Looking through some files on my computer, I came across one that said “traditions for school.” Curious, I opened the document. It had pictures for my daughter’s kindergarten fall project where she was asked to show pictures and write a description of her favorite holiday traditions.

Here is what she chose.

The first picture is our family Thanksgiving dinner. Ever since we’ve moved into our house and had kids, we’ve hosted family for Thanksgiving. Last year we had my brother-in-law and his wife, my mother-in-law, and my nephew (from Iowa) who was attending college in Texas.

The next picture is our elf named Beauty. She comes every year from the North Pole and reports back to Santa if this kids are being good or fighting. Beauty comes on December 1 when our tree is up and lit. She always brings a new ornament for the kids from Santa.

Next is our annual tradition of Carols & Communion at church on Christmas Eve. We love going to church, singing Christmas carols and lighting candles. This is so special to remember the true meaning of Christmas and put all the hustle and bustle in perspective.

Putting up our tree is probably the most exciting part for me. We have a few traditions when it comes to our tree. First, every year the kids get a new ornament from Santa. They also get a new ornament from me and Joe. Last year, she got a princess ornament (last picture). We love opening up the ornament boxes, taking out each one and remembering who gave it to us and what it means.

Time again for Thanksgiving, family, Christmas tree, Beauty to arrive, ornaments, Christmas carols and communion, and most importantly… the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.