Twelve Drummers Drumming

When I married my husband, we each came from different families with very different holiday traditions. He open his presents on Christmas morning and my family opened our presents on Christmas Eve after Church and dinner. Edward was adamant about opening presents on Christmas morning, so that's when we do it.

My mom used to make a full blown dinner, but since my marriage, we've either had hors d'oeuvres or what has since become our tradition in my house...Christmas Pizza.

And of course, we watch a lot of movies...Christmas we usually watch Christmas Vacation and a Christmas Story. Oh and just so you know, we were watching A Christmas Story before it became a cult classic! In fact, if we recall, the critics at the time all hated it. My how a few decades can change the thoughts of peoples' minds!

Cookie baking is another thing that I love to do this time of year. I always have grander aspirations than what I can produce, but it sure is nice to see everyone's faces when I bring those gifts to the door.

This year, the stress level is way down because I gave up trying to do everything. As my husband says, I've finally "taken off the cape". Very Funny Edward! Actually, it feels pretty good to just "let go". The world didn't come to an end because I wasn't Secret Santa for someone. In fact, I did something completely different this year with our charitable dollars. My heart feels light and I am much happier compared to Christmases Past!

The biggest change in tradition is the fact that we are alone on Christmas. Although we are over 2000 miles away from our families, we try to talk with them several times during the holidays. Usually a phone call on Christmas Eve to my parents and my brother and his wife who are spending that evening together.

Christmas Day the hubs and I open gifts, have breakfast and then call my parents to say thank you for the wonderful gifts. Sometime during the day we try to reach Edward's sister. Hopefully this year we can make that happen.

Whatever the traditions that we have, I know that I have my best friend here to honor them with me. Also, if we don't happen to do one thing or another, it really doesn't matter as long as we are together.


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE READERS OF TODAY'S WORKING WOMAN!




I've written this post for the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge, sponsored by the Casa De Hansen. Today's topic is Traditions Marching On based on the 12th Day of Christmas: "Twelve Drummers Drummer".