Our Family Traditions

We knew once we started our own family we'd have to start our own Christmas traditions.  I always enjoy hearing others' family traditions, but it's difficult to find something unique.  I'm beginning to think I've gone a little overboard though, because it always seems tough to squeeze them in during an already hectic time of year.  And I think we keep adding more each year.

#1 - Gingerbread House
The girls really enjoyed decorating our house this year, because they could both participate and do whatever they wanted.

 Proud of their finished product

 #2 - Cookie Decorating for Santa
Usually my mom organizes a cookie decorating party (hint hint), but I had to pull this together myself for the girls this year.  We made way too many cookies for Santa (he even saved some for us).  Brooklynn made a real work of art out of her cookies, placing each sprinkle meticulously in its place, while Chandler just ate the frosting and sprinkles.

 And our new tradition - naked cookie decorating (but we'll keep that part for the girls only)

 #3 - Making a Snowman
Brooklynn was extremely envious when our neighbor, J.D., made his own snowman a couple weeks ago.  She reminded us each time we drove by how much she wanted to make her own.  So when we had enough snow (which hasn't been tough this year), daddy took the girls outside to build one.  Brooklynn was dedicated and proud of her finished snowman.

 For good luck (although they got the beatdown from Buffalo).  There will probably be no more Broncos snowmen with Steve being so superstitious!

 Our other "baby" loving to play in the snow

#5 - Advent Calendar

Each day the girls were able to open their "gift" for the day.  It was fun to watch their excitement, as this was the highlight of their day.  Chandler was not happy when we had to put it away for the season. 

#4 - Making donuts Christmas morning

Last year we decided we'd start a new tradition of making and decorating donuts on Christmas morning.  It went much smoother this year (and next year we'll have a donut maker, rather than having to fry the donuts).  We had chocolate, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar, along with lots of sprinkles.  What a sweet Christmas morning treat!



 Uhhhhh........I love donuts!

We did start another tradition this year as well.  Jan & Forney gave us a pickle ornament, which is a German tradition (fitting since we're both German).  You hide the ornament in the tree, and the person who finds it gets an extra present.  After that tradition, we'll stop!  Otherwise we may go a little crazy!