Everyone has them. That thing you do each year at Christmas…that thing that, without it, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same. It’s something that contains years of memories, has the ability to transport you to the past, and represents comfort and familiarity. It’s not Christmas until my mom bakes her spritz cookies shaped like trees and wreaths. It’s not Christmas unless we go to Grandma and Grandpa’s on Christmas Eve and eat a traditional Christmas Swedish dinner, complete with Root Beer. And candy cane ice cream. And Christmas wouldn’t be as shiny and wonderful if it didn’t include my mom’s tree that literally drips with glass vintage Christmas balls. That’s one of my favourites! Now that Shane and I are celebrating our first Christmas as husband and wife, it has me wondering what our traditions will be, within our home. Last year he joined me and my dad on one of our favored Christmas morning traditions; after stockings and before breakfast, we drive the quiet streets down to the one open Starbucks in town and bring back drinks for everyone. It’s simple but it’s something that my dad and I have done together for years (like back when I’d go still in my Christmas pajamas…), and so it’s special. Speaking of Starbucks, for years I’ve been collecting their Christmas ornaments for the tree and it’s grown so much that this year, naturally, we have designated one tree just for Starbucks. And so I imagine that will be one tradition that will carry on in our home. Now it’s your turn: what are your Christmas traditions, what is your favourite, what would you like to begin doing? Leave a comment and – here’s the really fun part – your name will be entered in a draw to win a Starbucks gift card! Yay traditions!
Read More