I am one of those annoying people who is completely obsessed with Christmastime. I see it not as just one day but an entire season of happy, adventurous, exciting memories to make and traditions to enjoy. I’m just a jolly little elf smiling and humming my way through December.

Here are my favorite Christmas traditions.

The perfect Christmas tree

I grew up with a real Christmas tree and even enjoyed Christmases hunting for the perfect tree on super-snowy hills in Massachusetts with extended family. While Scott and I did have a few years with an artificial Christmas tree, when we went back to a real tree a few years ago, I felt a little extra holiday spirit. I know some people are unable to get a real Christmas tree due to allergies, safety, location, etc.

There is something so fun and magical about looking for the tree that is perfect for us and our home. We usually go for a Douglas Fir and put it up the same day with holiday music and hot cocoa. I love reminiscing about all of our sentimental ornaments with the kids while we hang them on the tree. 

Gingerbread party for the kids

This is a newer tradition but something I’m already cherishing. We invite some of the kids’ closest friends (all of our neighbor friends and a few others) to our home for a gingerbread house party. This year we had — wait for it — 18 kids! It was crazy but the best kind of Christmas chaos.

With the help of one of my friends, we had all of the houses pre-assembled and ready to go for the posse of kiddos that busted through the front door from the bus stop. There were bowls of decorations everywhere and multiple tables and chairs crowded in our snug little home.

We had hot cocoa and fun Christmas props to wear and a whole bunch of creative gingerbread house decorating. This was SO much fun. 

Looking at the Christmas lights

Multiple times throughout the month, we put the kids in the car and drive around looking for Christmas lights. Sometimes, it’s in our pajamas with to-go cups of hot cocoa. We even play a game where we “grade” the lights on our side of the car. The kids give a lot of high scores to inflatables and laser lights while Scott loves a simple all-white light look and I love me some garlands and wreaths.

Christmas Eve memories

Our entire Christmas Eve is made up of anticipation and joy and excitement. We recently started a tradition where our Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day morning are both spent as just the four of us in our home. (We spent a lot of years traveling hundreds of miles to multiple places).

We watch movies, snuggle, make fun snacks and cookies together and of course read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” together — from a book that used to be mine! We leave out the milk and cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer and then try to get two squirmy, excited kiddos into bed so Santa can visit. 

I am also so very grateful for time with family over Christmas week. We visit so many people and feel so much love.

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?