Creating Christmas Traditions
Being a new parents brings up the question of what traditions we want to have for our family. Some traditions are introduced by us from our childhood and own experiences, others are organic and emerge as the family simply lives our experiences.
One tradition that we agreed to before the boys were born was to always spend Christmas as a family together including all three of us coparents. Because we get along so well, we would rather all three share Christmas with the boys instead of having to divide the holiday up. Of course there may come special family trips in the future but for the most part, if our families want to see the boys on Christmas day, they will have to either travel here to our home or invite all three parents to theirs.
A tradition that Brad and I started for ourselves last year is bagels and lox for Christmas breakfast. For some reason there is something about that meal that makes me feel like I’m on vacation and since the local New York deli is open on Christmas morning, what a perfect tradition. Oh, and potatoe latkes with sour cream. MMmmm
This year was my first opportunity to really do stockings right for the boys. Last year there just wasn’t much that would fit well because of they were still putting everything into their mouths. This year I had a field day in Target’s dollar section over the past few months. That and we finally broke down and gave them candy so they will get a few chocolates as well.
We’ve had several conversations about Santa Claus around our house. All three of us parents have agreed that we’ll introduce the boys to Santa and such but won’t go to great lengths to maintain his existance. If they ask, we’ll be honest and talk about him as representing the spirit of giving. Yeah, we’ll pry be the parents who’s kids tell your kids that Santa isn’t real. And being huge fans of mythology and religious studies , our kids will know the origins of Santa Claus and probably also be the ones telling other kids that the three wise men wouldn’t really have been in the manger scene either. I’d like to think the boys will even know to tell people that the wise men were probably Zorastrians. Talk about bonus points for our geekiness. There is a fine line between mythology and magic and I think that you can have both simply by having faith in God.
We’ve enjoyed introducing the entire Christmas cast of characters this year: the Christmas tree, the star on top of the tree, Reindeer, Santa, snowmen, wrapped gifts, stockings hung on the fireplace. The boys hear me singing carols constantly and Forest even joined in “la la la” with Deck the Halls the other day in the car. I love how easily they soak in the traditions and characters.
We haven’t joined a church family here in Austin yet so church traditions are yet to be set. But we did buy the boys their first book telling the story of Baby Jesus and it’s sweet to see them pointing at the baby in the manger and teaching them that his name is Jesus, his Mommy is Mary. Start simple I say. Big concepts to come in the future. I’d also like to introduce the boys to Chanukah so if any of my Jewish friends have a good board book recommendation, please comment. Again, we are inclusive instead of specific about our religious beliefs and plan to expose the boys to many traditions and beliefs as they grow up.
Christmas cookie baking is also one of my traditions from childhood that I am going to stand firm on keeping with the boys. Christmas eve we’ll be cutting out shaped sugar cookies and decorating them with sprinkles and frosting. Pictures will follow of that!
What traditions have you as parents created in your family? What comes from your childhood and what is new?
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Comments
Man, you are really on top of this! There were all sorts of Christmas traditions that I had as a child. Brook had a mix of Hanukkah and Christmas, but he can’t remember any sort of ‘tradition’ that they did year after year. In fact, he put up lights on our house this year and said that it was the first time he’s ever had lights up around Christmas time.
We haven’t had a tree for the years that we’ve lived in Alaska (well, maybe we did one year), but we do plan on having one next year. That is the main reason I was so bummed that our flight was cancelled because we have no tree and haven’t done much Christmasizing.
Next year, I want to make cookies with the boys…frosting and sprinkles…all the fun stuff. IF we make it to Portland, I wanted the boys to build a little Gingerbread House with the kits at Trader Joes. Maybe that would be a good Christmas Day activity.
Now you’ve got me thinking and I think that Brook and I need to have a serious conversation about traditions..or lack thereof!
I hope that your flight makes it out of Christmas Day. Things are looking better there…still cold, but it looks like the snow has ceased.
I am really hoping to take the boys to the Zoo Lights at the Portland Zoo. I was so happy to hear that they will continue them until the 28th!
Merry Christmas!
So glad I found your blog by following you on Twitter! I’ve really enjoyed reading so far.
LOVED your post on the boys turning two. My twins turn two on the 29th and I can’t believe it. It make me teary just thinking about how far we’ve come since I was pregnant just hoping everyday they would stay put longer…
And what a great idea to start Christmas traditions.
Happy Holidays!
lox and bagels are the best :) also add some tomato and thin sliced red onions !!!