A tradition is a long-established custom or belief with symbolic meaning or special significance. Some traditions are passed down from generation to generation and others are new. A tradition can be any custom or belief that holds a special place in your heart. You can start a new tradition at any point and continue it year after year. The biggest takeaway is that the tradition helps you to feel like Christmas. They can be big or small but they are important to you. Below are five traditions that TJ and I take part in each year.
1. Things Remembered Ornament
The first Christmas TJ and I were together I gifted him a snowflake ornament. It was only a few months into our relationship but was in my opinion an adorable idea. I engraved it with our names and the year, “2009.” That first ornament turned into an annual ornament. Each year we had an ornament from Things Remembered engraved with a message or phrase about that year. At this time, we only have 10 ornaments but one day will have 50+ ornaments decorating our tree.
2. The Galvin Holiday Party
For as long as I can remember, my parents hold a Christmas Eve party. The 24th is Christmas in Germany and my mom claimed the evening for their annual holiday party. I spend the days leading up to the party pulling recipes, buying ingredients, and prep. Our tradition includes lots of friends, family, food, and drinks. The nigh concludes with Santa coming around on a firetruck to hand out candy to the little ones.
3. Family Photo Session
Every year since TJ and I have been married we have had our photos professionally done. It’s a fun experience to get all dressed up and get glamorous photos. Some years are more casual and other’s are in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow so be sure to capture the moments with your loved ones while you can. I stress the importance of updated family photos for this reason. Don’t wait until you are skinnier or the outfits all match, just schedule your session and get your family in front of the camera.
4. Photo Ornament
This tradition is one that we just got caught up on. We had been talking about it for years but didn’t order them until now! Since we have an annual family photo done we took two of those photos and created a photo metal ornament to hang on the tree. It is really fun to see ourselves over the years and remember back to the photo sessions. All of these ornaments make our tree unique and full of memories.
5. Christmas Cards
I love the traditional, non modern aspect of designing, addressing and mailing Christmas cards. It is all too easy to post a Happy Holidays on someone’s timeline or wall. But to receive an envelope addressed to you takes a bit longer because it’s done with love. A Christmas card can include moments throughout the year or a photo from your family session to show how you’re family has grown. I have a card from each year that we have sent them since we have been married. It’s always fun to go back through them.
These traditions are special to us. Some of our traditions are bigger like my parent’s holiday party or sending out 50+ Christmas cards. While others are smaller like ordering ornaments. They are all important to us and make the holidays special for us. I encourage you to start your own family traditions to celebrate your past holidays together and to look forward to future ones!
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