7 Annual Christmas Traditions
A list of my top 7 Christmas traditions that will forever be my favorite for years to come! From gatherings, decorating and more!
Annual Christmas Traditions
I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE Christmas! What I love the most are the traditions that we continue to do, year after year.
From decorating the Christmas Tree to drinking copious amounts of Egg Nog, and eating all the homemade cookies, dips and more, the most magical time of year has always been about spending time with family and friends.
My husband and I have been together for 15 years, and we’ve been part of each of our family’s holiday traditions ever since! Growing up our families blended well together, and it was always so fun to share our Christmas traditions with one another.
Shortbread Cookies
We make shortbread cookies every year for Christmas. My mom always made sure we did this, it is one of my favourite childhood Christmas memories, that we still continue to do every year. I’ve shared this tradition with my husband, and now I will share and continue this tradition with my daughter, Everly.
We always do this activity in our Christmas aprons. We cut the cookies with Christmas themed cookie cutters, decorate with holiday sprinkles, eat the raw dough, and eat the freshly baked cookies.
These are also the cookies we left for Santa every year 😉
I cannot wait to share this one with Everly for all the Christmases to come!
Decorating The Christmas Tree
This was always a family thing. We all took part in decorating the tree. I always enjoyed this because every year as a child I’d always get new ornaments to add to our collection.
I remember I had the Holiday Barbie Collection. I’d get the Barbie of the year, every Christmas. Decorating the tree with all these special memories, like handmade ornaments made during craft time at Church. Every year looking at all these ornaments always brings back many wonderful memories.
I am thankful my mom hangs onto all of these things. I enjoy looking at our family Christmas tree and seeing our special pieces scattered all over.
We also had two Christmas Trees growing up. One always stood in the sitting room which my mom decorated so beautifully, and the other was our family tree, which I just chatted about above.
Christmas Pajamas
Every year on Christmas Eve we always got a new pair of matching Christmas Pajamas. I still, to this day, love the excitement of Christmas Eve and getting a new pair of Christmas Pajamas!
This year I was able to get Everly a pair to match ours! I can’t wait to share this fun tradition with her!
Cookie Exchange
Each year we always do a cookie exchange. We make it a girl’s afternoon where we have hot/cold beverages and snacks! The idea is that each person makes a couple dozen fo their favourite Christmas sweet. Once we all get together we share up our cookies amongst everyone.
This activity is so much fun. We usually make it a Christmas sweater theme {ugly or not}. The best part is getting a variety of cookies for entertaining over the holidays.
What’s your favourite holiday cookie?
Tipsy’s Eve (December 23rd)
It’s the best party during the holidays, I think it even beats New Years’. I grew up in Newfoundland where this day was a VERY busy, and probably the most celebrated day during the holidays.
Some people celebrate by Mummering. Typically individuals gather in small or large groups and disguise themselves by dressing up in random items found around the house. From aprons, odd socks/shoes, and more. They go door to door around their communities, stopping in for a drink, chat and a “scuff” {known as a dance in Newfoundland}.
Others gather to celebrate with family and friends enjoying food and drinks, with one heck of a party happening. Guitars, accordions, etc. music being played of all kinds. Most people usually end up gathering at a local bar where the party continues, and the bar is at max capacity… at least in my hometown.
Egg Nog
I remember living home in Newfoundland and counting down the days until the egg nog hit the shelf. My first glass was with my mom and I remember requesting extra cinnamon in mine. I can speak for both myself and my husband that WE love egg nog, especially with rum and lots of ice.
Speaking of egg nog and cinnamon… which do you prefer to spice your egg nog up with, nutmeg, cinnamon, or both?
From Christmas movies to decorating… a glass of egg nog is always present!
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Last but not least, another one of my favourites is the traditional ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas book.
Every Christmas Eve before bed we always read this book. It was the very last thing we did before the lights were out for the night. It always made going to bed a little more exciting knowing that Christmas Day morning was almost here. I can’t wait to share this tradition with Everly.
What are some of your Christmas traditions?