Christmas Traditions

 While 2020 has taken a lot from us, there are some things that it can't take from us. Like our traditions. In my Thanksgiving post I talked about how when our kids were little we had to make new traditions once we moved overseas. Christmas was the same way, our tradition was usually to be with family somewhere. But, once we were overseas it was expensive to travel all the way back to the states for Christmas, so we didn't. One of the traditions that we started with our kids (and with their friends that were like family) was to have new pajamas for Christmas. We still continue that tradition, although somewhere along the way it became a family tradition, instead of just something for the kids. I would try to get them near Thanksgiving, and would give them once we put up the tree. Some years the Elf on the Shelf brought them. I don't remember when it became a family tradition, but this year our pajamas arrived later than previous years, but we still have family pajamas. We will wear them throughout the season, but will have pajama day on Christmas day, wearing our new pajamas for Christmas pictures and just to have a relaxing day.

Another tradition we started along the way was a new Christmas ornament each year. We would typically try to get something that represented that year...so we have Christmas ornaments from Africa, Singapore and Greece for our tree, we have book ornaments, a passport ornament etc... so you will see pictured below the most appropriate ornaments that we found for this year 😁

We would normally still travel around Christmas, but be home for Christmas day. It looks like the virus will disrupt our travel plans for this year, but I know that regardless of what we end up doing I plan to be focused and cherish the moments. Because, if 2020 has taught me anything, it is to cherish the moments, they are ever changing, and a lot of things are out of control, but my reactions don't have to be, and I can be fully present with my loved one. Regardless of anything else, the reason we celebrate Christmas has not changed, nor will it ever change. Nothing can take the true meaning of Christmas away from us. Things can steal our joy, if we let them, but nothing can steal the true meaning of Christmas.

What Christmas traditions do you have? Have you had to change much for this year? Are you starting any new traditions (I thought about it, but something has already nixed that idea too 😬). I would love to hear about your traditions, especially if you add any new ones!!