Christmas Traditions

Update: Now BOTH Brooke and Molly have the stomach flu and they are both currently sleeping it off, so I thought this would be a good time to write a new post.

Since Christmas is only 5 days away I thought I would write a post about Christmas Traditions. Traditions I grew up with, and new traditions.

1. Christmas cookies. Until I entered high school I really had no idea not everyone spent a week baking Christmas cookies during the holidays. My mom and I, okay really just my mom, would bake 6-8 different types of cookies every year. My main job was to unwrap candy and taste the batter. My favorite cookies were always the Spritz cookies. My mom used a cookie gun to shape them and I would get to decorate them with sprinkles and such. She even got me a cookie gun at my bridal shower so I could make my own Spritz cookies every year. I can't wait to make them this week!

2. The Christmas tree. I'll admit it, we have a fake tree. I spotted it at Target last year and begged Dustin for it. It is easy to put together, doesn't make a mess, and I don't have to water it to keep it semi-alive. Maybe one year we'll venture to the tree farm. On to our tree. I don't like matchy matchy trees. I don't want a theme, all the same color, or matching wrapping paper. I love a hodge podge of Hallmark ornaments, handmade ornaments, and fun wrapping paper.

3. Hallmark ornaments. Growing up we got a new ornament each year. It was always fun to set up the tree each year and see all of the different ornaments we collected that fit our personalities. Dustin and I have even started our own mini collection, along with ornaments for the girls. I love it!

4. Stockings. I know not every one does stockings but they were big in my family growing up. My Mammy sewed a stocking for everyone in the family and embroidered ours names on them. It was always fun to finish opening gifts, eat a big breakfast, and then open our stockings. My parents still bring my stocking out to Indiana when they visit, along with a stocking for Dustin.

5. Christmas pajamas. This is a new tradition that Dustin and I want to start. On Christmas Eve we will get each other a new pair of pajamas and wear them on Christmas [because who doesn't love opening presents in their pajamas].

What are YOUR favorite Christmas traditions?