Graham Holiday Traditions
I dream about the holiday season every single year. It’s just so magical and full of everything that I love! Baking, family, friends, Jesus, gifts…I LOVE it all! Now that we have a wee one, it makes this holiday even more fun. I love that we get to have family traditions with our little family of three. It’s so fun, especially now that Theo is getting older and more aware of what is actually going on. It’s a beautiful time to come together with family and friends and make lasting memories.
A fun tradition my mom started doing with me and my siblings, and we continue doing every year, is baking and decorating Christmas cookies. My mom would make a huge batch of sugar cookie dough, and we always got lots of cookie cutters, sprinkles, chocolates (the works) and decorated until every single surface in the house had sugar cookies on top. It’s fun and amazing to remember standing on a chair decorating cookies and now watching my little guy standing on a chair decorating, but mostly eating cookies. I still remember the moments vividly, the smells of fresh baked cookies, and the sound of laughter. I hope that Theo and the future little Grahams will experience the same nostalgic feelings about Christmas that I do.
Christmas Eve is spent with family and food. We laugh a lot, and we eat a lot. We normally do some sort of gift exchange or either just give gifts to the kiddos. We also go to the Christmas Eve service at our church; so I make sure we all coordinate so we can snap the annual Christmas photo. I love that Gymboree makes it so easy and is a “one stop shop,” for all the outfits, for all the things. Can I get an amen mamas? I love their holiday line, and Theo is literally dressed head to toe in all of their amazing clothes.
Growing up, we would always get to open a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve. It was so exciting because they were always matching with my other siblings and we totally rocked them. On Christmas day, we would get up super early and we’d all have to wait and go downstairs together to see our bounty. But first, we would read the Christmas story and sip sparkling cider and then pray. After that, we’d open presents from youngest to oldest. So, pajamas on Christmas Eve is definitely a tradition that we will continue with Theo as well, and toddlers in cute pajamas gets me every time! Gymboree has some super cute holiday pajamas for your littles. Most people know this, but in case you didn’t, Theo’s full name is Theodore Rex Graham (T. Rex). So, these pajamas were a MUST. I can’t wait to cozy up in our jammies on the night before Christmas and sip hot cocoa, read a book, and snuggle with my guys.
When Christmas morning finally arrives, we will wake up, whenever our alarm goes off (Theo), and scamper downstairs to show Theo all of his goodies. We will read the Christmas story and then all make family breakfast with Christmas music playing in the background. Later, to grandmother’s house we go! We’ll go spend time with family and then have a big, celebratory feast.
I’d love to start a new tradition this year in our home with The Christmas Star from Afar Wooden Nativity Set and Book. It comes with a book and nativity set and you hide the star in a different place every morning leading up to Christmas morning. Your little one has to go on a search for the star every day, similar to that of the wise men. This simple game encourages children to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I also would love to serve with Operation Christmas Child once Theo is a little older. I remember volunteering with this organization when I was younger and I really enjoyed it.
The holidays really are the best time to be a kid. From the twinkling lights, to the anticipation of Christmas morning, and all the cozy nights spent under a blanket watching Elf for the 100th time, there are so many magical moments. Gymboree nailed it with their holiday catalog including the best gifts and the perfect must haves. Thanks for taking a peek into my family’s traditions, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Cheers to a dreamy holiday season!
This post is sponsored by Gymboree. Gymboree was kind enough to provide Theo’s wardrobe for free. But as always, all opinions and comments are my own and 100% honest.
Nicole says
Thanks for sharing this was so cute!
Brittney says
Awww thank you so much, and thanks for reading!