24 Dec Starting Our First Christmas Traditions as a New Family

School is out and we are busy playing, creating memories and developing our first Christmas traditions. I grew up in a family rich in traditions, and although they are important to me, I want to create our own as a new family.

Candlefest

Christmas was a big deal in my childhood home. My Mom had a gift for making holidays special. On Christmas Eve, we would all work together to create a big feast to celebrate Christmas Eve. Once we had eaten, and my Dad had gathered us all around to read us the Christmas story from the Bible, we would all hang out together. As a parent now, I know my parents must have been secretly wishing we would all settle down and get to bed so they could put out the presents. But no. Instead we came up with Candlefest.

Candlefest was one of my favorite Christmas traditions. It began in my teens. Every Christmas Eve, before settling down for the night, I would turn off the lights in my bedroom and fill the entire room with glowing candles. Then I would invite all of my brothers and sisters to come to my room.  We would sit around talking for hours as the candles burned down.  As the tradition evolved, my siblings began giving me candles as early Christmas gifts to help celebrate Candlefest.  It became a much-loved tradition which continues to be carried on by many of us into our adult lives.  This year, I resurrected Candlefest for my little family, and lit candles for our Christmas Eve dinner.  Everyone loved it and asked if we could do it every year.  

Christmas Baking 

Baking is another sacred Christmas tradition that I grew up with.  Baking has always been a big deal in my family and it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t have a massive pile of cookies and squares in the freezer.  My Mom would have us make up the most beautiful, delicious plates of cookies for every occasion throughout the Holidays for family, friends and ourselves.

Clark and Luci absolutely love baking, and I wanted to continue this much-loved tradition.  This year, I involved the kids in the cookie baking and derating, and they loved it! Clark, in particular, enjoyed the cookie decorating immensely.  We may have to do it more often, just for the fun of it.

Cookies for Santa

Before going to bed, Clark and Luci put out their cookies they had made especially for Santa Clause.  We have done this every year, and each year, Clark stands at the fireplace, pondering the whole concept of Santa coming down that chimney.   He believes in Santa, but it’s a crazy idea to grasp.  Thank-goodness for magic!

What are your family Christmas traditions? I would love to hear about them! Tell us below in the comments. Maybe we will incorporate some of them in our own little family Christmas traditions!

Merry Christmas Friends! Wishing you all peace, joy and happiness throughout the season!