Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Traditions

When our daughters were young we began going to the Sierra's several times a year; in winter we always went cross-country skiing and in the summer we would hike and swim. We always rented a cabin or mountain home and loved the time we spent in the mountains. This continued on even after our girls got married and started families; maybe not as often but we'd always try to get up there at least once a year. Cross country skiing was replaced by snow shoeing and riding saucers and sleds. Two years ago for Christmas, hubby, our two girls and their families and I rented a large home in the mountains. It was a wonderful time for all of us for this was the first year we all were there bright and early Christmas morning. The fun of having all our grandchildren with us, 5 at the time, was amazing. To see Christmas through a child's eyes is wondrous. The picture above was taken that Christmas and although we didn't have a white Christmas that morning we did get snow. Some of our family traditions that began with our daughters were watching a holiday movie on Christmas Eve. My girls favorite was always Little House on the Prairie and of course the classics of old-Miracle on 34th Street is just one of the classics we loved. We did indeed watch movies together. Hubby and I never put out presents until after our girls were in bed and it held true this particular year as well. You can imagine the glee and giggles as 5 little ones came downstairs and found presents galore under the tree. Another tradition is that there were always brand new pajamas on their beds on Christmas Eve. For many years I still got all the grand kids p.j.'s but now have passed that tradition onto their parents to continue~with seven it gets a tad bit pricey.
One tradition we didn't do that year was traveling around our area to see Holiday decorations and Christmas lights. We did that here last year and it was fun to explore our new area looking for beautiful lights while listening to carols and hymns on the car radio. We don't have to travel anymore to be in the snow and although we aren't up in the Rockies we have a beautiful view.
There are so many treasured memories of years past and I look forward to making new traditions as the little ones get bigger.
What are some of your holiday traditions? If you are a grandparent are you still able to partake in them with your grandchildren?
Have a joyous day and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

6 comments:

  1. Dear Noreen,
    I loved reading about your wonderful family traditions, seeing the pretty snow and your beautiful family and lovely Christmas decorations. Your blog is so pretty and peaceful, I love the music you have playing.

    The pattern you inquired about is Simplicity 5597~ 6 skirts made easy. I would love to see yours when you make one. They are fun and easy to make.
    Thank you for your sweet comments!
    The Lord bless you!
    Paula

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, Noreen,
    I got my angels from Irene's Corner:

    http://www.irenescorner.com/graphics/gbifiles/sets/index.htm

    They are under the free holiday & seasonal sets, "Christmas angels".

    I enjoyed reading about your Christmas traditions. They sound so wonderful.

    I love the mountains, too. We are thinking about renting a cabin next summer, if we can. I think that would be so much fun.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good Evening Noreen ~

    Thank you for sharing your families Christmas traditions. I so enjoy your blog and all of the special family things that you all do together.

    Have a blessed evening!

    Hugs ~
    Teri

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Noreen,

    What a beautiful snow picture! And the ones in the previous post too! This is a lovely post ~ what precious memories you are continuing to make with your daughters now that they are grown and with their children too! You really are blessed!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Noreen,
    I enjoyed reading about your families Christmas traditions. We always let the girls open one gift on Christmas eve, we would also go out looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood. The girls and I would also lock ourselves in the bedroom and wrap presents, while listening to Christmas carols. It was always a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I enjoyed reading about your family's traditions Noreen and that winter wonderland picture is so beautiful :o)

    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete

Leave your comment
"Thank You" for leaving me a comment on my blog ~ I so appreciate each one and even if I don't respond please know I do read them.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14