Christmas Traditions #6 & #7

St. Nicholas Day.

In our house we don't do Santa.

My reasons for not doing Santa are my own, and I don't think badly of anyone who does do it. It's just not for me. I was that kid in the first grade that ruined it for everyone else. You think I'm kidding? Ask my parents.

H, will most likely never sit on the big guys lap whispering his list and will most likely never know the difference and in the end, I am completely ok with that.

So with that said, today is St. Nicholas Day where the kids stockings are filled with little somethings. Little things like a little candy treat, some gum, chapstick, hat and gloves and their annual ornament. They know it's from J and I and look forward to getting the little things.

I grew up celebrating St. Nick Day and LOVED it. It is such a fun, holiday celebration that breaks up the month of December.

St. Nicholas Day also ties into the next tradition, which is Ornaments.

Our Christmas tree is a tree of history ranging in ornaments from J's childhood, mine and now the kids both homemade and store bought.

I have seen some very pretty trees in Macy's or Crate and Barrel. Decorated to perfection.

Our tree will never look like that and I still think ours is one of the prettiest. I love all the history behind each ornament, whether it is one I may have made in school for my mom and dad 20 years ago or one that one of the kids made last year. Growing up my parents gave us each an ornament each year that symbolized our year and now we do the same. I love looking back on the ornaments I both have received and given. J and I get an ornament each year as well now as a family ornament. While I'd love to show you each and every one, that'd be impossible to photograph so here are a few of my favorites.

Our family Christmas tree of history.

*What are some of your Christmas traditions? I'll be sharing several of mine (and ours) from now through Christmas and would love to know some of yours too...*