Holiday traditions are important, but they should be significant and fun; not trite.One tradition I looked forward to as a child, was getting to open one present before going to bed on Christmas eve. BUT that present was always pajamas and I was always disappointed (you, too?).
Because I so fondly remember the thrill of being allow to open one gift early, I want to give each of my amazing children (and my beloved husband) not just an new pair of pajamas for Christmas, I want to give them a new book with a pair of pajamas for Christmas. Pajamas ARE kind of a lame gift on their own, but if combined with a carefully chosen book ... yes, I think this will be the tradition I want the kids to talk about when they are adults.
Also, I think I want to MAKE the pajamas. Maybe the boys and dad can have one color and me a Sagan can have pink. And (it's very cold today) I'm thinking fleece. Cozy soft. I used to say polyester was the fabric of the Gods, but now I think it's fleece.
And I should made a family quilt, with all the important events of 2009 hand embroidered into the squares.
And I should learn how to make Grandma Anderson's Cathedral Cookie, which weren't really cookies, but had multi-colored marshmallows. And chocolate. I haven't have them in about a decade, but I want some.
And I don't care how cheesy it looks, the kids love making the ornaments and decorations. You, you can have your matchy matchy perfect holiday themed house of perfect decor ... We're going with homemade Christmas decorations - Dollar Store glue and glitter, here I come! (I don't need China to set up a child labor exploiting sweat shop; I have a kitchen table!!!) (And y'know ... if you're buying a bunch of fancy decorations "Made in China", shame on you in so many ways).
(HEY! No getting all political and hoity toity, Missy. This is a nice sweet Christmasy post about traditions.)
Also, FYI, I hide under my bed on Black Friday. It is evil. But good luck to you!
Turkey Day in T-5 days :)
Turkey Day in T-5 days :)
3 Brilliant Bits of Inspiration:
Joann's will have flannel REALLY cheap on Black Friday- perfect for Jammie pants. The secret, should you choose to make them, is not to wait to get your pattern. Get it now or all jammie patterns will be GONE.
One of our favorite new traditions is having Santa's Elves come and pick up our Christmas lists. The kids make out their lists and then we put them under the porch mat. I then call the North Pole to let them know we need a pick up. While we're out looking at Christmas lights, the elves come, take the lists and leave a small gift (generally a small toy that was on their lists- I already know most of what they'll put on those lists so I make sure I'm prepared). When we get home, they open their gifts and know that Santa knows what they want- they have evidence.
I love your jammie idea! I want to make matching jammies too! But, I don't know how to thread the needle on my sewing machine...can I learn before Christmas, do ya think? I would settle for finishing one pair...
I also loved to open a gift Christmas Eve. We got pajamas too. when we were really little (like all under 10) my mom would make all matching pajamas. It was fun.
I really like your idea of adding a book to the pajamas. I just might have to steal it.
Oh, we also had a family Christmas gift we got to open Christmas eve. It was ALWAYs a puzzle. I LOVE puzzles now. It's just not Christmas without a puzzle to keep you busy into the night. It tires your mind quickly. You sleep like a baby. And then we would spend all of Christmas day doing it too.
Oh, Traditions.
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