Christmas Traditions

I read a lot of blogs and articles about Christmas traditions.  It got me thinking that maybe we don't do enough and I should go ahead and start some.  Of course, I never made a list and December came and Christmas has come and gone.  But as we experienced Christmas I realized we do have our traditions and we are starting new ones with Anderson...some started last year, some this year and of course, next year (as A gets older and understands more) we will add more.  What I definitely need more of is time!!  So I will have to work on that next year!

1.  We always put up our tree and decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving!  That way we can enjoy the tree all season long.  Alex does a great job decorating the outside.  This year we got a big blow up Santa!  A loved it! 

2.  Alex makes an elaborate village, nativity seen under the train.  At first I didn't care for it.  I still think it takes up too much room in our small living room...but Alex likes to do it and I love how he gets really into it.  He's hoping to have A help him as he gets older.  I was amazed that A never touched one item in the whole scene.  Not even one animal  (A loves animals). 

3.  Reading Christmas Story books to A.  I read one every night of Advent.  We did mostly the story of Jesus' birth story and St. Nicholas...but there were a few Santa stories too. 

4.  An ornament of A (and any future kids).  We got him his "first Christmas" ornament last year (one of 5) and this year I got him Santa's prayer.  I wanted to get something that reminded us all that Jesus is the reason for the season...not Santa.  I love Santa and we are a Santa home, but we also know that Jesus is most important.  There are so many TV shows and books and Santa influence out there, that it is easy to overlook  Jesus.  I would like to have a blow up nativity scene...to go along with our Santa. 

5.  New for this year was an Advent Calendar - Countdown to Christmas.  It was fun making time each night to look at the countdown, have a bit of chocolate and read a story and take a picture.  I wanted to make an advent calendar.  There are about a 100 ideas on pintrest.  Ultimately I ran out of time and bought a calendar for $1 at Trader Joes.  Best $1 I spent this whole season!! A loved it!  He got hooked on sitting at the couch and watching Santa (outside via the window) and reading books.  He only got into the chocolates half way through the month and some days he didn't even want the chocolate...so it wasn't the chocolate that got him hooked.  We also have a snowman with two dice, we also counted down to Christmas with the Snowman.  Fun times.  A would send kisses to the angel on the tree and admire the nativity scene - especially baby Jesus!  He never touched a thing!  He is still sound averse and we put a train under the train, going through the winter scene under the tree.  A is so afraid of the train that we wouldn't go near the nativity scene or the winter scene! 

6.  Pictures with Santa.  Last year A was a baby and happily went with anyone including Santa.  This year, NO way.  He was screaming in his picture! 

7.  Singing Christmas songs.  We didn't do it nearly enough, but A loved it when we did.  We will have to get some better music for next year. 

8.  Christmas Eve service.  We have gone ever year since Alex moved to the states and we went last year with A.  This year got interrupted with a trip to the emergency room.  Ugh. 

9.  Annual picture taking for the Christmas Card.  Last year was so much fun with a stationary baby.  This year?  A bit more difficult with an active 18 month old.  I loved how my cards turned out!  In future years, I may have to hire a professional to take some photos.  We will see. 

10.  Annual Tia's Christmas brunch on Christmas Eve.  My friends are wonderful.  We love getting together and celebrating the season.  We normally have brunch and then the kids open presents.   The kids have a blast and the tias have fun.

11.  Go driving through the neighborhood to see the lights on people's home.  A and I did this with the stroller since he can't really see out the window of the car.  A seemed to really like it.  We did a long walk and he stayed awake the entire time. 

12.  Making cookies for Santa!!  We never got to it this year.  I made them on Christmas day (after Santa came). 

13.  We have not done this yet...but I have everything  i need....starting this New Year's Eve we are planning to get hand prints of A on a table cloth.  Through the years we can see the change!  Love the idea. 

14.  We need a better tradition for Christmas Eve meal.  Christmas Day is always the traditional cod and polvo meal my mom makes every year.  Yummy.  Since we normally work on Christmas Eve (although I have been taking it off to wrap and run around like a mad woman) - I would like our meal to be simple.  Take out may be the answer.  We will have to fine tune this next year. 

