Christmas Traditions (lots of them!)

Growing up in a German family, we had a lot of traditions, which I love! I think traditions keep a family close and give you things in common with each other. Over the years, Dan and I have continued a lot of my family's traditions and started our own.

Temple Square

We drove downtown the Sunday after Thanksgiving, then hopped on Trax in the "FREE" zone and rode it a few blocks. The kids always love riding Trax.

It was a little crowded but not too bad and it was a little chilly but nothing like how it would have been if we would have gone a couple weeks later!


Yes, Brooklyn is breathing! Hahahaha! "Mom, I can't put my arms down!" She didn't move a muscle or make a peep the whole time we were there!




Our city's First Annual Tree Lighting


The tree is little but what do you expect for the first tree lighting? Just wait a few years......

The kids also got to see Santa while we waited for the tree lighting.


The Festival of Trees

This tree was done in honor of our sister in law's, Cassie, dad who passed away in July. It was a Jazz tree because he was a HUGE Jazz fan. The tree was amazing! It's been a hard year for Travis, Cassie and her family and we want them to know that we are still praying for comfort for all of you. We love you!

This adorable Curious George Tree was decorated by a friend of mine, Audra, and her sister in law. They dedicated it to 2 children who died this past year that both live on Audra's neighborhood. Some of the artwork displayed was even done by one of the little girls who had died. Here's a link to Audra's blog with more details http://themightystrongarms.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-greatest-christmas-present.html

It is always so fun to start off the Christmas season with the Festival of Trees. Oh and getting some delicious scones while we were there is fun too!


St. Nicholas Day

On December 5th, we set out our boots so St. Nicholas can bring a present and treat. This is a German Tradition. The past few years he has been bringing movies. Bless his little heart!

This year the kids wanted to leave cookies and milk, which they had never done before. They also wrote a note to specify which movies they wanted. Good thing he brought the right ones!

They were so excited! It gave us just a glimpse of how Christmas morning will be this year!


Christmas Lights at Thanksgiving Point
We really like doing this because we get to stay in our nice warm car while we look at the lights.

I love Zane's expression in this picture!

At the very end they have the Nativity story.



Decorating a Gingerbread House

This was actually our first year doing this with the kids. We bought a kit at Costco, but when we opened it up some of the pieces were cracked. There was no way I was going to take it back at that point so we decided to decorate it the best that we could.

TADA!!!!!

Then they promptly began eating it and smothering their faces with frosting!

Then the house collapsed! Better luck next year!

Advent

This is another German Tradition. The 4 Sundays before Christmas you gather together to sing songs, tell stories and eat treats. We also light candles; 1 the first Sunday, 2 the second and so on. For the last Sunday, this year we decided to have the kids act out the Nativity while Dan read from the scriptures. The kids were so cute!

Lindsay was Mary and Zane was Joseph

Gavin played the Shepherd and a Wiseman. That little dog is supposed to be his sheep.

Brooklyn was Baby Jesus

Here's Gavin as a Wiseman giving his gifts.

The kids even set everything up themselves.