This past weekend, Andy’s parents were visiting and the topic of our holiday book tradition was brought up as Andy’s mom and sister are usually kind enough to wrap said books as it is one of my least favorite holiday tasks. I’m not a scrooge, but it takes a while to wrap 25 books!
Since 2009 – when that photo above was taken – each Christmas season we have wrapped 25 different holiday books and put them under a Christmas tree in the girls’ room. Although in 2009, that was girl singular. Each evening, they take a turn selecting a book from under the tree and unwrapping it. It’s a thrill for the entire family as we wait to see which of our favorites we’ll be reading that night. The girls, and now Carson, can select any book under the tree each evening except for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. For those two nights, I have books specifically marked.
On Christmas Eve, we always read The Night Before Christmas. It’s only appropriate. With each turning page, the girls tend to get a bit more excited. They start telling us they’re hearing things like the reindeer on the roof or bells from Santa’s sleigh. It’s quite a riot. It’s amazing how reading this book together keeps the magic of Santa a reality in their little worlds. I won’t lie, it’s magical as a parent as well.
On Christmas Day, we always read the actual Christmas story as told in the Bible. The true reason for the season we celebrate in our home and one that the girls are very familiar with.
This photo was from 2011 as Leighton was unwrapping our first book on December 1st. Oh how time flies!
Lauren Weber says
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