« Christmas Tree Picnic & Traditions »
December 20, 2012 17 Comments I'm still desperately trying to get in the holiday spirit this year. If my children have anything to say about it, I will be all full of merry and silly and cheer in five days! I've been super busy with non-holiday tasks and I think this has kept the spirit from sinking fully into my heart. In addition, I've been battling with my Asthma this year on a level that is simply and slowly killing me! (not really, but really, it is) I also have a serious case of acid reflux and the two together are giving me some fierce headaches and heartburn. My meds have been switched up a couple of times in the past few weeks and making me a bit wonk-a-doodle!
I have started a couple of traditions for our small family of five that I must keep up now or my little poppets will be ever so disappointed. My littles simply adore nutcrackers as much as I do. Where ever we go they are searching out new nutcrackers and begging me to purchase 'just one more'.
My son turned 11 a week ago and we had a small celebration at home. I'm really trying to to tailor down the birthdays as my children grow older. Now to get grandparents on board with this idea. I know everyone always says this, but where the heck did 11 years just go?
One of the holiday traditions I keep alive is the countdown of Advent. Last year I purchased these adorable little buckets and placed a small treat or gift in each bucket for each day of Advent. This year I simply did not want to get the kiddos a trinket for each day because out home is full up of trinkets and toys. Instead, I opted to print out personal messages for the little to read each day. Some days there were adventures, some days were simple tasks, one day we were to decorate a gingerbread house and today was a picnic by the Christmas tree.
My children were so overjoyed by the idea! The picnic was so lovely and peaceful. My husband put on holiday music and the girls were dancing around while eating their picnic dinner. My husband even commented that he missed these picnics, letting the children know that I used to have picnics prepared for him and I all the time "before you were all born".
When the Christmas tree is up, simply place a blanket near the tree, turn off the lights and turn on your tree lights and have a picnic. Soft Christmas tree lights, great food and a special people to enjoy it with!
Reader Comments (17)
I still love your advent! Such a cute idea...and that last photo is gorgeous.
Well, I think you are doing a great job making your home merry! I love the bucket advent, the picnic, the nutcrackers...and all of it!
I also spotted the Thai instrument (keem) under your table! Have you been to Thailand?
Your post is perfect -- I think the creation of ritual and tradition in our lives and our children's lives is essential. It creates memories, deepens connections, sparks joy and anticipation. And I really like the idea of Advent buckets full of things to do. How about putting out food for the birds on one of those days? Baking cookies for teachers? Thanks for sharing the joy!
I LOVE the picnic idea.... I am going to do that for my husband when the kids are away.
Your advent buckets are fabulous.... I have no idea where you find all the time to be so creative but you do a truly fabulous job. You should be very proud of what you achieve.
Mollyxxx
I love this idea! It's so great! I also love the Advent buckets. . . so cute!!! I do hope your feeling better soon. It is so hard to get into anything happy when your sick!
I love all your family traditions and the photos are gorgeous!!!! The nutcrackers are so fun to collect. My friends have a collection and I love adding to it.
Laurie
I'm sorry you're not feeling well - that's a drag any time especially during the holidays. I love your photos - you've got some great traditions going. Your children will have many happy memories.
What special traditions!! Your picnic looks delicious!!
You have some lovely traditions going. I love those nutcrackers!
Hope you are feeling better soon!!
I love the string of buckets- LOVE it! Loving your nutcrackers too- I would love to start a real good collection. All we have are fireman ones.
Your Advent buckets are really cute! And I LOVE the idea of a Christmas Tree Picnic!!
I am absolutely in love with your advent buckets!! So cute!!!
Love your traditions too! The picnic sounds like such fun and a wonderful idea!
Merry Christmas!
I love your nutcracker collection!
love the last pictures and now I'm totally craving jewels chicken wings now lol
sorry to hear about your health issues! hope the new year brings some relief. love your nutcrackers display and the picnic under the tree lights sounds wonderful!
what a SWEET idea! I'm definitely tucking this away for years to come!
Traditions are so important at this time of year. We just have a Christmas picnic on the beach now that the kids are gone.