Christmas Eve Traditions

Merry Christmas Eve everybody!! These past few days at home have been so wonderful. I’m sure you’re sick of hearing how beautiful the weather in Florida is, but I seriously can’t get enough of it (who would?). I’m also wondering why I ever decided to move to Boston…

This weekend I spent the days enjoying the cloudless skies and 60 degree weather. I’m definitely not looking forward to facing the dark winter days of the Northeast, but until then I’m going to enjoy every minute at home!

I can’t believe that Christmas is TOMORROW! It seemed like just yesterday I started the 25 days of Christmas blogging challenge – and today here I am wrapping it all up!

-Egg nog or hot chocolate? I’ve actually never tried eggnog, so I would have to go with hot chocolate – with marsh mellows floating on top.

-Your plans for Christmas 2012? Open presents, spend time with my family, relax, and just enjoy the time I have left in Florida. Unfortunately I have to leave back to Boston Thursday the 27th, so as much as I’m looking forward to Christmas it also symbolizes the end of my trip home.

-Favorite Christmas Eve tradition? The holidays are really special to my family and I. We do the same thing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day every year and it’s something I wouldn’t change for the world.

We spend the morning of Christmas Eve listening to holiday music on the radio and cooking/baking for our party later that night. Around 6:00 we make our way to church with our cousins, aunts, and uncles for the candlelight service. This is honestly my favorite service of the year (obviously). There’s so many of my favorite songs that we sing and at the end of the service the power is turned off and each person’s candle is lit. The room doesn’t fall into darkness, but rather is lit by our lights. It’s so beautiful!

After church my entire family comes back to our house for food, drinks, music, and games. We spend the night goofing around and making claims that we see Rudolph’s nose out in the distance! I can’t remember ever spending a Christmas Eve any other way.

Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve 2011

I can’t believe how much we’ve all grown and changed these past four years, it’s fun to look back and see each of my cousins and I over the years. I can’t wait to take our annual cousin picture tonight to add to the collection

I probably won’t be back around here until late this week, but I want to take the time to wish each of you a very happy holiday from my home to yours. Enjoy your time with your loved ones, every moment together is so precious. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Real Talk – What’s your favorite Christmas Eve tradition?