Christmas Traditions

Jill, over at Follow Your Bliss has invited us to share in our holiday traditions. After all of the sadness that has visited us for the past couple of months, this seemed like a wonderful way to start shedding some light around again.

We started purchasing Christmas mangers over 25 years ago. Our collection has depleted since the marriage of our son this past June but this is the perfect excuse to purchase more and start building our collection again. Here are a few that remain and remind us of the reason for the season.

My personal favorite - a small creche from Peru.

We also follow the tradition of either Krista or I going out with Don to pick up the Christmas tree. This year, since I was in San Francisco for the day (more to come about that soon), Krista went out with him. Don rarely goes alone. It just wouldn't be right. We always try to go to the same tree seller which, interestingly, happens to be at the local SaveMart grocery store. They have great trees and never cost over $20.00. Go figure considering the prices elsewhere. Here is one of our happy trees.

My favorite ornament.

We have few food traditions at our house. Chalk that up to me just not being terrible interested in kitchen activities. But actually, now that I think about it, this attitude may be undergoing a sea change. I've been searching cooking recipes and actually have ingredients on the counter set to use. If I actually do this, I'll have to memorialize it here so stay tuned.

However, on the subject of food tradition, Don DOES have one. About six years ago he started baking his grandmother's banana cake. Click here for the story. Considering he doesn't cook a lick, this is nothing short of miraculous. You just have to love this man. Family history means a lot to him and the love of tradition visits us every year now in the form of this delicious cake. But - other than that, well, thank God for Christmas goodies from the grocery store. And more thankfully, the kids didn't mind a bit.