Traditions are a funny thing. All of a sudden the kids are 11 and 9 years old and traditions are more than just the things I think we should do. They are now little things that the kids recall year to year that mean more than the “big stuff.”

I consider seeing Santa and getting our annual picture taken a tradition. For the kids it’s going to Unos after the picture that they remember. The visits to the Enchanted Village, seeing Christmas lights, making cookies and decorating are all traditions and things we try to do each year. But it’s when we decorate the tree and have to watch Christmas Eve on Sesame Street that always makes me smile.  It’s from 1978- Elmo isn’t even on it! But we did it years ago, so it matters. New Christmas pajamas matter. Writing a letter to Santa and then reading Santa’s response Christmas morning matters. And of course the Church on Christmas Eve, dinner upstairs, breakfast up the street and opening gifts. They love the ornaments- each year getting a new one (or two or three) and remembering the stories of ornaments from years past.

And of course our Christmas card. It’s own tradition.

I love this time of year and can’t believe how many holidays we have celebrated as a family. Some traditions we were intentional about starting. But the ones that seem to be remembered- the little ones, the important ones- are the ones the kids remember and cherish. And hearing about those are the ones I love.