Holiday Tradition

christmas tree

When I think of the holidays and what they mean to me, it’s all about the tradition. I think there is a certain part in each of our beings that longs for the familiarity that tradition brings and I’m no stranger to that. With each special occasion comes a slew of memories centered around celebrating the highlight reels of life with family and friends.

For as long as I can remember, we stayed the night at my Grandparents house on Christmas Eve noshing on Mr. Goodcents subs (Cheese Mix on wheat bread for this picky eater, please!), playing games and as the years passed by, playing the role of Santa for my younger siblings. We would wake up to the smell of Grandma’s world-famous Bubble Bread, stockings filled with our favorite sweets and a pile of presents surrounding the Christmas tree that even the most well behaved kid would long to jump head first into. These memories are what I like to call: the good stuff.

Pete and I decided that there is no better time than the present to start making traditions of our own. We picked up our first real Christmas tree this year and since moving to Kansas City a few summers ago, we’ve made it a point to visit the Plaza lights and whirl around the ice skating rink at Crown Center each winter.

What special traditions do you share with your friends and family? Share with me down in the comments or send me a tweet!

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This post was sponsored by Coupons.com, but opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make 26 and Not Counting a happenin’ place to be.

Leave a Comment

12 Comments

  1. Ashley T wrote:

    Your tree looks so bright and cheerful! I love that every year my cousins and I all get together and make batch after batch of homemade cookies!

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  2. You’re so right that the traditions make the holidays so magical. I love your traditions and that you’re starting new ones with Pete! That tree is beautiful!!

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  3. Your tree looks great! I always ask Tim if we can go ice skating but he always finds a way to get out of it…maybe this year 😉

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  4. Caitlin wrote:

    Awe I just love your traditions! I think Kev and I will have to steal a few of them:)

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  5. Love holiday traditions, both new and old! Your tree looks so pretty!

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  6. Rachel wrote:

    How exciting for your first real Xmas tree! Looks amazing!

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  7. Brooke wrote:

    Love your decorations! We have so many activities we must do each year for my holiday to feel complete. Cutting down our own tree is one of ours too!

    Brooke
    http://www.pumpsandpushups.com

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
    • Jessica wrote:

      Not gonna lie, we didn’t cut this one down ourselves….but that’s our goal for next year 😉 Baby steps!

      Posted 12.12.14 Reply
  8. SarahLagen wrote:

    I can’t believe you remember all of that about growing up!! I do not remember our Christmas eve traditions like that!! My boyfriend and I are working on creating our own traditions right now!

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  9. Katie wrote:

    Your tree is so adorable! Chad and I have a holiday traditions that make the season extra special!

    Posted 12.10.14 Reply
  10. Posted 12.10.14 Reply
  11. Your childhood tradition sounds very similar to mine- Christmas Eve was always with the grandparents and they knew how to throw a good Christmas, lemme tell you. Lots of carol-singing and eggnog-slinging. I love you and Pete are building your own traditions here! 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Posted 12.11.14 Reply