Holiday Traditions

Alpine Nativity with Grandparents

The Alpine Nativity has a very calm and beautiful aura that captures Christmas and the special night Christ was born. I am glad my mom always invites us to attend and makes it special.

Holiday Crowns & Dinners

My sister Sarah made the girls holiday crowns and we had fun setting up our dining room for all the holiday parties, dinners, and family events we hosted over the holiday seasons. When the California Browns came to visit we did the tradition of the little gifts on the table that you have to pull the string under your plate to find. I use my Pottery Barn reindeer set every year on the table.

Neighborhood Cookie Exchange & Contest

One of my favorite things I have put together is our friend cookie exchange. We have almost 100 people each time. Mothers and daughters come with cookies they have made together and the judges sample them all. Everyone is competing to win a decorated Christmas tree with presents on them. One is themed Beanie Boos, another Cooking Supplies, another Beauty Supplies, and lastly Art Supplies. Then everyone takes their platters and leaves with a new couple dozen of cookies.

Limo Ride to See the Lights

My sister and I had the best idea to rent a limo for a couple hours and have them drive all of our families around to see the lights in Salt Lake City. My little brother Jonathan came with us and told me mom that he finally had a girlfriend. When my mom heart that she literally shook his hand, that was her reaction, it was hilarious and I LOVE that I have it on camera.

Bingo with the Browns

We had the Browns over to play holiday bingo and to give Jacob his toy weedwacker (inside joke).

Holiday Favorite Things Party

I had a bunch of the neighborhood ladies over for a Favorite Things Party. I got my favorite fruit tarts from Gourmandise. It was so fun to be together with all the ladies I have learned to love and get to know over my five years in Daybreak.

Special Treats

Cocoa cookies from Gourmandise, my homemade french style hot chocolate, and homemade marshmallows. Most importantly cookie making with my mom to make all of her specialities.

Work Party

We threw another work party where we had a delicious holiday dinner and did a white elephant gift exchange. I made the stupidest idea to play a very crass game and the winners won gift cards. I didn’t realize how rough it was till right before and I tried to hurry and grab out all the cards that were nasty but i failed.

Nutcracker with Grandma

Ballet West this season introduced their new stage and also new costumes. They switched up a couple of the scenes as well. It was really gorgeous and we always enjoy going with Grandma.

Harry Potter Symphony

The Harry Potter Symphony was a hit! We got to watch one of the Harry Potter movies and the Utah Symphony played along to the music. We also have got to see Home Alone and Indiana Jones this way, one of my favorite things to do.

Lower Lights Concert

Tyler and I got to attend the Lower Lights concert and listen to my favorite song they do. They always help me feel the spirit of the season.

Holiday Notes, Gifts & Cards, Neighbor Gifts

The Christmas season is when we show our appreciation to all of the teachers in our lives. My girls write each teacher a handwritten letter and it takes awhile! Christmas cards are one of my favorite traditions and those take awhile to put together too. Very worth it and helps us realize how grateful we are. For neighbor gifts we gave everyone a tin of Shae Butter from Namaka Shae. The two presents we received that meant the most to us were little figurines from Ann Hobson that I knew she felt like she should give me from my Grandmother asking her to. I also loved the book that my Uncle Robert sent me because it reminded me of my Grandfather. My mom also made me a wonderful thing to hang in my home that matched one that we had growing up! My brother also got me some slippers from Iceland that I love.

 

Secret Santa Shopping

Through the girls dance studio we sponsor a few children that are in need of a Christmas. The girls really enjoy shopping for kids their age and chosing gifts they think they would enjoy.

Crafting

The girls went to my friend Alex’s house to make Christmas crafts. Also the big sisters did gingerbread decorating with the little sisters.

Christmas Parties Hosted by the Girls

The girls each hosted a gift exchange and Christmas craft party with their neighborhood friends. Such a busy time of year but all full of fun stuff and people we love.

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