5 OF OUR CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS YOU SHOULD TRY THIS YEAR

I absolutely love traditions when it comes to Christmas, and I've actually carried some of my traditions from growing up into my marriage and we will do them with our children one day!

So, sit back, grab a snack, and check out these five Christmas traditions you need to add to your Christmas celebrations this year!

1. ADDING A NEW ORNAMENT

When I was growing up, my mom and grandparents would always choose a new ornament for my brother and I each year. The ornament always reflected our year in some fashion. Jonathan and I now do this one. It is great as a young married couple as we can continue to grow our tree decor, and it would be so cute with children in the mix!!

2. TREAT-MAKING

For me, and for anyone who loves baking or making things in the kitchen, this tradition will be loads of fun. Each year, we make a set of treats and finger foods the night before Christmas so that we have them to enjoy Christmas morning. My favorite are sausage balls and my chocolate oatmeal cookies! They aren't great for your waistline, but you have to treat yourself sometimes! We don't have egg nog though!

3. READING THE CHRISTMAS STORIES

Jonathan's family on his mom's side gets together Christmas Eve and have breakfast for dinner. After eating, his grandpa reads the Christmas story in the Bible of Jesus' birth and then reads the traditional Christmas story poem. It is so great if you have smaller children because it shows the importance of both stories and gets everyone excited for the celebrations the next day!

4. WHOLE FAMILY GET-TOGETHER

Both of our families do this, but my family does a potluck. This is my grandpa's side of the family. We get together each Christmas Eve and have a potluck. Santa makes a visit for the children and the children usually sing Christmas carols to everyone else at some point during the night. It is a great way to enjoy different foods and have a mini reunion with your family!

5. GO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

There are a ton of places around the U.S. and I believe in the UK where you can go and see Christmas lights. My family usually goes to Tanglewood Park's Festival of Lights, but I think we will all go somewhere different this year. Jonathan and I have already been to Tanglewood together this year. I highly recommend doing this to get into the Christmas spirit!

CONCLUSION

I hope that you will try out some of these traditions. If you do, please take a picture and tag me in it on social media. I am @gemusiclover on Instagram and Twitter, and I'd love to see your versions of these traditions!