15.  Hallmark Christmas movies.  I watch them by myself and I cry.  I love them.  I normally sip hot cocoa and curl up on the couch.  This year I was wrapping. (We also watch other Christmas movies/shows, like Rudolph, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation!, It's a Wonderful Life, Frosty, etc).  This year we didn't see too many, just Chevy Chase' Christmas Vacation and Kris Kringle...

I guess I will stop here...
This list is a lot more than what I thought!! 

 

Christmas Joy

Christmas was so much fun with Anderson this year.  Joy just fills my heart...

Anderson enjoyed opening all his presents and spending time with family and friends.  One of my favorite traditions is the Tia's Christmas...that is Christmas brunch at my friends house.  This started years before Anderson, but the tradition continues.  My dear friends are like family and we encourage Anderson to call them Tia (which is aunt in Portuguese).  My friends are all so generous with A.  We all have a wonderful breakfast together and then open presents.  It's fun, relaxed and encompasses what I love about Christmas (which is spending time together appreciating each other's company).  Fun Times, Fun Memories...I love it. 

Anderson got a bit overwhelmed with presents!!  He got possessive with some of his Thomas trains!!  To the point were we could not touch them!  (I tried to nip that in the bud...ugh).  Anderson also got completely off schedule and was a little out of sorts due to late (or missed naps), but overall he was in a great mood and very happy. 

We also met new members to group...which is my cousin's new boyfriend.  They seem serious, so it was nice to meet him!!  Welcome to the family!! 

There were some stresses over course.  Getting everything wrapped and ready in a very short time was stressful for me.  I say this every year but I definately have to shop and wrap much earlier.  I would love to have everything by December 1 next year.  That means shopping has to start in early November, maybe even in October!  We also should curtail the adults and focus on just the kiddos.  For the most part we did that with my friends this year and most family...so next year gifts for Alex and family will be limited.  It just gets out of hand and we run out of time to do everything.  Especially bake.  I would love to bake cookies with Anderson...for Santa.  

Another stress was my brother.  He is ill.  Very much ill.  And I worry about him phsically and mentally.  Christmas has always been hard for him.  He seems to get into a funk every year.  On Christmas Eve he finally had enough pain and asked for us to take him to the hospital.  Anderson was napping so Alex and my mom took him.  It caused us to miss church and caused me a lot of stress, fear and sadness.  I feel like my stomach sank and I just had a pit in my stomach the whole weekend. 

The next morning (Christmas morning) he released himself from the hospital (against doctor's orders) and went home.  Not sure why he would do that.  As we opened presents on Christmas Day the doctor at the hospital was calling our home looking for him as it was urgent he return to the hospital because he has a blood infection.  Everyone got all worried and ralled up and in a panic brough him back to the hospital.  He ended going back to the hospital...talk about stress. 

Despite all that drama we had a nice lunch with friends on Monday (the 26th).  Friends came by for another enjoyable meal (that distracted my mom). 

Our neighbors stop by with an awesome gift for Anderson, they are so generous and they are in love with my Alex. 

Alex's mom and sister made amends in Portugal.  They may never be best friends, but looks like they are speaking.  She got her Christmas miracle.  My mom is so hoping for hers for my brother.

Overall it was an enjoyable weekend with lots of activity, some worry and lots of presents and family/friend time!  Oh and lots of pictures (but not nearly as much as I had hoped).  

I will have to have another post listing out the changes for next year.   Plus  I would like to list our traditions!!   

Fall Bucket List

Happy Fall!  Today was the first really chilly day.  I was cold this morning, burrr...

I always considered myself a summer girl.  I love the beach, swimming, summer vacations, etc.  What fun memories of my childhood summers at the beach!  But now the heat is really starting to bother me.  The sweat, the humidity, the wanting to be home and spending time with my child...but having to work...bummer, bummer, bummer....I digress.  With that said, I'm really starting to love the Fall!  I love the pumpkins, wearing sweaters, the chill in the air and snuggling under blankets (yeah!).

