Today I am joining up with Leslie for her 10 on the 10th link up. This month is all about traditions! Although I’ve talked about these before I’ve never gathered them in one place. And I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to make a list of ten!
1. Bake all the cookies
We bake so many cookies for the holiday season. The tradition used to be to do a majority of the baking Up North the day after Thanksgiving. But, since we no longer go Up North, I’ve started doing the baking over a weekend or two.
These are from last year, but I’ll be making many of the same ones.
2. Friend breakfast
While this isn’t happen this year, ever since Annabelle was a bitty baby, my friend’s mom has had us and another friend (and of course her daughter) over for a Christmas breakfast. It’s something I look forward to every year (especially now that the kids can play, and the adults can talk). Not going to lie, supper bummed we can’t do it this year, but my friedns and I are planning on at least a virtual meet up.
Once again, this picture is from last year. Annabelle was sick, so she couldn’t join us. 🙁
And this picture is from 2017.
3. Make a gingerbread house
Every year the girls and I make gingerbread houses. The help make the dough, then I cut out the shapes. When we decorate them, I give them a bottle of icing, and let them have at it. I am planning on doing a little tips and tricks post next week, so be sure to check back!
4. Watch Christmas movies
I love watching all the Christmas movies in December. The top ones on my list are Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Die Hard. I am also more lax with my TV time, as snuggling with the girls on the couch is lots of fun.
5. Send Christmas cards
We send Christmas cards every year. I like to make my own using Canva, since I can also get them printed from Canva, and they come with envelopes. I also have pictures on one side, then a little letter on the opposite side.
6. Listen to Christmas music
I’ve been listening to Christmas music since November. No shame in my game.
7. Make pajama pants
Recently I’ve started making the girls matching pajama pants. I love seeing them wear them.
Some outtakes from last year. I still need to make the ones for this year.
The point at which Aubrie was over it.
8. Celebrate with family
This is obviously going to look different this year. We usually celebrate with Matt’s side of the family on Christmas Eve, then my side of the family Christmas day.
9. Get out all the Christmas books
As a former first grade Catholic school teachers I have soooo many Christmas books (and other holiday books). So, every year, the day after Thanksgiving I get them all out. I love watching the progression of reading. Now Annabelle can read all the books I used to read outloud.
10. Make ornaments
I also love having the girls make ornaments. I always make sure to write the date some where on the ornament so that we can remember how old they were when it was made. Hopefully when they have their own Christmas tree they will be able to remember the fun times had making them.
This is one of my favorite ones. Although, it was made more by me than Annabelle… I did use her hand print though!