This & That: Traditions, Traditions...

Redartz:  Here it is, Christmas Eve. And whether you are celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or the advent of Winter, you are probably engaging in those time-honored routines we call traditions. From decorating your home to attending a religious service; from enjoying some favored holiday delicacy to honoring loved ones with gifts, traditions are a huge part of our holiday observance. And here at BitBA, we're no different. And so, before all the guests arrive, we're inviting you all in to share a few of our traditions.

At our house, the decorations go up Thanksgiving weekend. Setting up the Christmas tree is the biggest job, as we've accumulated a bunch of ornaments through the years. One little tradition I've added is that of making an ornament each year. We still buy some, especially the collectible ones- Batman , the Muppets and Spider-Man have prominent spots on the tree). Yet the effort in creating that ornament is well worth it; making the tree a bit more unique and personal.

Speaking of personal, I also design a greeting card each year (and my wife usually has to remind me that time is running out). Meanwhile, the cookies she makes are cooling on the counter; of course I have to sample a few to keep my creative energies up. She lets me help decorate them, but the baking is off limits to me- I'm no help there, anyway. 

We always try to catch a variety of holiday movies each season, and the animated specials as well. YouTube has enabled us to go back and rewatch some long-ago treats. This year we saw a John Denver special from 1975 (with a young Steve Martin), and a Judy Garland show from 1963. Lots of fun, and also a kick seeing the original commercials included (remember "Clink"- Andre' for the Holidays", and the Norelco  shaver with Santa on board). 

And, of course, I also try to read a few Christmas themed comics. A good way to wind down after a long day of work followed by a long evening of holiday shopping...

Martinex1:  Much like you, Redartz, our family starts to decorate Thanksgiving weekend but items gradually roll out as the days progress.   Wrapped gifts start to appear on the fireplace mantle with the pile gradually growing as Christmas approaches.  We have a couple of artificial trees that we rotate from year to year.  My favorite is the completely modern silver metallic tree that spins.  It reminds me of the one my parents put up for us back in the 70s.   My wife is much more traditional when it comes to trees so we get a good laugh out of it; this year we have the green tree up. 

My youngest still looks for the Elf on the Shelf each morning, so there are quite a few creative challenges each year. My favorite was when Elfie ate the dog biscuits and left a note that Santa would not be pleased with our choice of cookies, or perhaps when Elfie added mustaches to the boys' school photos.

We light some bushes outside our door in red, green, and white.  But every year the rabbits chew through the wires so we have intermittent strands.   It has become a bit of a tradition to see which shrubs stay lit. 

With the boys we watch Christmas movies of all kinds, but lately we seem to catch Elf, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone more frequently.

Christmas Eve is typically a big day.   Our family always goes to an animated movie in the theater; this year we most likely will see Sing.  Then it is off to church for the evening candlelight service and back home for a nice dinner (usually a combination of pasta and ham and a special sausage soup). While we are out Santa comes for the boys and leaves behind the special gifts (and perhaps a small lump of coal).

Christmas Day is more low key and relaxing.   But festivities really last all the way through New Year with visits from the Grandparents and board game playing.  Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by today! Feel free to share some of your holiday traditions and diversions. We still have a few gifts to wrap, so we better get  busy. Wherever you are, and whatever your beliefs, may you have all the peace and happiness the season can provide!