Putting out the Nativity scene - I don't have this out yet and need to get on it!
Decorating the Christmas tree - This isn't up yet either and I'm not sure when it will get done.
Buying a new ornament for Emma - We finally had to buy a tree just for her ornaments.
Going to the Christmas Eve service - I especially love the candlelight part.
Having friends over after the service - Growing up, we went to my mom's side of the family on Christmas Eve. We've started our own tradition by inviting over friends.
Lighting luminaries - It's so pretty to see the streets lined with lights.
Opening one present on Christmas Eve - We've always let Emma do this. My favorite year was when we bought a doll that looked like her. I made a wardrobe of clothes and bedding for the doll and we bought a brass bed. I think I was more excited about it than Emma was - so much fun!
Looking at lights - Ever since I was a kid, I've loved driving around to look at Christmas lights. With our neighborhood, you don't have to drive far. :)
Staying up on New Year's Eve - We don't go out but I do like to stay up to ring in the new year.
Eating sauerkraut on New Year's Day - Here in the south, people eat black-eyed peas for New Year's Day. My German/Ohio upbringing has made my tradition the eating of sauerkraut. Yum! (Interesting note: My grandma always had all of her laundry done and her house cleaned before the new year started. I'm not sure if it was a tradition or a superstition but I've never managed to accomplish this goal.)
Welcome back! I love to take a drive and look at the lights, too.
Posted by: Carole | December 06, 2011 at 06:32 AM
Great list! I have always wanted to do luminaries along my front walk...maybe this is the year.
Posted by: karen | December 06, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Love these!
Posted by: Molly | December 06, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Glad to see you're back! Happy holidays, Beth. We sang our first hymm for the season in church last Sunday, Come all ye faithful. That really made it really like Christmas :)
By the way, we have a similar tradition for Chinese New year's eve, do all the housework and hide the broom away on CNY Day itself, altho I don't really follow it but my mum does :)
Posted by: erin | December 06, 2011 at 08:21 AM
We would open one present on Christmas Eve too - back before I got married and had a new family and new traditions...
Posted by: mk | December 06, 2011 at 12:23 PM
great list-it'll be intersting this year with attending the 11pm Christmas Eve service then being at church for our one service of the day at 10:00. I'm gonna be in jeans for sure.
Posted by: lydia | December 06, 2011 at 02:09 PM
I buy an ornament for each of my godchildren every year. I can't wait until they have their own trees!!
Posted by: Beverly | December 06, 2011 at 05:30 PM