You’re right. Visiting the Christmas tree at Notre Dame in Paris is not really a tradition, but this picture makes me happy every year! This week, Carole wanted to hear about traditions, and while I don’t have ethnic ones, there are a few traditions I love:
1. Bake cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. Almost every year since 2004, my pal Cheryl treks from upstate to NY to the woods of CT for epic cookie baking. I anticipate it so much!
2. See a show. We alternate between A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
3. Open one gift on Christmas Eve. This goes back to my childhood. It helps ease the anticipation.
4. Wait until Christmas night to exchange gifts. Neal and I wait until we’re alone in the house before exchanging our gifts to each other. It’s a quiet, sweet way to close out a festive day.
5. Listen to Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite as the first holiday music of the season.
6. Hand write Christmas cards. I get so much pleasure from writing out cards.
7. Give my four godchildren an ornament. Some years I make them, some years I buy them. When they finally decorate their own Christmas trees, I know they will be filled with childhood memories.
8. Put out the Christmas boot. We didn’t have stockings at my house when I was a kid; we had Christmas boots made by my Gram. I love setting mine on the mantle!
9. Give the dogs a gift. I’m telling you, Maddie (RIP) knew what Christmas was, and she loved getting her little gift each year. I’m convinced she anticipated it with joy! I’ll let you know what Oskar thinks of the holiday.
10. Kiss under the mistletoe as much as possible!
What are your Christmas traditions? Do they include hand made gifts? If so, you might want to read about my newest project offering, The Organized Elf!
I always listen to The Nutcracker while I wrap the gifts. Your traditions are wonderful.
#10! I can get behind that (or under it). 😉