favourite holiday traditions TAG

How could it be? Despite the fact that I have steadily been counting down the days on my advent calendar...it still comes as a shock to me that there are only four days until Christmas. This is always such a bittersweet time. As much as I love and look forward to all of the traditions that will take place over the next several days, it is hard to know that this special time of year will shortly be over. I think that I love the buildup to Christmas Day more than the actual day. All of the little moments create such a beautiful and unforgettable season. On the plus side? Christmas always comes back. Since there are only a few days left, it made sense to share a little bit about my favourite holiday traditions. There are ten different TAG questions that I will be answering below. Be sure to share your own answers in the comment section! I can't wait to hear more about your traditions. 

Favourite Holiday Destination? You know what they say....there is no place like home for the holidays. Though some people prefer to travel or visit somewhere new during the holiday season, it is always my preference to be at home. Decorating my home and my parents house is a tradition in itself! Not to mention everything else that goes along with the holiday season. It would be very difficult for me to spend Christmas Day anywhere but home. So, today I am feeling extra grateful that I will be able to spend it with the people I love most in the places that I love most. 

Do You Have Any Family Traditions? Absolutely! We have many different traditions. Like my mom and I decorating together and my brother setting up the village. My dad driving around on Christmas Eve so we can look at all of the Christmas lights. My mom and I baking on Christmas Eve. My husband and I watching Elf and Polar Express together the week before Christmas. There are all sorts of family traditions, and I love each and every one of them. 

Favourite Ornament on the Christmas Tree? I am definitely really into Christmas ornaments and decorations of all kinds. That being said, my absolute favourite Christmas tree ornament is one from when I was really little. It is a porcelain ornament that lights up. There is a little girl playing with a doll in front of a doll house - and you can look into the doll house to see each of the different rooms. That was the first ornament that I ever remember being "mine" and so, it feels extra special. I always give it the best spot on the Christmas tree each year. It makes me smile every time I see it! 

What Are You Doing For the Holidays? This time of year is all about seeing loved ones. Last week, I was able to do a present drop off and virtual get together with some friends. And over the next few days, I will spend lots of time with my immediate family. On Christmas Day, my husband and I will exchange gifts, head to his parents house for a bit, and then head on over to my parents house. It is a busy and very full day...but I am grateful to have lots of loved ones to celebrate with. 

Are You a Late or Early Christmas Shopper? Early. Very, very, very early. If I see something in the summer that I think a loved one might enjoy...I buy it. This year, a lot of my Christmas shopping was done in late summer/early fall. Everything was completely done (stocking items included) by the end of November, which was nice. There is nothing I hate more than heading out into the world to shop in December. It is always so busy and overwhelming. And now that there is a pandemic? Avoiding those seasonal crowds is an absolute must. Shopping early just makes the most sense to me. 

Who Usually Cooks Holiday Dinners? My mom and I do all of the baking on Christmas Eve and then my dad cooks the Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. He also makes bacon and toast for breakfast on Christmas morning, which is not just a treat, but also happens to be one of my favourite holiday traditions. 

Have You Ever Gone Christmas Caroling? Yes, once when I was fairly young. When my grandma was still alive, my family used to drive over to her house in the afternoon on Christmas Day and stay for dinner. My cousins would be there, too. One time when we were over there, we decided it would be fun to go out caroling. So, my brother, my sister, my cousins, and I all bundled up and went to some nearby houses to carol. I am certain that we sounded awful...but at least our hearts were in the right place! 

Do You Live Where It Snows? Oh yes! I live in Canada and there is certainly a good amount of snow here. There have already been a few snowfalls so far this month...and I am very much hoping for a white Christmas. Sometimes, it snows a lot at the beginning of the month, but then it is green on Christmas Day, and the snow returns in January-March. The one day that I always want snow on the ground is Christmas Day, so here is hoping that will be the case this year. 

One Thing That Makes You Happiest At Christmas? Spending time with the people I love. There is truly nothing better. And after all, that is really what Christmas is about: love and gratitude. 

Share your own answers to some of these tradition themed questions in my comment section below!