I think the biggest thing I strive for as a Mom is starting up family traditions that hopefully my kids will pass along to their kids one day. Every since moving to North Carolina almost three years ago, we have spent every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in our own home. Much to the dismay of the extended family we left in Virginia, including three sets of grandparents. If they want to see their grandkids on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, they have to come to North Carolina.

Last year, we spent the day with just the four of us. This year, we are blessed to have my twin brother and his wife as well as my Mom and Stepdad, or as my kids affectionately call them, Grandma and Papa Midnight (they used to have a cat named Midnight…strange, I know) with us on Christmas.

So these are the traditions I think of, that we have officially started when we moved to North Carolina: Christmas Eve we go to church for a children’s service followed by a buffet of appetizers and desserts back at our home. This year, along with family, a few friends and their families are joining us as well. The kids open one gift on Christmas – and it is always pajamas.

Reindeer food is spread, and cookies are left out for Santa. The girls will wake up to gifts from Santa on Christmas morning that are not wrapped (Santa doesn’t have time to make and wrap gifts). Hopefully we will be able to take our time opening gifts and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

So from our family to yours, have a Happy Holiday and God Bless.  

Amy appears Mondays on TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Amy at her blog A Family Story.