Wish No. 19...

"Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of."
~ Ellen Goodman



"Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."
~ S. Lieberman

Here are some of our holiday traditions...they are a part of our history and a part of our future. No matter what is going on in the rest of the world...no matter what is going on in our lives...these traditions remain constant and we take comfort in them. Of course as the years go by the traditions will change somewhat (that's all a part of life too), but the memories of them will bring a smile to our faces and a warmth in our hearts.

* During December we always buy pomegranates to eat.

* The week before Christmas the kids and my mom make Christmas cookies together...either sugar cookies or gingerbread men. The best part (other than eating a little cookie dough) is the decorating!

*We have an advent calendar that has small drawers for each day. On December 24th there is
always a note that says to "look under the tree in the living room". Under the tree the kids find a small gift for each of them.

* We drive around town and look at the Christmas lights.

* We go to church on Christmas Eve with my sister, and then have dinner at her house.

* The kids have small Christmas trees in their bedrooms and on Christmas morning a present is left under their tree. Usually it's something that keeps them occupied (to lets Mom & Dad sleep in a little longer).

* Although we have 2 teenagers now, we still leave out cookies & milk for Santa.

* Part of our Christmas decorations include putting up the Snow Village in the dining room and the train set around the tree in the living room.

* On Christmas morning my mom makes cream chipped beef. We put it over toast and have sliced tomatoes & onions on the side.

* We have a pickle ornament that doesn't get put on the tree until Christmas morning...the first person to find it on the tree gets a small gift.


What are some of your holiday traditions? What about traditions for other holidays or birthdays?