It's been a long time since I've been able to walk around the house in sweat pants, thick socks, long sleeved shirts and a sweater. It felt so weird to me, like I was immediately transported back to Idaho and it was snowing outside inside of windy and rainy.
But I am not complaining because to me, Christmas just feels more real when I have the cold and the snow and the cozy candles inside the house coupled with the glow of tree lights and little villages.
It's my favorite time of year, and also my saddest, it makes me blue, it makes me nostalgic and it makes me miss my family that is far and those that have passed on.
This year it also made me realize that though we try to tell our children that Christmas is not about just presents and Santa, there's a real meaning behind it, it's easy for kids to get side tracked and forget what really matters.
Curt and I have been trying really hard to make sure that they get it and by golly they do now :)
After telling them the story of the birth of Christ again and what the real meaning of Christmas is, the kids asked if we can have a birthday cake for Him on the 25th, and who are we to say not to such a sweet idea???
That will be a new family tradition every year and I look forward to it.
Do you have any special Christmas traditions with your family? I would love to hear about them.Oh I just heard my dryer go off, I've been doing laundry ALL.DAY.LONG. Good Grief, does it ever end?
My in laws arrive tomorrow morning, we're excited to have them here for the holidays I mean at least it won't be just us four again. And see how I just jumped from one subject to another? LOL
Anyway I have some last minute things to get done around here before company arrives, so I better get on with it.
I'll be back tomorrow with some pics and some hot coffee and maybe even some donuts, if you're good *snicker*
Lovely Pictures Sandra! Hope you have a wonderful time with your family. In case I don't 'see' you before Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThere is something about the cold and Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy sister has always done a birthday cake for Jesus. I wish I had thought of that when my kids were younger.
It's snowing here again. A nice sparkly kind of snow. It very much puts me in the Christmas mood. If it's like this tomorrow, I'll definitely be baking.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and enjoy the visit with your hubby's side of the family!
We get together Christmas Eve with my parents brothers and families. My SIL suggested that we back a Birthday cake for Baby Jesus when the boys we very little. So we continue that tradition. I will be baking it tonight or tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWe also typically attend late afternoon/Early evening Mass together and then go have our Christmas celebration with dinner and the exchange of presents.
On Christmas Eve Megan and I bake cookies for Santa. After a dinner at Olive Garden to celebrate my dad's birthday we then drive around and look at lights. After we open our presents on Christmas morning I make cinnamon rolls and Chuck's read the Christmas story before we eat. Thrown in there is the running from here to there, but I wouldn't change any of it.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Merry Christmas!
I just posted a picture of a Happy Birthday Jesus cake that Sophia's Awana teacher made a few years ago along with the instructions, scriptures and a cute (short!) video that I think Jasmine and Nicholas will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIs there a church near you that offers an Awana program? I think they would really enjoy it.
Merry Christmas,
Pamela
I agree! There is something about cold that makes it seem more christmasy! We have a tradition of clam chowder on CE and my MIL and I put together a puzzle. Christmas morning we have cinnamon rolls. Sometimes I Gide the stockings and the girls have to find them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI would SO love to live in that Kincaid Cottage at the top of your post! I'm sorry you feel a little blue at this time, but it's normal when you miss family and friends who are far away. My DD (15) and I bake shaped butter cookies made from my dear grandma's secret recipe. DD also gets a stocking filled with little fun goodies.
ReplyDeleteMay Peace and Joy fill your house and heart this Christmas season...have fun with the family that surrounds you and keep those who are away in your heart!
We have the Happy Birthday Jesus cake tradition. We bake it on Christmas Eve and have cake for breakfast Christmas day. Yum!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Sandra...
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has some things they always do; whether they call them traditions or not. I always make Russian teacakes. We always spend Christmas Day at my parents. I always get out more candles. I always fix stockings for the kids and grandkids. Just little things...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Best Wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year.
★Linda
I hope to get back into the swing after the holidays.
We may have the opportunity to go to Alaska and we are trying to jump on it. I think one of the big reasons is it doesn't seem like Christmas without snow. I miss it. I'm glad to hear that you got to enjoy the cold and really enjoy the memory of a white Christmas. And I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI get somewhat blue during this time too, for the same reasons you gave. It's kind of a bittersweet time.
I think it's great that you really wanted to give your kids the idea of what Christmas is all abut and I love the cake tradition. That is one that is going to work well.