Christmas Traditions

I have never looked more forward to Christmas than I do this year. Getting to witness and be a part of a true miracle of Christ is what Christmas is all about, and this year, I have Lexi to thank for that. Lexi will good-gosh-almight, already?! how?! only be 7 months old on Christmas, but we wanted to start traditions with her now. Keith and I are big believers that even when kids are young, if they don't remember it, that's okay. We will. Traditions we are starting with Lexi this year include:

• A picture with Santa three different ones, 

• Picking out a Christmas ornament (or two, or three, I have a slight obsession with ornaments)   I also plan on making ornaments with Lexi. I have several ideas that I used to use in my classroom. This year, we will make a messy one. I think she'll enjoy it...as long as she doesn't try to eat the mixture!  

               One of this year's ornaments looks like this:

•  Lexi will also be sporting new Christmas pajamas that she will open on Christmas Eve.

• The past two years, Keith and I have made it a tradition to go to a town about 3 hours away from us during Christmas time for shopping and a fun little getaway. In 2009, we ran a 5k that went through the amusement park there at night while the park was lit. SO. MUCH. FUN. Last year, we couldn't do the 5k because I was pregnant and still getting 'evening sickness,' but we did visit that same park to watch their Christmas show.  This year, we have a new addition to our little getaway. Hoping she loves this trip as much as she has loved the others she has been on! We eat at a Mexican restaurant there with the BEST guacamole! We are going this weekend with my sister and her hubby, and I can't wait. They better be ready for some mexican! :)

• Last year, my sister and I planned a trip to the Christmas train in a town owned by a church about 30 min. away. My little cousin was here from New York, and we knew he would love it. He was so funny that night! He asked Santa if a specific friend was on the naughty list. Haha! It was cute, and still one of our favorite stories. We took Lexi this year, and we were worried she was going to be cranky because we were out WAY past her bedtime. She was an angel, and even fell asleep on my sister's shoulder. She never does that!!! We plan to continue the train each year as long as we can get tickets. They sell out fast!

• Elf on the Shelf--

This tradition will be started as soon as Lexi is old enough to understand it (hoping for some fun from it next year). We shall see.

I love love love traditions, and can't wait to continue to add more as Lexi grows older. OH! And Santa will also be getting milk and cookies on Christmas Eve. You are never too old/young to leave cookies for the jolly man in red!

I'm linking up with AP from I love you more than carrots!