When we first got together as a blended family, Christmas was a bit intimidating.
We each had our own way of doing things, and our kids had certain memories. I admit, I had a lot more traditions, and some were mine from when I was a child, so I didn’t want to let those ones go. So we kept some:)
What we also did was create a whole bunch of new ones, which I already have talked about a few: Christmas movies, our Quote wall, and Festival of Carols, but others too which include (will post pics and more on each one in upcoming posts)
– Secret Santa: the kids draw names the first of December and spend the month doing little kind things and giving their Secret Santa cool little gifts. Christmas Eve, they reveal themselves with a larger present.
– “Drinking-hot-chocolate-and-delivering-Christmas baking-and-singing-carols-and-looking-at-lights-in-our-new-pj’s” drive. (Click here for the start of this tradition). We look hilarious, we laugh a lot, and sometimes we prefer to “ding-dong-ditch” the baking plate on the people’s front steps. But many get to hear us sing:)
– How we buy our Christmas tree/decorate and the kids get their own little tree.
– Our nativity re-enactment on Christmas Eve. With so many kids – how could we not??? We have certain stories we share as well, and Robbie always writes a poem to sum up our year!
– Each year we try to do something spiritual to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. This year we are trying to follow an advent calendar of Scriptures about Christ’s life. We have also tried to read some uplifting, touching Christmas stories. All an attempt to balance out what can drive me crazy about the season (though I truly believe that Santa Clause can be used beautifully as a way of remembering the real reason too. I shared that last year-please click on over and check it out if you are interested in being able to see how to blend the two. We read this story every year on Christmas Eve as well, with props and everything!)
And of course, how could I forget one that many hate (many people “in the world” – but certainly not in my family), but I tell you, 6 years ago when we introduced him to our family it was the BEST!!! It was so novel for our kids and was uniquely a CDF tradition that they all loved it! And still do! We fondly named him : Quiet Elfie
What has he been up to in the past few weeks?
Long live the Elf in our house. He has brought nothing but smiles, laughter, a few good gifts, and amazing memories and anticipation for Christmas!
I think I could have had a lot of fun with the Elf if my kids were younger…I wish he’d been around back then! He might be fun to try for kicks next year though! It’s part of the magic of Christmas…maybe the kids could take turns with his antics!
Michelle recently posted…Tis the Season to be Thankful
Super cute! Love all the fun traditions y’all have as a family! :)-Ashley
Oh Leah… those are ALL such amazing traditions!!! I am completely impressed with how beautifully you celebrate it all, from family to faith- from giving to receiving…
I am going to steal a few of these, if you don’t mind!! What a gorgeous family you have blended together- with such passionate intention and investment. Those kids are blessed.
Chris Carter recently posted…My Favorite Christmas Gifts To Give
Your elf is adorable and seriously been so lazy with this the past few weeks. My 4 year old has told me a few morning the Gingerbread the Elf hasn’t moved. Yeah, I need more hours and energy too at the end of the day, I suppose!
Janine Huldie recently posted…GLOSSYBOX Limited Edition Holiday Box
Every time I read one of your posts I come away with new ideas!!!
I love how very family oriented you are!
Kim recently posted…The Holidays can be a Hard and Lonely Time
If we had an elf, he’d be Quiet Elfie too. I suppose you have enough voices in your house already! You have so many wonderful traditions, Leah – enjoy them all!
Dana recently posted…Blogging is putting a crimp in my reading
I always like to see what my favorite blended family is up to! Here’s to old traditions and new ones too! Happy Holidays!
Nicole Nenninger recently posted…7 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Joy this Holiday Season!
We totally did your first one (Secret Santa) when we were kids! All five of us would draw names and then leave cute, sneaky gifts on each other’s pillows or in backpacks and then reveal ourselves on Christmas morning (not eve).
I’m happy to say we STILL do it and now include all of the spouses/significant others. Can you imagine having to buy nine presents for siblings/spouses otherwise??
Tamara recently posted…It Got Weird, Didn’t It?
Pingback: Can I Really Do This? | Tamara Like Camera
WE are working on this now, the whole blended Christmas thing. We’ll only be together every other year, but I”m definitely working on some things for us all to do together when the kids arrive tomorrow!
Single Mom in the South recently posted…Teacher Gifts 2013
I am in awe at what a great tradition keeper you are! I may be the last person alive that does not have an elf. But that would be a fun one to start next year.
Ilene recently posted…Speed
You guys have some awesome traditions!! I love your elf on the shelf ideas!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…FFCI: New Motivation & Fitting In Workouts Despite the Holiday Crazy
So glad you have incorporated such great traditions with the whole family 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Review Extravaganza: July-September 2013!
I like the secret Santa idea, because you concentrate all that good stuff on one person, and who wouldn’t want to be the recipient of that?
We do have an elf, albeit an unofficial one, that has migrated around this season. I have a feeling he might have a higher profile next year.
Eli@coachdaddy recently posted…Girl Power: Fueled in Part by Dad Love