behaving. At night he magically travels back to the North Pole to report to Santa. The kids really liked Buddy so I think he might return again next year.

 One of the traditions (not so much new) we have is getting new ornaments for the kids each year. Logan got an airplane, Norah a snowman, and Max a 1st Christmas one. Even Daddy got a Ute nutcracker. Logan and Norah LOVED decorating the tree this year. I had to resist my perfectionism and leave the ornaments where they were.

 

Another tradition we started is reading a Christmas book each night by the tree. We opened one a day. The kids looked forward to this every night and it was quite magical to read by the light of the tree each night. Some of the books we already owned, some borrowed from the library, and a few new ones we added to our collection. 

 This was also the first year the kids wrote letters to Santa. I found a great template online and let them fill them out themselves. Excuse Norah's post-nap bedhead.

Logan did a great job filling his in. He asked for a Spiderman "racing track". Norah asked for a

"pwincess".

We also found a new place for Christmas lights. Instead of going to Temple Square (it was just too cold for little Max this year) we stayed in our warm car and went to a nearby park where they had a cool tunnel, tons of animals and other fun scenes!

 

Another new thing we did (no picture, darn it) was celebrate the anniversary of our engagement. Its been 8 years! Benj and I enjoyed a lovely dinner at Olive Garden while Grandma Bradshaw watched all three kiddos. It was the first time leaving Max but it was so nice spending time alone with my sweetheart. I definately hope to do this one again and again.

Stay tuned for more!