Sharing holiday traditions

Twas was the night before xmas when we arrived at Ketty & John's home. I was excited to see their kids and hear how they decorated their xmas tree. But it was after 8pm and everyone was fast asleep.

After settling into our PJ's and getting something to eat, we hung out with Ketty as she finished putting the rest of the kids presents under the tree.

When Ketty said it was time for Daniel to hang his stocking it took me a minute to understand. When we talked about spending xmas together I did explained that I don't celebrate xmas, so why was she talking to me about a hanging a xmas stocking?! Seems that they brought one for Daniel. Awww.

Since her children had already hung their stocking up, it was now Daniel's turn. So we gave him the stocking and showed him what to do. In 123 he hung it up and proudly stood by it for a photo.

While he didn't know what the stocking was for...it's his first time doing the xmas thing....he knew he was putting his where the other kids put their stocking.

As I looked at his stocking hanging next to the others kids I started thinking. I thought about many things, but one of my main thoughts swirled back around childhood memories of the holidays. This weekend would help me decide if I should start celebrating our own unique holiday traditions.

The best holiday card 2010

Today when I picked Daniel up from daycare his teacher gave me 3 presents. Two of the presents were books from the daycare center, a backyardagains coloring book and a read a long Thomas and Friends book. I wondered how they knew he liked Thomas and friends

The last present was for me from Daniel. So apparently Daniel can't keep a secret because he kept telling me it was a train. I didn't really get it at the time.

I thought he wanted the mini train I usually give him to carry to and from daycare. It wasn't until I came home and opened his gift that I got it. LOL.

Daniel had made me a train shaped holiday card. He was so excited for me to open it. Of course he had to help get it open. Then he proudly showed it off to me.

He was so proud of his card train that he wouldn't let go of it. LOL.

After a few seconds of me firmly pulling on it, he let me have my card. Inside he had "written" a message in crayon. While only he knows what the message says I'm sure it's along the lines of "Love you Mommy" :)

After reading his card, I thanked him for making it for me and gave him a kiss. It was the best Christmas card I ever received.