New Holiday Traditions

As much as I love the holiday season, there is something about it that also brings me a lot of unnecessary anxiety. I always feel like I should be decorating a certain way, giving the perfect gifts, and dressing in a festive fashion. Every year I grumble at our apartment knowing that nothing is permanent, and like the rest of my decor, holiday decorations are usually haphazardly put up. I have grand ideals of the days when we own a home and how wonderfully I will decorate. Until then, I will depend on my parents and in-laws to decorate for me.We went to a small Christmas parade in town last week, and I admittedly started crying when I watched Finn's face follow Santa Claus down the road. He was probably more in awe of the bright lights and colors than of Santa, but still. This year will be extra special. Finn's first Christmas will undoubtedly be memorable.I have started to reminisce about some of our childhood traditions and how I would love to incorporate them into our new family's celebrations. When my sisters and I were little, my parents did everything in their power to have us hold onto the magic of Christmas for as long as possible. Each year we would put out carrots and cookies for Santa and his reindeer. Then, my mom would read "'Twas the night before Christmas". As we got older and started to question the authenticity of Santa, my parents enlisted the help of my uncles, who would climb on the roof and stomp around, leaving half eaten carrots and footprints behind!Christmas morning we would wake up extra early in the morning, close our eyes, and run past the tree to wake up Mom and Dad. Dad would make us breakfast and we would open our stockings. Once Dad was ready to sit down, we'd start opening presents keeping them in our own designated corner of the room. Later in the morning, family would come over, more presents would be unwrapped, movies would be watched, and food would be eaten.This year we will all be celebrating Christmas at my parents' house. I'm looking forward to introducing the same traditions to Finn and Natalie - although they may be a little young this year to appreciate everything this year! I made Christmas stockings for David, Juneau and I a few years back, so I will have to add a Finn stocking to the mix. Our Christmas Cards came in the mail last week and we will be getting a Christmas tree this weekend. (I grew up with the live trees, David's family had fake ones. We have been getting the small, live trees the past few years. Seriously cannot wait for a house so we can have a huge tree!)These are small traditions that I know will continue to grow as Finn does. I've already bought Finn's Christmas outfit and have to stop myself from buying more! All in all, I'm feeling very festive this year and I'm looking forward to Finn meeting all of his extended family and to finally visit my childhood home!