A Few of our Traditions

We have quite a few traditions around Christmastime, sometimes I even wonder if we have too many.  Our evening have been packed full, but there is nothing I'd be willing to give up.  Furthermore, I know each is making memories for the girls which, of course, is why we do any of them in the first place.

A few of our traditions revolve around Christmas lights:

Every year since Shyla has been alive we have gone to Zoo Lights at the Reid Park Zoo.  It is always crowded because we go on member's night but beautiful.  We always bring a toy for the marines collection of Toys for Tots, spend about an hour, usually get a cookie and/or cocoa, then head home.  This year Stevie was out of town for work but Grandma and Grandpa went with us.

Another yearly activity we do is walking through Winterhaven to look at the lights.  It was a cold, windy night but beautiful.  The girls really enjoyed themselves for the first 45 minutes or so then tey got too cold and it got too late.  For the first 15 minutes Shyla pointed at every single house exclaiming, "Look!"  It was so fun how "into" Christmas she was this year.

And finally, each year my parents' neighbor Elf John takes the kids on a magical journey to the candycane forest.  So we got bundled up again ....

And finally made our way to the magical candycane forest where the brightly lit trees were full of candycane and slim jims, ready to be harvested.

The evening concludes with chili, egg nog, and mac n cheese.  Oh, and hot cocoa as you can see:

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family members with whom to share these traditions.  And also to be living in such a place where all these outdoor activities are possible and enjoyable even in the middle of winter.