When it comes to the holidays, I love to create and continue holiday traditions with my people. Ever since our sweet little Isaiah came into our lives, its become more important for me to use holiday traditions as an aid in teaching the gift of giving, the importance of being present, and creating the sweetest of memories.
: : Remembering Jesus : :
Jesus is certainly the primary reason for the season and I think it is important to portray this message. We do this via spiritual conversations, church sermons, and even getting lost in a gospel song. Although Isaiah is not at an age where he can fully grasp this truth, we still make an effort to read books and prayers that he can follow. We look forward to the day he will appreciate these efforts!
: : Baking Treats : :
Usually around this time of year, I do the most baking. Items that I bake range from a blueberry cheesecake, cookies, peach cobbler, german chocolate cake, and the list goes on! Today, I baked my best batch of my chewy chocolate chip, pecan, and coconut cookies. Tony, my handsome and loving husband, came home from work and devoured the few that were left! Is it just me or does it make you happy too when people enjoy the things you cook and bake?
: : Giving Back : :
We have been so blessed throughout our lifetime and cannot imagine not paying it forward by giving to those in need. Although I like to keep our deeds of service between us and God, this year has been tough for us all. So, I want to share one way we recently gave back without having to spend money. We did this by collecting any unused or lightly used items gifted to Isaiah and donated them. There were 3 extra large garbage bags filled with clothes, shoes, blankets, etc,. It one of the easiest and least expensive ways to support those in need. You don’t have to spend the most money, just give from your heart!
: : Christmas Lights : :
I am saying “Christmas lights” in Isaiah’s toddler voice as he learned to say it shortly after Thanksgiving. One day I picked him up from daycare and drove throughout our neighborhood to view the homes that had their Christmas lights up before Dec 1st! All while playing Christmas music and repeating “Isaiah look Christmas Lights” and Isaiah repeating, “Kiss-mas Lie”. His face lit up every time!
One of our new additions to our holiday traditions is Houston Zoo Lights! I cannot wait to do this again with my boys, but the exact way Tony planned it this year! On a cool and sunny Friday evening we went to dinner at Eunice where we enjoyed some of the best cajun dishes! We then spent 2 hours at the zoo exploring the trail of lights. The highlight of our night was Isaiah bursting with excitement over the train display! Our hearts could not be fuller!
: : Family Holiday Photos : :
Family holiday photos are my absolute favorite! I find it fun to coordinate outfits based on a chosen theme. If you know us, then you know we love pictures. Its one of our favorite past times to look back at photos from over the years. Slowly but surely, I am working on unique photo albums to use as home decor and our family photos will surely tell a story!
: : Decorating The Christmas Tree : :
This year took us a tad longer to decorate our Christmas tree being that we have a curious and helpful toddler! Our trick to disengage Isaiah from the main source was to give him a shatterproof ornament to explore and “hang on the tree”. It worked well! Prior to, we fueled up on fajita tacos and cranberry mimosas (milk for Isaiah). Can you take a wild guess what we were listening to while decorating our tree? Yup! Christmas music!
What are some traditions you and your loved ones participate in during the holiday season? I would love to know and maybe even include them in our holiday traditions as well!
I hope this post has inspired you to fulfill those holiday traditions you and your loved ones cherish most!
