Family Christmas Traditions

Family Christmas Traditions Happy Christmas Week!

I know Christmas is officially next week, but as far as I’m concerned the countdown is on!

Each year I do a variation of this post today, and this year I entitled it “Family Christmas Traditions”. Judson and I have been married a little over a year now and have easily made the transition into family. Next year will bring a whole new list of traditions to begin with Baby Bounds, so this year I’m recapping what we have loved to do so far!

1. Church

First and foremost, we celebrate the reason for the season – the birth of Christ. We spend a great deal of time at church during Christmas. I usually have at least 2-3 Christmas programs to sing in, and I also enjoy visiting my former church for the “Hanging of the Greens” service. There are nativity scenes to drive thru, celebrations and parties to attend for various ministries, just a variety of all things Christmas. Place these activities first on your list, and that’s the only tradition you’ll ever need!

2. All the Christmas Lights

Purvis is blessed to have Lewis Lights in their town. They’ve been featured on all kinds of programs and print for all they do annually. They really are a big deal! I remember the first time I took Judson there – he was like a little kid in awe. Christmas lights just put you in the Christmas spirit!

I also like to have a little “Jammy Cocoa Christmas” time, and this will definitely be something we do with Baby Bounds. If you’re not familiar with JCC, you dress in your best Christmas PJs (or whatever you have), grab some cocoa from home or Starbucks, drive around looking at Christmas lights, and blast your Christmas carols on the radio! It makes looking at lights and spending that time together more meaningful and intentional.

3. Having Fun with Peanut

I know, I know. Laugh if you want, but there is nothing more fun for me than to take Peanut places at Christmas. He dresses up and surprises all kinds of folks!

And he sits in Santa’s lap!

(So glad we are past those brown eye gunk days. Chihuahuas and their allergies!)

4. Christmas Parties

One of my very favorite parties of the year is the PUMC Christmas party. I can’t describe the relationship that this group has. We’ve been together for a long time.

Some are no longer with us due to moves or deaths, some just can’t physically sing anymore, but we are all still together in heart.

We’re quite funny when we all get together too!

5. Family Togetherness

Last, but not least, traditions start with family. For the last nine Christmases, we have been at the nursing home. I can promise you that was NEVER in the plans. But together we are.