10 Of My Favorite Christmas Traditions
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10 Of My Favorite Christmas Traditions

There is nothing quite like new Christmas pajamas and reading "The Broken Ballerina".

Catherine Turner Parker
Dec 14, 2017
College of Charleston
109
10 Of My Favorite Christmas Traditions
Catherine Parker

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Final exams are finally over, and now you can enjoy the best time of the year. Every family has different Christmas traditions, but I'd like to share some of my favorite traditions from my family. Here's to Christmas Eve pajamas and many more times reading "The Broken Ballerina".

1. Christmas eve pajamas

From as long as I can remember, my mom gave my family pajamas on Christmas Eve. There is just something so cozy about new pajamas on Christmas Eve awaiting Santa’s arrival.

2. Reading “The Broken Ballerina”

One of my family’s Christmas tradition is to read a Christmas story on Christmas Eve. My dad’s favorite Christmas book is called Dr. James Dobson’s Family Christmas, and within the book are several Christmas stories. My dad’s favorite is “The Broken Ballerina” by Nancy Jo Sullivan. “The Broken Ballerina” tells the story of a young mother who is expecting her first child. As Christmas time approaches, the mother picks out a beautiful ballerina ornament for her daughter. I wont tell you the rest, but as a warning read with tissues!

3. Christmas eve candlelight service

Every Christmas Eve my family goes to a candlelight service at my church. We sing Christmas songs and read the story of Jesus’ birth.This tradition is very special to me, and holds a special place in my heart.

4. Christmas pictures on the stairs

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas, my parents always wanted to get a picture of my two brothers, sister, and me in out Christmas pajamas. Last year, we even got fancy and made a boomerang throwing fuzzy snowballs.

5. French toast at the Solberg’s

This is by far one of my favorite Christmas traditions! The Solberg’s, who are close family friends with my family always host a Christmas morning breakfast! After all the unwrapping of presents, my family drives over to the Solberg’s and share french toast, sausage, fruit, coffee, and juice. Shout to Mr. Todd for the amazing french toast!

6. Putting cookies out for santa

This is a must! Christmas is not complete without setting out Christmas cookies and milk for Santa to enjoy while setting out your Christmas gifts.

7. Sitting by the fireplace on Christmas eve

One of my favorite traditions is after we open our pajama gift, my family will read books, turn the fireplace on, and lay on the floor and admire the lights on our Christmas tree. Of course this isn't complete without some decaf coffee and some piping hot chocolate.

8. Visiting my grandparents

Right before Christmas, my family makes a trip to Spartanburg, where my grandparents live to celebrate Christmas with them. There is something so special about Mimi’s peanut butter balls and sausage biscuits!

9. The lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Every year, Swan Lake Iris Gardens decorates its garden with magnificent Christmas lights. It is so much fun to ride through the lights and listen to Christmas music!

10. Christmas movies

Christmas is not complete without watching classic christmas movies. Although I am not the expert on Christmas movies, my sister is! Some of her favorites are Four Christmases, Elf, The Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Out of all my favorite Christmas traditions, my favorite part about Christmas is getting to spend it with the people I love (and my dogs of course).

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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