I can’t tell you how EXCITED I am that the holiday season is here! To tell you the truth, Carter and I decorated our tree last week, and for us the Christmas season is in full force. Some people get after us for starting too early, but in my view, it’s never too early to celebrate Christ’s birth. And it’s just too magical with the lights and cozy smells to wait until December 🙂
We’ll have been married 2 years in December… because we were traveling last Christmas, this will be our first Christmas to spend at home together and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to establish our own family traditions that make our family unique. With that being said, I thought I’d share some of our favorite (budge friendly) family holiday traditions we have thus far 🙂
Read more about last year’s Christmas travels in Germany.
Find and Cut Your Own Tree
National Forest and BLM (bureau of land management) lands often sell permits to go and cut your own tree in the forest! Not only is it SO FUN to go up and find your own tree, but it is also typically much cheaper than a real tree from the store (for us a real tree is the only way to go). While the average for store-bought (live) trees was $73 in 2018, our permit was only $15! How can you pass up such an exciting, money-saving tradition!
“Kinderpunsch” in our German Christmas Mugs
Carter served as a missionary in Germany for two years, so German tradition plays a role in our Christmas! At German Christmas markets, they sell mulled wine to adults and “kinderpunsch” for the kids! Since we don’t drink alcohol, we opted for kinderpunsch during our trip to Germany last Christmas. What makes the kinderpunsch so fun is that they serve it in a variety of awesome Christmas mugs! Specially made for each market, you can either keep the mug or return it for some of your money back. We kept ours so we have a nice collection of Christmas mugs!
So while we went to get our tree, we let a homemade pot of kinderpunsch simmer so it was ready for us when we got home. We pulled out the mugs, sipped hot punch, and ate homemade soup and rolls while we set up our tree.
Christmas Stories all Through December
This was one of my favorite traditions growing up. Starting on the first day of December, we’d gather on the couch each night while my mom read us a Christmas story. Now that I’m a mama, I can’t wait to continue this tradition next year!
Here are some of my very favorite Christmas stories I grew up reading 🙂
Go to a Live Nativity
Growing up in Salt Lake, there was a live nativity each year in our neighborhood! I must say this is one of the things I miss the most. Volunteers would dress up in Biblical Jewish attire and not only present the nativity scene, but an entire “Bethlehem”, including foods to try, hot chocolate, and fire pits to warm up around. There were carolers singing Christmas hymns, bringing a beautiful spirit. You would finally walk down the path to find the nativity scene and a recording of the Christmas story in the Bible. I loved the atmosphere here and the spirit it brought to the start of the season! Here’s hoping we can find one closer to us this year.
Homemade Christmas Gifts
My favorite Christmas ever was the year my entire family made only homemade gifts for each other! The excitement of giving was tangible throughout the home as everyone anxiously prepared their hand-crafted gifts. There was a buzz of anticipation on Christmas morning as everyone eagerly waited to present what they were giving, rather than see what they would receive. The spirit of giving was beautiful and brought back the magical feeling of Christmas that you only seem to feel as a child.
Carter and I have adopted this tradition when preparing gifts for our parents and siblings… last year we carved and painted ornaments and this year… you’ll see! I absolutely love putting in the time throughout the holidays to prepare these little gifts of love.
Light the World
This is probably the best tradition ever, bringing such an amazing spirit of giving and love for the Savior. Broken down into simple ideas each day, the idea is to celebrate Christ’s birth in “25 ways over 25 days”. Light the World helps me to remember the true reason for this beautiful season. You can learn more about Light the World here and even sign up for daily texts throughout the month of December to give you great service ideas.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this initiative. Giving from the heart brings the most amazing spirit to the holiday season. It reminds me that the holidays aren’t really about the snow, hot cocoa, decorating the house, or feasting with family. Christmas is about reminding us of the GREATEST GIFT we have ever received, the life and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If we allow it to, it reminds us that:
“Freely ye have received, freely give”
(Matthew 10:8)
I hope this sparks some ideas about traditions you can start making your own! What are your favorite family holiday traditions? Please post below so we can all hear some more fun and/or spiritual traditions 🙂
