Christmas Traditions Unite

As we welcome the week of Christmas, I find it appropriate to share family traditions. As I’ve grown and traveled to different states, I’ve learned many transitions people carry on from generation to generation. I have always found it interesting to see how different families celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior. 

Common traditions you see around this holiday include; ugly Christmas sweaters, when to decorate the tree, certain dinners, what gifts you give and receive, and many more. 

What I’ve never thought about, is how traditions mash together with the union of two families. Kaden’s family has traditions. My family has traditions. Now as we begin our journey together, we get to determine which we keep and which we toss.

A few of my family traditions;

The tree gets decorated the day after Thanksgiving. 

We have a Christmas Brunch every Christmas morning. We celebrate Christmas with church missionaries and those that may not have family nearby. It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember.

We also have a Christmas story binder. This is a binder that has a Christmas story for each night leading up to Christmas. This is one of my favorite traditions that we have had. No matter how late it was or how tired everyone was, we still looked forward to the story. It has stories about Christmas programs and stories from Prophets about the love of Christ. Last year for Christmas, my mom made a binder for all of my siblings since we are now grown and out of the house. 

A few of Kaden’s family traditions;

Christmas Eve they have a family dinner with grandparents and aunts, uncles, and cousins. This isn’t just any dinner though. . .it’s Swiss Cheese Chicken and mashed potatoes. 

Christmas morning their dad makes a phenomenal breakfast.

They open their stockings and then eat breakfast.

They then spend time opening presents one by one.

Something I have learned when it comes to opening presents -there are chaotic families and organized families-. My family is a chaotic family. We separate out presents and then all dig into them in a chaotic and loud atmosphere. Kaden’s family is an organized family. They separate out presents and then take turns opening one present at a time. 

I anxiously await to see the traditions we will keep and create.

What are your family’s Christmas traditions?