Category Archives: christmas

Christmas around the world

christmas

Every December, the garden and sculpture park near our house decks the halls by showcasing how countries from around the world celebrate at this time of year.  More than 300,000 lights, carolers, and horse-drawn carriage rides complete the picture.  Visiting this wonderland has become a holiday tradition for our family, one we anticipate with joy every year.

The bonus for parents?  You can sneak in a little learning while you’re there.  As kids marvel at how different the decorations are on the trees from Mexico and Sweden, they also get to read a little about the similarities and differences in various countries’ customs.  One of their favorite trees is from Germany – it’s a race to see who can find the hidden pickle ornament!  Understanding that some cultures celebrate differently opens kids eyes, and hearts, and gives families a chance to discuss their own traditions, as well.

And speaking of our traditions, we have decorated our tree…

naturally, the dog tried to help…

and here it is!

Merry Christmas, wherever you celebrate!

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Holiday Traditions for Your Family

christmas, family

Chaos.  Shopping.  Family tension.  If these are the visions dancing in your head during the holidays, it’s time to dream some new dreams.

In the midst of the “must-do’s” of the season, it’s imperative to make time for special events and to create traditions you cherish.  Don’t have many?  Last year at Blissfully Domestic, I wrote about a few holiday tradition ideas you could borrow from my family to get a jumpstart.   You can read them all here, but this is one of my favorites:
Read.  When I was a little girl, my family read a story from Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book every night as Christmas approached.  My kids look forward to the same tradition.  There’s a wonderful comfort in hearing a beloved story even when you already know how it turns out.  And despite reading The Gift of the Magi every single Christmas season since childhood, I still choke up at the selflessness of their gifts. 
This year, calm the choas, create traditions you love, and have yourself a Merry little Christmas.  Does your family have a tradition you love that you can share?  I’d love to hear about it.
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