Monday, December 16, 2013

The Best Christmas Ever

As the big day nears, I start to worry a little bit that my children will have a good, or better, a great Christmas. The past few years, even when the budget was tight, have been filled with fun as the family just enjoys the time together. Our three oldest sons live on their own now, one with a wife, one with a daughter and one with his girlfriend. Because they now have other families to consider during holiday celebrations, we started having our big family get together the day before Christmas. The gifts exchanged don't even matter. We just have a great six hours or so together. Then Christmas morning, we exchange gifts with the three children still living under our roof and eat leftovers from the day before.

Those of you who have children know that as they get older, they have very specific requests for holiday gifts. I still try to surprise them with something I know they'll love even if they haven't asked for it. Usually it's not something that expensive. I hope as they start their own families they remember Christmas days that were unforgettable.

As a child, our large family worked hard on a family farm. Money was tight but my parents managed to pay for our college with all of us doing our share of the farming. Usually for Christmas, we received mostly clothing and one gift that was a toy. The best Christmas ever for me as a kid was the year my parents bought my little brother, my very best friend at the time, and me Red Ryder BB guns. I can't tell you the hours we traveled the farmlands and woodlands hunting with our BB guns. We never shot anything except targets but we felt like Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, tracking and sneaking around. I'll never forget that time.

What makes your current Christmas celebrations unforgettable? What was your most memorable Christmas as a child? Have you started or continued any family traditions at your house? Don't forget to visit IWSG today and check out the winners from the contest.

16 comments:

Heather Musk said...

We're looking forward to a Christmas at home this year, it'll be the last one in our current house and with our current number. We'll have another addition and (hopefully) be in another house next year.
It's fun to start our own traditions with our own children, one being leftover turkey and chip supper on Boxing Day. Yum yum!

Lynn Proctor said...

oh wow--so many Christmas traditions---all of my kids are married now and two have kids--we have started having Christmas dinner with them at our house---hope your family get together is wonderful this year!!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

My husband and I enjoy a nice, quiet Christmas together without a lot of hoopla. We see family at other times of the year when everything is not as crazy, like traveling, weather etc. :)

Louise said...

We're just starting to build Christmas traditions with our kids. Last year was the first year ever we did not travel to someone else's house for Christmas. We're all excited to start forming our own traditions instead of sharing in whichever family we're visiting at the time's, and to save the visits for New Year's!

Some of my favorite childhood Christmas memories are of Dad always making breakfast for us, and the year we didn't think we were going to be able to do Christmas, so my sister and I surprised our parents by doing all the presents and setting up the tree on Christmas Eve. So fun!

Pat Hatt said...

Always was fun trying to sneak down the stairs and avoid the mouse traps lol I don't think they were ever really set though.

Unknown said...

We make a big deal about Christmas here, but none of us spend a lot of money, most of the stuff we get and give is homemade.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Red Ryder BB guns - just like the movie A Christmas Story!
The surprise gifts are always the best.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We've spent so many Christmas with just the two of us that it's our favorite way to spend it now.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Alex, we never shot our eyes out at least.
I love hearing about everyone's Christmas traditions. I'm not surprised that my blogs friends all center their plans around families.

Unknown said...

I know how you feel. We are also on a very tight budget so I made sure the gifts will bring the family together. It is not expensive and they can use it after.

The Happy Whisk said...

Sounds like you will have a great holiday as will your children.

Cheers and boogie boogie.

Dana said...

I just love watching my kids open their presents. There's something so magical about spending Christmas with children. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Christmas is all about family here as well! Lots of fun and juggling schedules and squeezing in more food! Can't wait!!

Shannon Lawrence said...

With two of us having our own families, we've been getting together on Christmas Eve for years.

I love that you guys got Red Ryder BB Guns! Honestly, until a year or so ago I thought it was made up for A Christmas Story, but then someone else mentioned them. It's awesome that you work with your kids to have Christmas when everyone can. I think it's important, more important than it being THE day.

The Warrior Muse

Jay Noel said...

My kids this year aren't clamoring for STUFF, so it'll be a really fun Christmas of all of us just hanging out and playing games.

Really looking forward to it.

Unknown said...

We've really pared down our expenses and gift-giving with our kids and tried to emphasize the family aspect a lot more. This year, we're pooling money for a FL trip in Feb. No one is complaining about that!