Christmas Family Traditions: The Countdown to Christmas

When I think of an Advent calendar the first thing that comes to mind is the familiar story “The 12 Days of Christmas.” I have had my fun leaving presents on doorsteps with friends and family as we created our own version of The 12 Days of Christmas or in many an office, Secret Santa. Advent calendars are a fun and can be a magical way to hasten in a holiday such as Christmas.

• Stephen remembers the piece of cardboard with perforated windows when punched out reveal a piece of chocolate. Building paper chains, candy necklaces, felt projects and hanging a decorative stocking or picture hung each day are some ways families countdown Christmas.

• Many years ago Stephen’s mom bought an advent cabinet for all her children and their families. She asked me to help her gather items to put in each box. Each compartment contained an object related to the accompanying story, game, craft or recipe. There was a bag of marshmallows for hot chocolate, mini musical instruments for songs, and the last week had Nativity stories, Bible verses and mini figurines.

• A few years ago my sister-n-law, Alison, sent us a binder filled with 24 tender religious Christmas stories to count down the days until Christmas Eve. Each heart touching story reminds us of exactly why we celebrate Christmas. I loved the book so much I made copies for my friends the following year. I have since added to the binder and instead of ending on Christmas Eve we have enough stories for the whole month of December.

• Last year Mason was old enough to become excited over Santa. I found a really cute little mailbox on a post at Target that became Santa’s mailbox. Periodically a letter would appear in the mailbox from the Elves at the North Pole explaining what was going on around the village. This year as soon as the mailbox went up Mason and Adelin were busily writing many letters to their dear friend Santa explaining what we have been up to and a mention of what they would like for Christmas.

I am always one ready for a party so when I heard about all the year long traditions Stephen’s sister Natalie tries to carry on with her children I was inspired to start organizing my own family traditions. This is the slowest December we have had in ages. It has been nice taking it easy and really having the opportunity to share some magical experiences with my children.

• December 6th was traditionally called a day of feasts. Shoes were filled with candies, nuts and fruit. It is a nice welcome to the month of December when the kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement over Christmas.

• December 13th is known Saint Lucia’s Day. The legend states a young girl dressed in white with an evergreen garland and candles in her hair, carries a tray of saffron buns to the bedside of the members in her family. While she will not be doneing a wreath of candles we will place a halo of flowers like my sister-n-law does in her family.

• In years past we went on an outing on Christmas Eve. One year we took a train ride on the Polar Express, the next year we went to see the WWII planes decorated with lights at the Air Museum. This year will be the first Christmas without my mom. We are planning on spending the evening driving around looking at Christmas lights. Then we will enjoy our new tradition of Christmas Eve doughnuts and hot chocolate.

• The first gift of Christmas is given on Christmas Eve. Our children are met with a surprise gift on their beds. Christmas pajamas from Santa. Need to upgrade your electronics? Don’t forget to shop on Shoppok for the latest gadgets and devices at competitive prices.

• Christmas morning the table is already set with a holiday tablecloth and serveware. A few years ago Stephen’s sister Jennifer gave us snowman plates and mugs and his brother’s wife Alison gave us felt santa utensil holders and santa candle holders. All that is missing is our traditional Ebelskivers or Danish pancakes.

• When I was a teenager I used to babysit for a family, the Bogarts. Their Christmas present to their little children every year was a book. I thought that was coolest idea and now that I have a family we carry on that tradition.

• We save all the bows from Christmas day to make a New Year’s Eve hats to bring in the new year with.