Our Christmas Traditions

It's Christmas Eve here in NJ. It's already 67 degrees and we are only getting warmer today. It is by far the weirdest holiday weather I can remember. I am NOT complaining. It may be weird but it makes for great memories and that what Christmas is all about.

Growing up my mom was always so great about incorporating Christmas traditions into our holiday. Now that we have Jack I have been trying to do the same. Over the years many of the traditions were planned but most of them just sort of happened.

Holiday Lights- When we were kids we would drive all over New York City for the houses with the best lights. It was always one of my most favorite things to do. Now that we are older and living in NJ we drive around to find the best lights. I always treat myself and my husband to hot coco. Last year Jack slept through it. I'm hoping that in the years to come he will enjoy it even more.

Christmas Crafts- Each year before having Jack my husband (begrudgingly) and I would make something crafty for Christmas. I'm sure he is thrilled that I make Jack do it now too. In years past we have made ornaments, stockings, and wreaths.

New Pajamas-  Each Christmas Eve we are allowed to open just one gift and they were always a pair of new pajamas so we could all look super fresh for Christmas morning pictures.

Feast of the Seven Fish- This is an Italian tradition that my mom had taken over from her mother in law. My mom cooks up an amazing feast each Christmas Eve. We enjoy fried calamari, mussels marinara, stuffed flounder, spaghetti with clam sauce, clams, crab cakes and smeltz. It is my most favorite meal of the entire year.

 Christmas Movies- All of December we watch tons of Christmas movies. We have our favorites and more but always seem to find new ones to love on. I have watched Home Alone about 10 times already this year!

Angel Tree- My mom always made it a point for us to donate during the holiday season. Each year our family would either sponsor a family or purchase gifts to give children a great holiday. My mom always wanted us to know how lucky we were. We have continued this tradition with our family too. This year we worked along with the Boys and Girls Club and purchased a bunch of toys for 8-10 year olds. We bought craft projects, scrap book stuff, Frozen playsets, and Barbies.

T'was the Night Before Christmas- It wouldn't be Christmas with out all of us reading it before
bedtime! It is the most perfect way to end Christmas eve but we usually don't end there. We finish it off with wine and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Making Reindeer Food- We started this one just last year and it was so much fun. We actually did it at work too and the kids loved it.

Skyland's Light Show- This year will be a first for us and we loved it. I'm so glad we are going to make it a tradition. I can't wait to pack us in the car for the 1 mile light display. Apparently they are over 2 million lights. They also have a Christmas Village where Jack met Santa and made his own Santa hat.

What are some of your family's Christmas Traditions?

Merriest of Christmas wishes to you and your families!