Everyone does Christmas differently. Each family has their own traditions, whether they are ones that have been passed down over several generations or new ones that you have created with your partner and children. For us, it’s a combination of both, things that we loved doing when we were children plus a few new things we have introduced.
One of the biggest traditions in our family is decorating the tree. It always gets done at the weekend, so that Kevin is home from work. We pop on the Christmas songs, sort out the boxes of decorations, decide on this years colour scheme and let the kids go wild 🙂
We usually put up the outdoor lights the same afternoon, wrapping up warm in our hats and gloves, then coming inside to warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. It’s a great way to start the festive period.
Every year we get the children a new Christmas jumper for the run up to the big day – there are nearly always Christmas Jumper Days at school and nursery, so it’s lovely for them to be able to join in with that. This year we were sent some Christmas jumpers and outfits from Mothercare.
Jacob loves his navy Santa face, and Max is chuffed to bits with his red reindeer – he tells everyone it is his Rudolph Christmas jumper.
The jumpers are really good quality, and made from a lovely soft, supple wool which doesn’t irritate the boys. The sizing is spot on too, with Max wearing age 3-4 and Jacob age 8. I can see these jumpers being passed down through the family over the next few years as they wash and wear so well!
Eliza has a pretty cute Santa suit and hat instead of a jumper this year, and it’s just gorgeous. Soft, velvety material with a zip fastening for ease – although this does get caught in the white fur if you aren’t careful! Eliza isn’t usually a fan of hats, but she is really taken with this Santa hat, and has spent the week bringing it to us and asking to have it popped on her head.
As we get closer to the big day, we prepare for our Christmas Eve. When I was growing up we were always allowed to open one small present on Christmas Eve, and I have continued that tradition with my own children. We make up Christmas Eve boxes containing new pyjamas, a Christmas DVD, reindeer food, party dresses, sachets of hot chocolate and marshmallows plus the small present. After opening those, the kids pop their new pyjamas on and we watch the film with the hot drinks and snacks, before sprinkling reindeer food outside and tracking Santa to make sure we are all in bed before he arrives!
We have a fairly traditional Christmas Day – the children open their stocking presents and then we have a Christmas Day breakfast – something like pancakes with bacon. Then it’s play time, testing out new toys and games, before a big turkey lunch with all the trimmings. After lunch we open the presents under the tree and head off for a wintry walk in the woods with the dog. Once home we let the kids play with their new things and watch some Christmas TV before bedtime. It’s such a lovely family time.
Boxing Day is usually spent catching up with family. My parents usually put on a cold turkey spread with lots of buffet style bits and pieces, and we often pop over to see Kevin’s mum too. There are often more presents to open, and sometimes we pop to a local park or play area with any new outdoor toys the kids have received.
How do you spend Christmas and the festive period? Do you have any family traditions?
I love your festive jumpers, I must get the kids one each. We have so many traditions, I recently wrote a post upon it x
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