Traditions

I know every family has their own special traditions during the holidays. We wanted to share some of our traditions with all of you.

Our traditions begin the day after Thanksgiving. We start to decorate our home with holiday decorations. I remember when I was young how our home was transposed into a winter wonderland so I have tried make our home a magical place.

We also go pick out our Christmas Tree. Rob won't let us result to a fake tree so REAL it is. I hate the cost but love the smell.

We have done the 12 days of Christmas for someone when we have been in the position to do so. The kids enjoyed being Secret Santas this year.

We build and decorate a gingerbread house.

When I was a young girl I looked forward to a special tin that came from my Grandma Stucki. It contained homemade candy. It was filled with Almond Roca, Peanut Brittle, Toffee, Almond Joys, Peanut Butter Cups, Divinity, Penuche, Turtles, Carmel, and chocolate covered pretzels. We would also receive a Candy Roll with Riceballs, Popcorn Balls and Gingerbread Cookies. My mom continues this tradition today. I am learning how to make this special candy so this tradition will continue to stay alive for generations to come. Making candy is very temperamental. It takes a great deal of time and patience. Homemade candy is indeed a special treat.

I fondly remember spending time as a family in the kitchen baking goodies for our neighbors and friends. We have tried to keep this tradition alive but are realizing that it is starting to become overwhelming. I have a year to figure out how to keep this tradition alive but stay sane in the process.

We make a special trip to see Santa.

On Christmas Eve we each get to open a gift. Everyone receives a new pair of pajamas. We read the Christmas story out of the Bible. We also prepare a special plate of goodies for Santa.

In Rob's family they have a special breakfast on Christmas Day. It includes a sausage casserole, sausage, bacon, eggs, crepes, fruit, eggnog, and juice. Since we can't be with them during the holidays we have a condensed version of Christmas breakfast with bacon, eggs, crepes and eggnog.