traditions

often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom,

the harder it is to get rid of it.

~ mark twain

this week marks the beginning of many holiday traditions in the magee household. 

i read an article last week about reducing holiday stress and it suggested eliminating some of your holiday traditions. i don't think i could do it. it just wouldn't feel the same.

i can't imagine a christmas season if we didn't...

visit pea ridge and chop down our own christmas tree.

make fudge.

find the perfect spot for a picture and hope everyone is looking at the camera.

listen to 180 kids sing their hearts out on stage.

make cookies...chocolate chip, oatmeal scotchies, peanut butter blossoms....

decorate the tree and our house.

go through tillis park to look at lights.

open little boxes for 24 chocolate filled days.

visit santa at the mall and hope no one cries.

help organize 2 class parties and service projects.

make more cookies...hello dollys, chocolate mint, granola crunchies....

take the boys shopping for each other.

write our christmas letter.

enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine before venturing through toys r us with tom.

make more cookies...apricot balls, butter balls, heath bar...

and finally mail the cards in the hopes that they will arrive before christmas eve!

i know that some of our traditions will change this year. and i'm working on embracing them...

i've been hiding all of the candy for the cookies and advent calendars, so dad doesn't find them.

we've done the 12 books of christmas before, now we're going to try the 12 days of christmas giving. i'm going to add paper ornaments to the boys' tree and each one will be something they will do to help someone else that day.

this year i will make my grandma's fruit cake for the first time and i can't wait!

i'm also trying to figure out a solution for our stockings and mantle. i love my mantle at christmas time. but i've gotta fit 6 stockings up there....it's one of those things that will change. and i think it will be one of the most difficult to part with.  

but for today, i plan on enjoying my family, those sick and well.

may you relish in all of your blessings today and every day.

happy thanksgiving.