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Now I haven’t inherited this angel topper so we needed our own tree topper for our first Christmas. My husband convinced me to get a star for our tree that first Christmas. Mostly because it was cheaper. And we did use the star for a few more Christmases and then lost it in a move. I finally got an angel, but we have been having a hard time agreeing on an angel. My husband keeps trying to get me to get a star. I just can’t do it though. Hey, he gets to light up the outside of the house like a beacon, he can give me the angel on the top of the tree, right? So far we still do have an angel on the top of the tree. We did purchase a new one this year which really is beautiful. And my husband isn’t complaining. We have two other angels, one that’s really heavy and he’s always worried is going to fall off the tree and one that has all white lights. He’s not a fan of white lights so he doesn’t like to put that one up. This one is a blue fiber optic angel and is not as heavy as our other one so it sits atop the tree rather nicely this year.
But anyways, my point in all of my ramblings is every family is different. Some believe in Santa some do not. Some do elf on the shelf, some do not. Some do tinsel some do not. Some think the only focus should be on the religious part of Christmas, some do a little of both, and some just do Santa.
And in case you’re wondering yes I do “lie” to my kids about Santa although I don’t view it as a lie. I tell them stories all the time just as they tell me stories. They believe in the magic of the season. My oldest knows the truth if you will, but she still believes in Santa. She still believes that dreams can come true and she loves being a part of making that happen for her younger siblings.
It’s not a lie plain and simple. It’s the spirit of Christmas and that’s what works for us. So do me a favor and don’t tell me I’m lying to my kids because Santa does exist in all of us. It’s his giving nature that we celebrate and something that I work to show my kids all year long.
We don’t do Elf on the Shelf. Yes, I find the elf to be creepy and over priced. Since before the popularity of the elf began to rise we have had a stuffed reindeer named Snowball who reports back to Santa when he sees the kids doing good and yes even when they have been naughty. The goal of course is to balance out the good and the naughty. And that’s what Snowball is in our house. So we do have our own version of the elf. I think the idea behind the elf is good and it’s fun and it’s all a part of the Christmas magic. I just wouldn’t spend that kind of money on that. Which of course is our choice. Doesn’t make someone else wrong for choosing the elf.
And tinsel, I hate tinsel. It’s messy and quite frankly I think it looks tacky. But so long as you don’t come into my home throwing tinsel on my tree I will not come into yours pulling the tinsel off your tree.
We have a little religion mixed in with Santa. Although, I must admit it’s more Santa. However, I do tell my children that this was the day baby Jesus was born and we talk about our manger. We don’t go to church, but that’s okay. It’s what works for us.
I love each and every one of our holiday traditions. From the looking at the tree from the inside up to the build up and excitement of the arrival of Santa. From the angel atop the tree to the Christmas day movie tradition. I love it all because it’s with the 5 people I love most in this world. And someday when my children are grown I hope they will take some of our holiday traditions and add them to their family celebration, but I hope they find a way to make the day their own as well. Our way of celebrating is what’s right for our family. I just wouldn’t have it any other way even if it makes me a liar or non traditional. It’s not about doing it the same, it’s about doing what works for your family.
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
