As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, I’m really looking forward to our family traditions. We take a few days to enjoy our extended family and kick off the Christmas season together. Some of our traditions are pretty typical, but some are unique to our family. If you’re looking for a new idea- check out our Sunday tradition.
It all starts on Wednesday for us. We visit our families on Thursday, so I end up baking desserts to bring with us. The kids like to help. This year I’ll be making a pie, a cake and some cookies. The kids will stir the cake a bit and “clean” the bowls and frosting for me. We will also attempt to clean the dining room where we’ll put the tree. This year I’m trying to convince the kids to put together some old toys that they don’t use anymore to donate to the Salvation Army. They aren’t too excited about the idea, but I’m trying.
Thanksgiving Day
We are very fortunate that my family and some of my husband’s family live close to each other. It wasn’t always that way, so I can really appreciate it. We start off going to my husband‘s aunt’s house. He has been bragging about her Thanksgiving dinners since our first date. And he was right. She and her daughter are amazing cooks and they have an incredibly huge TV for football. Two words- meat stuffing!!! They love also love my kids and have so much fun with them. For a house without any toys, my kids always seem to have fun. Between climbing Uncle Dave, Uncle Joe’s silly faces, Cousin Valerie’s “did you know” games, and Auntie Lorraine’s cozy hugs, the kids always find something to do.
After we eat there, we head over to my brother’s house for dessert. The two houses are about 5 minutes from each other. It’s great. The kids run around with their cousins and the adults catch up and try to make plans for Christmas. By the time we head home, the kids are pretty tired. They usually fall asleep in the car and get carried into bed.
Black Friday
I am not a Black Friday shopper. I have always tried to have my shopping done by Thanksgiving. As a music teacher, I just need that crossed off my list before concert season begins. We will be cleaning. Serious, deep cleaning. I don’t want to decorate over dirt, so Friday we clean. Pretty boring, but hey, I’m old.
Saturday
Saturday is decorating day. The kids get so excited to see the tree and help decorate. They help put the lights outside. We spread crafty decorations throughout the house as we watch Rudolph or Frosty. Santa, snowmen, bows, glitter. It’s all pure joy and wonder for them, which is pure joy for me. I also like to make our own turkey dinner on Saturday. It’s a busy day but one of the most heart-warming days of the year.
Sunday
Here’s where it gets good. Every year, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving my kids awaken to the arrival of our Elf on the Shelf, Jingles, and a box from Santa. Santa writes the kids a note telling them what they’ve been doing well and what they can improve. He also sends each kid a pair of Christmas PJs, a Christmas book, and a new ornament for the tree. The box builds the wonder of Santa Claus, and the kids get to spend the month dreaming about Christmas in their new PJs. The books help us talk about the spirit of giving and baby Jesus.
I love this weekend with my family. It is probably my favorite weekend of the year. I try to make it special for my kids because the reality is- you probably only get about 10 chances to make Christmas of believing really special. I want my kids to have great memories of our kick off to Christmas.
Photo by faith goble 