Traditionally Speaking...

Yesterday on Mid-Morning we talked about Christmas traditions. My friend Jody Hedlund has some of the most unique, wonderful traditions I've ever known. She and her family throw themselves wholeheartedly into a tradition each day of December. I love that!

So far, this year, I think the only tradition completed in Bekahland has been spraying water on Braeya to keep her out of the tree! (HA!)

Since I don't have a husband or kids, it's hard to know what sorts of traditions to begin...but here are the ones I usually observe!

* Putting up a tree/other decor in every room of the house. Sure, it's overkill, but Christmas is my favorite holiday and I don't like to leave it. If I put it in every room...I'm festive wherever I go!

*Sending out Christmas cards/pictures/letters. I've been doing this since high school, actually. This is the first year I've not made the cards...but I already packed my stamps, so that was out. Even with the invention of Facebook and blogging, which makes the letter a little less necessary, I love writing it each year. It helps me focus on the beauty God put in the year for me.

* Baking palooza. Haven't done this one yet this year - need to hurry! Throughout the year, I try to save $1-$2 of my grocery budget each week and take those savings at the end of the year to buy my cooking supplies! I make cookies, candies and fudge and use them as gifts for co-workers and other friends.

* Christmas card contest with my Dad. It's a competition I started years ago - to see which one of us could get the most cards each year. So far I've always won, though sometimes the margin has been narrow. (How does this happen when he doesn't even send cards and I send over 100?)

* Parking the TV on FaLaLaLa Lifetime. Or Hallmark. Or some sappy movie channel. I get more into those movies than the traditional classics sometimes!

* Shopping with my Mom. Not sure this one is going to work out this year with both our schedules, but I usually take a vacation day in December, we spend the day at a mall, and I do most of my shopping. (And get a meal out somewhere fun.) (And coffee.) (For me. Mom doesn't drink coffee.)

* The airing of the embarrassing 3 year old Bekah recitation of Luke 2. It got extra exposure this year as Lynne played it for part of the Christmas show.

* Sleeping under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. It's an idea I learned from my friend Faith, and I love it. Sure, the floor isn't as comfortable as the bed, but there's something about waking up right by the tree on Christmas morning that I love.

So that's what happens here...what are your favorite traditions?? (I might need new ideas!)