Here are a few of my favorite Christmas memories and traditions. What are your favorite things about Christmas?
1. Baking Christmas cookies as a family
My sister and I always begged to make peppermint bark and mint chocolate chip cookies.
2. Giving and receiving Christmas cookies from friends and neighbors
Just because it was normal to receive a plate of Christmas goodies from half the families in the neighborhood didn't make it any less warm and nostalgic.
3. Singing Silent Night at the Christmas Eve service with the lights out and everyone’s candles raised
It's so cozy that I never want to blow my candle out.
4. Finding our stockings on Christmas morning as a family ...
... even though it meant waiting for ages until everyone was ready or awake!
5. Christmas caroling with friends ...
... and seeing the delighted surprise on people's faces!
6. Choosing a live Christmas tree together
We always find the perfect tree!
7. Rearranging the manger scene daily because someone else kept positioning them incorrectly
The shepherds and wisemen have to stand beside the stable, not in front of it!
8. Waiting for the first snowfall
And then waiting excitedly for the second... and the third... and the fourth...
9. Building snow forts with Dad
(Also known as just playing in them once he built them.)
10. Making snow angels with Mom and my sister
Every year, I encounter the same dilemma. How do you stand up once you've made the angel?
11. Listening to the Christmas passages from Scripture
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12
12. Eating snow cream
Maybe the best thing about a snowfall!
13. Sitting in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate
It's just so cozy... especially when you add family or a good book.
14. Visiting grandparents’ homes for Christmas
I loved the drive, the anticipation, the new sights and smells, and the change in routine. Grandparents make a holiday special.
15. Traditional Christmas breakfast
Even if it doesn't happen until the evening, this is the one necessary family meal!
16. Christmas Eve with our friends
Sometimes friends become family.
17. Decorating the house
Garland, wreaths, lights, bells… we get a little carried away.
18. Arguing with one of my best friends about which one of us would be the angel in the neighborhood Christmas pageant
We weren't very angelic.
Eventually, we ended up sharing the role.
19. Finding out that kind neighbors scraped our driveway for us
Seriously, we have the best neighbors in the world.
20. Watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas together
It's not Christmas until you've watched the Grinch.
21. My grandmother's kitchen overflowing with plates of Christmas cookies
She baked them for her friends, the post office, the veterinarian, the doctor, and anyone else she knew.
22. Sharing music with friends
Whether it is Christmas gatherings to share music or concerts with an orchestra, music always adds a special sparkle to the season.
23. Christmas cards
It's the time of year when the mail is actually fun!
