I’ve blogged many times over the years about different Christmas traditions throughout history, and how we apply it to our lives.

• Last year, I reflected on the real spirit of Christmas. And also on who St. Nicholas really was.
• As I was writing Love Finds You in Annapolis, I shared about the hanging of the greens.
• I shared the fable of the Christmas pickle (new research shows these stories were all made up by enterprising department stores trying to sell pickle ornaments, LOL).
• I mused about the gifts God has given me that far out-last the new shirt or accessories.
• I looked up how and when Rudolph joined Santa’s crew.
• On Colonial Quills, I blogged about the tradition of the Yule Log.

There are probably more my search just isn’t finding, because I distinctly recall reflecting on the differences in New England versus mid-Atlantic or southern American traditions in Colonial days, and I’m sure that’s in any of those links. 😉

But today I wanted to talk a bit about our traditions. Here are a few that my kids love.

• Every year, their grandmother takes them out shopping for a new ornament, and they pick out our (real) tree.
• Making gingerbread cookies. We could make nothing else, and they’d be happy.
• Decorating. In my life, I think I’ve spent a total of about $20 on Christmas decorations–everything else has been given to us by family. And let me assure you I have PLENTY of decorations. Every year, I resist getting them out (because it’s work, man, LOL), but every year, when I have those evergreen garlands hanging from windows and doorways, I’m utterly charmed.
• The Christmas train under the tree. No, this isn’t an electric one that chuffs around. It’s just Rowyn’s wooden track, but he and Xoe build it around the tree every year as soon as it’s is up and decorated.
• Going to church. The Christmas Eve candlelight service is well loved, and Xoe has declared that “Christmas on church day would be the coolest thing ever.”
• Our countdown chain. We did it the first year as an art project for school, cutting and coloring strips of construction paper and taking one link from the chain each day. Now Xoe also counts down the days until December so she can make it. =)
• The music! While Rowyn will occasionally groan when I turn a Christmas station on, he also loves the ones we sing in church, especially one of the praise and worship songs called “Born Is the King (It’s Christmas)” (or as he refers to it, “The du-du-du-du-du-du-du-du song.”)
• The pickle. Even if it was a department store hoax (it’s kinda shocking how many traditions were started by stores!), my kiddos love trying to find the pickle ornament on the tree.

I know there are more, but I won’t bore you. Instead, I’d love to hear about a tradition your family makes sure never to miss!

Then brace yourself, because tomorrow I’m getting thoughtful about why Christmas is depressing for so many people…and how maybe we can adjust our mindset.