Similar to my summer to do post I wanted to plan out our family fun for the FALL.  Like summer, I am a bit late with this list.  I have seen so many cute lists on blogs and Pinterest!  Fall is already in full swing so here is my LIST: 

• Harvest all our pumpkins from the garden and decorate our front entry DONE
• Purchase a MUM for the front entry  DONE
• Harvest all our squash from the garden (and make lots of squash recipes) 
• Carve a Pumpkin?
• Make Pumpkin Bread
• Make Buy Anderson's Halloween Costume  DONE
• Go to Topsfield Fair (caramel apple and the pig races)
• Go apple picking at Brooksby Farm (maybe a hayride and an apple cider donut)
• Visit Connors Farm (Corn Maze)
• Jump in Leave Pile  (photo shoot in leave pile like last year)
• 4th Annual Arthur & Marlene Parent Halloween bash (we all need a costume)
• Trick-or-Treat!!!
• Nature Hike
• Celebrate our Wedding Anniversary!!  (buy a gift!!)
• Celebrate my MOM's Birthday!!  (buy a gift)
• Fall getaway weekend up North!   DONE

Pretty soon I will be doing a Winter/Holiday Bucket List!!  We better get going on this list! 

Summer List 2011

Now that I have this blog I would love to start a new tradition (and copy what I have seen others in the blog world do) and plan out fun activities for the summer.  I realize I am a bit late with this list (and some of the list has already been accomplished, thank you very much), but I like having "lists".  I'm a list girl.  I find pleasure in crossing things off.   Plus, when the weekends come I can eyeball the list and have no doubt there is plenty to do! 

Some items are obvious (go to the beach), but somehow listing the goals make me feel like I'm enjoying summer and enjoying the season.   I'm not just stuck at work all summer; never enjoying the carefree nature of the season. 

Without further delay....here we go:

Summer 2011 goals:

• Go to Portugal for 2.5 weeks and start the season off great!!  DONE!!
• Go hiking (strolling) at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus
• Plan a Red Sox night!
• Our annual fried clam meal in Essex (Woodman's!) with VoVo
• Go to the Children's Museum, Aquarium, Zoo, or Butterfly Farm
• Plant flowers (thanks daddy) - our favorites Dahlias (we have planted them every year since Alex came to the states, they remind me of "us")
• Cut Hydrangeas from our garden and ENJOY them!!
• Spend time outside everyday enjoying Daddy's hard work 
• Plant a vegetable garden (thanks daddy) include Anderson's favorite - Butternut Squash and something fun (beans - they are growing and getting out of control)
• Harvest our vegetable garden as we go   
• Library (signing books)
• Go fishing with Daddy (Anderson and his Daddy)
• Go to Salem Willows  
• Visit Richardson's and the cows!  (and eat ice cream)
• Visit Brooksby Farm and the animals
• Sign up for Gymboree (or Little Gym) for the hot swealtering days
• Plan a play date with the birthday twins
• Attend daycare's family day (??) 
• Make waffles and strawberry sauce with our strawberries 
• Make strawberry shortcake with our strawberries
• Enjoy fresh blueberry pancakes (farm stand fresh) 
• Beach Day with the Tias
• Eat lots of watermelon
• Try root bear floats
• Lobsterfest
• mani and pedi (with vovo too) 
• Crab Legs with Uncle Tom
• Make homemade ice cream (strawberry, french vanilla)
• eat fresh blackberries from our garden - thanks Daddy
• visit farm stands (purple potatoes and fresh corn)
• Enjoy Kiddie Pool 
• Concerts in the Park (Sundays 6-8pm Leather City Commons 7/17 to 8/14)
• Picnic in the park (see above) 
• Farmers market in Peabody (at the Library 8/13 to 9/17), Tuesday at the Courthouse
• Briana's Play - Shakespeare in the Park
• Craft - laminate pictures of family/friends to teach Anderson
• Open fire pit BBQ (steak tips, hot dogs, smores, and ribs)
• visit neighbors fire pit!
• go to Bradley Palmer (in Topsfield) water park

Summer is such a fun time.  I hope to enjoy it as a family and have as much fun as possible.  I want to have these all checked off by September 21!

Enjoy!!