It’s Christmas week, and that makes me SO HAPPY, you guys!! I seriously love Christmas so much because there are so many fun things to do this time of year. I was reading Kathleen’s blog yesterday where she shared some of her favorite Christmas traditions, so I thought I would share some of mine with you!
Anthropologie plate, mug, candle, & card
- Going to the candlelight Christmas Eve service. My parents and I have gone to the Christmas Eve service at our church for as long as I can remember, but last year my friends and I went to the 11PM candlelight service, and I am now making it a new tradition! 🙂
- Watching Hallmark Christmas movies. My mom and I start watching them at the very beginning of November, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen every single one at this point. Yes, I know, they’re cheesy. But they’re so great!
- Driving around to look at the Christmas lights. I LOVE looking at all the different houses decked out in lights and decorations! One of the best places to see them is on Balboa Island in Newport Beach.
- Going to the beach. Speaking of the beach, my parents and I usually go to the beach on Christmas Day because it’s pretty much sunny and in the high 60s or low 70s every single year. I think it’s supposed to be a little cooler this year (thank God!), but we’ll probably still go!
- Listening to Christmas music. Just like the Hallmark movies, I start listening to Christmas music towards the beginning of November. It just puts me in a great mood! I’ve also been listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on my new record player.
- Bake Christmas cookies. This is a MUST! I’ve had a Christmas cookie decorating night with girlfriends the past few years, and this year my friend @veganmarcie and I made vegan gingerbread cookies! Get the recipe HERE.
- Open presents with the yule log playing on the TV. Since it’s usually too warm to have an actual fire going here in Orange County, we’ll turn on the TV yule log on KTLA.
- Read the Christmas story. This is an absolute must. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the “Christmas traditions” and presents, and although all of that is fun, I believe it’s necessary to take time to sit and reflect about what we’re really celebrating this time of year. It’s not supposed to be about an old man delivering presents, or even spending time with family. It’s a time to celebrate what happened 2000 years ago–the birth of Jesus the Messiah, who would one day take on all the sins of humankind so that we can spend eternity in paradise with Him. I encourage you to read the Christmas story and take some time to slow down and reflect this weekend.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? Tell me in the comments below so I can add on some more to my list! 🙂
xo Katie