Christmas Traditions

I usually keep the posts on my blog about coupons and deal hunting, trying to keep everything simple, to the point, and easy to read.  Today I decided to write a more personal post about my family's Christmas traditions, just for fun.  This year I have been so excited about Christmas and have spent less than ever, sixty dollars to be exact!  I have been deal hunting for quite some time now, stashing away gifts.  Some of the following tradtions are things we've done for years and a couple are new ones I am starting this year...

• Put up the tree and decorations while blaring Christmas music, sipping on hot chocolate, and taking breaks by the fire.
• Fill out Christmas cards with my little guy, Kyler.  He decorating the back of each one!
• Do "Give Back Time."   Volunteer as a family to help others in need.  This year, we are thinking about serving at a local facility called The Kitchen.
• Drive around together one evening while looking at Christmas lights around the neighborhood and listening to Christmas carols.
  
• Make Christmas cookies and decorate them.
• Watch Christmas movies, including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and Charlie Brown.
• Paint my toe nails red...random, I know, but I do it every year!  =)
  
• Make a cake for baby Jesus and sing him Happy Birthday on Christmas Eve.  Read the Christmas story together as a family, with an illustrated children's book,  talk about the nativity scene together, and end with a family prayer.
• Attend church on Christmas Eve, focusing on the real reason for the season.
• Gather with extended family on Christmas Eve at grandparent's house for dinner.  We always have Rueben sandwiches, cheese dip, and all kinds of sides and desserts.  My favorites include bombers and peanut butter balls!
• Leave milk and cookies for Santa!
• Stay up late with hubby, counting our blessings and relaxing by the fire.
  
• Wake up and open presents in our jammies.  One at a time!
• Have a huge Christmas breakfast, including my specialty...crepes with all the fixings.
• Dine on Christmas dinner with extended family.
• Send out thank you cards.
• Shop the 75% Christmas sales, in preparation for next.

I just love this time of the year!  Feel free to leave a comment about some of your family's traditions.  I'd love to hear how you celebrate!