This blog is written by Alyssa O’Sullivan, an Industry Volunteer for CommonGround Minnesota. Alyssa works as a Communicator in the ag industry. Learn more about Alyssa on her volunteer profile!
December is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the cozy vibe of Christmas lights, warm baking, desire to want to do something nice for others, and the nostalgia the season brings. I looked forward to this season the most growing up, not because of the presents, but because it was the time of year our family came together to make memories with each other – and that was something I cherished deeply. Now that my son is two years old, I’m officially beginning to make traditions with our little family as well. This season becomes significantly more magical when you get to experience it through the eyes of a little one; what a blessing we have.
Some traditions haven’t changed – and they begin on Black Friday for us! This year my mom and I did some holiday shopping bright and early at 4 a.m. Even if there is nothing specific we’re looking for, it’s so much fun to go through the stores and stumble upon some perfect gifts for those on our lists and do that shopping together.
We decorate our home pretty early in the season (it’s that love of Christmas lights I mentioned) and have started some traditions for our little family. Each year we all pick out an ornament to put on the tree. It’s typically either something we love from that year, something we did together as a family, or just represents us as people. Watching my son pick out his own ornament this year was such a treat! He was so proud to hang it on the tree front and center. Another tradition we have each year is taking a trip to Menard’s to get a new piece for our holiday village. This is one that’s just for my husband and I right now, but after our little goes to bed we take the time to create a new holiday scape each year that features our new piece. I can’t wait to watch that continue to grow, and when we can begin to include our son in setting it up with us.
We also have a few must-do items each holiday season as well. We have to watch Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at least twice. We LOVE driving around our neighborhood and surrounding areas to look at Christmas lights. We typically fill up our mugs with some hot cocoa, blast some holiday tunes in the car, and drive for a couple hours taking them all in. And an all-time favorite for us is our holiday treat baking day! Typically, 4-6 different cookies are made, and everyone gets to take a little of everything home. Everyone leaves with full stomachs and full hearts.
Of course there are gatherings with family as well. Before Christmas we usually go to a light display – this year we will be going to Sam’s Christmas Village. On Christmas Eve we load into the car, attend mass, and spend the holidays with those we love most. Christmas Eve night this year we’re going to start a new tradition with our son watching The Polar Express and putting cookies out for Santa and some food for the reindeer. On Christmas Day we typically host our family for a meal!
I look forward to continuing to evolve traditions as my son gets older. But so far this season, the magic is taking a front seat, and my husband and I are soaking up every moment.
