Amanda Cade

Every year, the week before Christmas, my parents meet me and a few coworkers for lunch. My parents enjoy catching up with my friends at work, and my colleagues are huge fans of my parents (because Mom and Dad are awesome). It’s become an important tradition, and something I look forward to every year. Today is the day this year, and it’s gotten me thinking about the other traditions that make the holidays such a special time. Here are a few things that happen every year:

• My sister Audrey and I see a movie (this year it’s The Rise of Skywalker).
• My sister Amy and I do holiday baking.
• I take all three of my nieces out for an experience or activity (so far, I’ve spent one on one time with Carly and Cassidy, with my third adventure planned for early next week).
• My best friend Katie and I try something new (like last year’s glass fusing). This year, we’re leaning towards candle making, but we’re still discussing our options.
• I Skype with Rebecca, a college friend who lives in Texas, and we open the gifts we’ve sent to each other (side note: I love that Amazon includes a gift wrapping option).
• Christmas morning, my dad makes breakfast. Dad doesn’t do a lot of cooking, but breakfast is his thing, and he goes all out.
• My brother-in-law gives everyone a family calendar, with each month featuring a photograph from the previous year. My favorite months are usually October, which always has the girls in their Halloween costumes, and December, with the previous year’s family Christmas picture.
• My dad hands out letters from “Santa”, which narrate amusing events and things we’ve done that made Santa proud.

These traditions (and others) are so much of what I love about the holiday season.

What are your holiday traditions?