What are Your Christmas Traditions?

Christmas time is full of traditions. For our family and kids I ask them to name a few of the traditions that were most important to them around Christmas - they each named several different things but all three kids named having German Pancakes for breakfast as number one tradition. I don't really remember when we started having German pancakes on Christmas morning - my mom says she remembers having them with us in South Dakota on Christmas so that has been at least 22 years ago. I guess we can call that a tradition.
Some of my favorite traditions that we have done over the years is the traditional Christmas music we listen to. The same familar Christmas smells or scented candles that I have. I don't burn candles anymore but the scents are the same. I did buy a candle this year for my candle warmer. Salt City Candy Cane! Love it!!
We have poinsettias on the stairs - 4 of them up the stairway on shelves Wayne built. They are beautiful. We used to buy real but after years of throwing away these big expensive plants, I found some equally beautiful silk plants and so this is what I use now. Saves a lot of money wasted.
We have a yearly family Christmas party. Wayne and I love to cook a big fancy dinner for the family. It used to be for all of Wayne's extended family but as our family has grown and the kids have gotten married - the invite list has shifted to include just our kids and grandkids and our parents. This year we has filets with garlic mashed potatos, french bread, brussel sprouts in butter sauce and mushrooms and onions for the steak.
We had a break in tradition this year due to some work schedules, we normally go to Tylers and watch his kids open presents Christmas morning. This year because they were staying at my parents, my parents got to enjoy this treat. I hope they enjoyed this, I'm sure they did.

The boys have a 30 year tradition of going to cut our Christmas tree the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year Jocelyn and Brandon took Emma with them and their picture of Emma cutting the tree is so cute. Tyler went this year but none of his kids went. We need to work on that part. I'm sure his kids would have a great time. It was bad timing for Nash this year because he is right in the middle of potty training. Maybe next year. Zachary went but Hayan didn't take little Nia. At only 5 months old that one is easy to understand why Maybe next year for her too.

No matter what we hold on to as tradition and what we have to let go of as we start our own new families - I think the one most important tradition that must never be lost is family is the center and as long as we have our family, we are richly blessed We must always reflect upon the true me aning of Christmas and be grateful for our Savior. I am so grateful for my family - Our Parents, our siblings, our children and our grandchildren.Only because of them are we truly blessed and rich beyond measure .