My Traditions

I was definitely drawn to this topic.

I love traditions.

That being said I don’t know that our family has many of them. My parents were never big into traditions – everything was done whenever we wanted it done. Everyone made their own meals, no dinners at the table.

A tradition that did have to end was that I spent every Christmas at my sisters’ house. It started in 2000 or 2001 and continued until 2012. Beginning with last year it has become impossible for me to get Christmas Eve or the days after off of work, so I’m unable to make the trip north.

I would like to start traditions though. I am hoping to start a 4^th of July tradition of throwing a BBQ party at our place before heading out to catch some fireworks.

Thomas’ family has their own traditions for Christmas. They spend Christmas Eve at his parents place (with cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone there) and eat a pot luck before exchanging presents via a game. They also spend Christmas day at a different family members’ house.

While I love his traditions, we will have to learn to compromise and split them between both our families. In 2015 Christmas day falls on a Friday, which means that we could either fly up or drive up on Christmas Eve and spend the weekend with my sister and her family.

We will see if I can get him to agree to that.

However, I am sure that once we have children I will want to spend Christmas Eve’s close by and to be home early to open a present of new pajamas and then going to bed so that Santa can come and leave presents for the little ones.

What are your traditions? Or which ones would you like to have?

Happy Independence Day!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE fireworks. I always have. Besides Christmas I think the 4^th of July is my favorite holiday. I love the patriotism (even if it’s just for one day) and I love all the people that get together for the festivities. I also love that it’s in the summer. 

When I was little 4^th of July was mostly going to the local college(s) to see the fireworks display they sponsored. I don’t remember ever having burgers and hot dogs for the holiday, but it’s what I’ve always wanted. The past couple of years I’ve done it with Thomas at his parents’ house. Actually, as I think about it I think once or twice I spent the holiday with my sister and her husband (when I was a pre-teen) and I think they grilled up some burgers. I’ll have to ask them. 

I want the 4^th of July to be “my” holiday. Christmas is taken by Thomas’ family and mine as well, so I want a holiday that people can come celebrate at my home. 

Unfortunately because of the wedding, honeymoon, and Thomas traveling in the past months we were unable to get things together enough to do anything this year. 

Next year, however, I will hold a party at our place. Well, maybe not in our home itself, but in the rec room that belongs to our building. There is a pool there and we can bring the grill (that we have yet to buy) there and grill up some burgers and hot dogs and corn on the cob as well. Actually I may do this this year, just not for the 4^th. 

In my mind these grill-outs will be at about 1pm so that we have enough time to cook, chill, swim, talk, and then clean up to head out to a park or wherever the fireworks will be. 

The last several years I've gone to a local show that puts on a pretty awesome 30-60 minute show. Before hand it's like a small fair with some activities, a concert, and lots of food options. 

This is from 2012, our first 4th of July together. I look so different with dark long hair! 

This is from 2013. We aren't very original when it comes to poses or t-shirts, I guess! 

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