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Amanda J. Schulz's avatar

My favorite holiday tradition is themed Christmas tree decorating in our 1926 Tudor/Craftsman home. We have multiple trees in the house, but the two trees prominently visible in windows, and flanking our front porch, belong one to my son and the other to my daughter. Each year, I let them pick a theme for their tree, and I decorate accordingly. On Christmas Eve, Santa then leaves gifts for each child under his/her respective tree. This year my daughter wanted a tree with all things green; so, in complimentary opposition, my son has a tree featuring all things red. I think they love this tradition as much as I do. Happy holidays to all! May your traditions carry you with light and love through the season.

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Jill Elliott's avatar

Love this, Amanda! The trees throughout your house, but most especially the two for the kids, are such a spark of beauty and joy! 💚❤️

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Julie's avatar

My favorite holiday tradition is opening presents and heading to the mountain to ski. The snow and crisp weather that a Montana winter brings give a sense of peace and a slower pace, which I appreciate, especially heading into a new year. Wishing you all the best in 2025!

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Jill Elliott's avatar

Love this tradition, and hope we get to experience it with you someday! Ski + snow sounds amazing !! Wishing you guys the best holiday season, and 2025! 💗💗

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MB Cook's avatar

My husband and I live away from most of our respective families. But for thanksgiving we love to come together with as many of the family as possible. It’s a tradition that has happened for many many years where everyone does their best to reconnect at this time. It’s a love snap shot, a recapturing of the family love that’s always there beneath what life offers us when we’re apart. Our hearts are full seeing how we all are changing and growing with wishes for love, joy and fulfillment in all our lives. The next generations grow so quickly and are so different, full of joy with what’s to come. And yes sadness that you spoke of is there, but we love through it, doing the best that we can. This family tradition is like a battery charge for a new year to come. Happy holidays!

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Jill Elliott's avatar

I love this, love thinking of it like a battery charge! And love you! 💗💗

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MB Cook's avatar

❤️

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Emily McCreight's avatar

Loved this Jill!

Favorite old tradition: getting a real tree. Every year we go to our local nursery, which is always all decked out, and pick THE one, as a family. We did this when I was growing up and it always feels like the beginning of the Christmas magic.

Favorite new tradition: an acts of kindness advent calendar. I started this with my 5 yo this year and it has really tempered the “all-about-presents” attitude. One of the days was “donate some old toys” and I love the way it has naturally helped make way for a new season.

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Jill Elliott's avatar

Oh, Emily! I love this acts of kindness Advent Calendar. Definitely borrowing this for next year!

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Lourdes Martin's avatar

Love this! One simple tradition I truly cherish is waking up on Christmas Day, enjoying a decadent breakfast (which always includes biscuits of some sort, lol), and then lounging on the couch with my hubby, watching Christmas movies all day long. ✨

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Jill Elliott's avatar

That entire day sounds pretty decadent! 💗💗

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