The truth is that I made Matthew bust out the Michael Buble´ Christmas album this weekend. Call me one of the crazy few that doesn’t grow old of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the family time, the snow (or hopes of) and the spirit of the season. So, while this may seem like a premature post for some of you, we are already gearing up for all things Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Carter household.
One of the ways we bring the Holidays to life in our house is by embracing traditions. We always pick up our Christmas tree the day of Thanksgiving and we love to have the family together on both Thanskgiving and Christmas. I enjoy filling our home with homey scents and lighting fires most nights while watching family movies.
The boys always have a night time story and we have started reading to them together now that Davis is a little older. We recently brought out Jingle (our Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy) for our night time stories. What a sweet and unique way to start bringing the Holidays to life in our home! The story that goes along with Jingle is one of acceptance and love and it is so much fun for the kids to listen along to Jingle’s reactions to the story. Sweet little Davis always pets him and says, “Awww… Jingle sad,” when Jingle starts to whimper. In the end they both rejoice at Jingle being so happy! There is even a Recordable Storybook option for Jingle so that the fun can be read by grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle or whomever is unable to be there for the holidays.
Another tradition we keep is purchasing a meaningful ornament for the boys each year. We love the Hallmark Keepsake ornaments for that very reason. There is always a perfect option that helps us remember something special about the boys from that year. Every year when we trim the tree the memories start flooding back as they place their special ornaments on the branches. This year the North Pole Countdown is a perfect choice because it reminds us of one of our favorite locations in Dollywood (the 50’s Diner and Rockin’ Roadway). I have so many fun snapshots of the boys racing around that speedway and it is always the first ride we head to. The North Pole Countdown allows us to turn the dial to countdown the 25 days and the radio announcer tells listeners just how many days are left and just how many boys and girls have been naughty or nice!
Of course, our Christmas would not be complete without sending a few cards to loved ones. I will be honest and tell you that we already have our Christmas cards ready for this year! We love to take a fun family photo to send out. We also generally have Graham tell us a list for Santa that we mail to him. Well, Hallmark definitely made this one simple this year! We are using the Mickey “My Wish List” Recordable Greeting Card so that Graham can speak his wish list and we can mail it off to the big guy! Perfect! I also adore the beautifully crafted Signature Collection this year with the look of hand crafted cards and even friendship bracelets. Oh so beautiful! Sometimes it is the small touches that really brighten someones days. I can think of the perfect person to send this one to :).
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Stephanie Grant says
We always decorate inside and out and watch lots of holiday movies 🙂
Kim Pollock says
We decorate, play music, and do fun christmas activities each day and read a different christmas book each day too
Melanie says
By keeping things simple……and enjoying every moment!
Steph says
We put up a tree and decorate the kitchen. Make treats, play holiday movies and music. It is a great time.
Maria Gagliano (@reesspace) says
We start on Thanksgiving. It is all about family for us and spend as much time together as possible.
LaTanya says
decorations and baking
Pamela Halligan says
With stories, both of holidays past and the Christmas story. We decorate as a family, count down until Christmas, and give thanks for our many blessings.
1955nurse says
Always start decorating the week after Thanksgiving, & we celebrate “St. Nick’s Night” early in Dec. trying to pass this tradition on to our Grands, too!!!(HollyC) Thanks for the chance….
Sarah Osborne says
With decorations, carols, and candles!
Melissa Belle says
Decorating, reading holiday books, baking goodies and listening to festive music.
sweetmelbelle31 at yahoo dot com
Terri S. says
We decorate our home and go together to shop for the best tree we can find. We all decorate it with all the ornaments (lots of them are handmade) from past Christmases while we listen to and sing Christmas songs.
Sarah Hufnagel says
We decorate and make special ornaments each day of advent to remember why we celebrate.
Brittany says
I just love being with the family, I don’t stress about anything on Christmas just stop and soak up the family time and celebrate Jesus the real meaning of the season. Thanks for the giveaway.
Terra Heck says
Me and the kids decorate our home with decorations, set out our Christmas cards we receive that year, and bake holiday cookies and candies. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mellisa Rock says
I try to keep things simple and think about the traditions that we keep from my kids perspective. Everything is hands on and everyone can join in and help!
Lori S says
We decorate early and do lots of activities.
Thanks!
chadro says
I play Christmas songs and carols all the time to bring life into my home!
Laura S says
cooking dinner and decorating the tree
laurie says
i think its when we start decorating that gets us in the mood for christmas
Lisa L says
We decorate & put up a tree and blast Christmas music =)
trixx says
I decorate and put up lots of Xmas lights