christmas traditions
it’s easy to feel like starting christmas traditions is something that’s saved for starting a family. what’s not easy is feeling held back by something you don’t have yet. i don’t take to feeling held back very well.
over the past few years i’ve pressed in and looked for ways to make celebrating christmas special. the result has been little traditions that have been so life-giving. i’ve found these traditions in the quiet moments this season—late nights of gift wrapping, praying for recipients as i address cards, searching for the perfect thrifted gifts. a lot of it I do alone, and i’ve come to grow fond of my company in the process.
all that being said, doing some of it alone doesn’t mean I don’t want to share it. in the process of growing intentionality and generosity in this season, here are some of the traditions i’ve made along the way.
tree choppin’
as you get older and realize the christmas magic was a result of your mom putting in the work to make these experiences special, it’s motivating for me to do the same. choosing to get a tree when you live with roommates and will eventually leave for your parent’s house for christmas may seem pointless to some. to me though, it’s part of being present in this season. why save the good stuff for later?
the roommates (+ethan, our beloved 5th roommate and fiancé to zofia) went to a tree farm to chop down the perfect one. it was a rainy, dreary day — but filled with laughter and bliss.
designing, addressing, praying, sending!
i used to think it was odd that people send christmas cards to folks they haven’t spoken to in awhile. as i’ve grown older and my friends feel far and widespread, choosing to send a card this season feels like a way to say “hey, i love you. you’re still important to me even if our paths haven’t crossed recently. i’m still choosing to include you in my life.”
before i drop them all in the mail slot, i take a few minutes to pray for each recipient. these are the folks God has placed in my life, and i know he hears these prayers for each person and family.
take care in wrapping
how i present gifts feels almost as important as the gift itself. i try to tweak my wrapping style from year to year — but i always start with plain brown craft paper from the dollar tree. yes, i’m a stan for the dollar store and always will be!!
this year i made tree stamps out of sponges for my wrapping paper, and used my typewriter to make all my tags/address all my envelopes. the tedious tasks aren’t for everyone, but the finished products make my heart swoon.
post-christmas shopping
for the past few years my mom and i have gotten up very early on December 26th to shop the holiday sales. the holiday season can be stressful financially for anyone, so getting a chance to stock up on quality gifts for my most precious friends has really helped me give to all those who i really want to. my friends are invaluable to me, i would spend a million dollars on each one if i could!
every year that my mom and i go, we refine our shopping agenda. the thrill of mapping out which stores open when and which have the best christmas stuff left over is really fun for us.