I don't know when we started this. Probably after one Christmas of watching toddlers in "present overload". But we started holding off on "stockings" until New Years morning. And you know what? It's one of my MOST FAVORITE traditions ever.
It starts with a cup of very strong coffee...all my mornings do! And very impatient munchkins waiting for "the word" to begin ... systematically of course... opening up the gifts hidden in those stockings that magically appeared filled overnight!They gifts are fun as well as meaningful, things I collect all year round...and things I pick up in those amazing post Christmas sales! Trust me, you get a lot of bang for your buck if you wait until New Years!
They oooh and ahhh over each one...and I take pictures...lots of pictures! There is this new part of me that knows my time with them is fleeting. They are growing up SO fast!
But my most favorite part is how we end...They get a new devotional for the year. Something to help them start out their year on the right foot...with the right focus. I meticulously take time to choose one that is right...for them. I write in it. And pray that that their love for Jesus will grow each and every day. And that is how the Lehmann's start our year.
What are some of your tradition's?
That is a cool tradition! And I love those squishy crabby / fishy things like in the first large picture. I need to go find one of those. Such a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteI love that tradition. So much better than mine of sleeping in until 10:30am. ;-) My favorite Christmas tradition is when my immediate family gets together at 3:00 for church/dinner/gifts together.
ReplyDeletethank you! aren't those water things awesome? so fun...then they break!
ReplyDeletesleeping in...also necessary! lol!
ReplyDeletefamily time is the BEST!
Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this tradition!! I am seriously thinking of adopting it! You know, I always put so much thought and care into the stockings, but by the time they get to them.....they are underwhelmed to say the least! This sounds like such a fun tradition and a way to perk up, what is in my mind, one of the BORINGEST holidays ever!!
ReplyDeleteP.s. The necklaces look FAB on your gorgeous girls :)
I agree with Sara ~ I'm totally adopting this idea for next year. Especially the part about starting their year off with something specific they can reflect on, learn from and hopefully grow toward.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful post!
so when y'all do this NEXT year...i want pictures! got it? :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! I especially love the devotional part. As a "new" family (having a 3.5 year old and a 9 month old) we're still figuring out how we want to celebrate Christmas with a good mix of faith and fantasy.
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