Traditions

All families have traditions, some are unique, others more run of the mill. But whatever they are, this time of year seems to uncover the bulk of them.

In my family, for example, the holidays are a time to torment my mom with the holiday decorations. The festive houses that spell "Noel" are rearranged as many ways possible to spell "Leon", "Ole", etc. The small pink, ceramic elephants my dad received as a gag gift find their way into the nativity scene, carefully watching over the original figures. Ornaments and other various items are hidden, moved, and turned this way or that, so that all her meticulous decorating is just slightly out of place when guests arrive.

While it may lose something to those outside of the family, this scene from a couple of years ago is probably the most intricate in its execution. Kudos Luke, I wonder what Coca Cola Santa will be up to this year...

Tis the Season...

As adults, we sometimes forget that feeling we had as kids when it comes to the holidays. We get cynical, bogged down with life, bills, etc.

And then we have kids in our own lives, who remind us just how fun the holidays can be. They stare in awe at the tree and decorations, they exclaim "thank you" so sincerely, they make us stop and remember to enjoy this time of year.

I'm thankful to have one of those little ones in my house to help me remember, and try to slow down and enjoy it all.

Happy holidays!