As newlyweds, this was mine and Michael's first Christmas together. it was such an exciting time as we thought up new traditions that we could begin together, as well as old traditions from our families that we could bring into our new lives. The possibilities were endless!
Well, turns out the days weren't quite long enough to pack all of that fun into, especially with Michael studying so intently on finals and then trying to pack in lots of visiting with all our family and friends, over our trip to TX. We did establish a few traditions though, and had alot of fun with it!
- First is one that we kind of started back in College. Ever since our very first christmas as a couple, we've gone to a christmas light display each year. Our first two years of dating, we went to Santa's Wonderland, which is located right outside of San Antonio. Our second two years of dating, we went to Santa's Ranch, which is in College Station. Santa's Ranch was even more than a light display, though. It also had a little "town" set up with old fashioned shops, all kinds of food, live music, snow machines, and big fires set up in the center for people to huddle around and stay warm. After all that, our expectations of Jolly Holiday Christmas Lights were high. From a distance, the lights were impressive and it was even declared the largest light display in all of Iowa. Unfortunately, Iowa is rather small and Jolly Holiday wasn't really all that impressive lol. We were still able to have a good time and enjoyed ourselves, though. I think we'll probably go to a light display every year; it really gets me in the Christmas spirit!
- The first weekend after Thanksgiving, Michael and I made it out to Howell's Christmas Tree Farm. Though the farm had actually allowed the public to come early and begin claiming their trees and many of them were already "tagged" by the time we got there. Despite most of the trees being unavailable, we were able to find just the right one. This tradition of picking out and cutting down our own tree from a farm began in my family and I am so happy to share it with Michael. I always swore I'd never have a fake tree and thankfully, I think Michael agrees.
- We also continued the ornament tradition that both of our families had while growing up, where we each get to pick an ornament every year that represents us or something that happened over the year. This year, I surprised Michael and took him to a glass blowing shop, where we each got to blow an ornament. It was such a unique experience and we enjoyed it so much! Since our tree was so bare with only two ornaments, I made some cinnamon ornaments. I found the recipes on pinterest and was so excited because I had cinnamon ornaments on my tree growing up that I made in pre-school. The cinnamon smell lasted all the way until I was a teenager and I always loved them. I also made some ornaments out of glass balls. Michael requested that any of the ornaments we hung, outside of our two each year, were non-specific to one of us and purely decorative. For the most part, I stayed within his wishes.
- We also did some baking. Though I didn't do as much as I would have liked, we did make some super yummy gingerbread chocolate chip cookies. They were delicious! I've never made homemade gingerbreak cookies before because I was intimidated by the wierd ingredients (fresh ginger, molassas), and they exceeded my expectations! Next year I won't have to make so many things, so I'll have more time to bake.
- We also played in the snow and got to go sledding, which for Michael, was a first! Since we didn't have a sled, we had to use the lid of a plastic storage bin. We had such a fun time and Gizmo was even able to join in, as he chased us all the way down the hill, everytime we sled down it. I expect to be able to play in the snow every Winter, at least while we're here in Iowa.
- We decorated Christmas sugar cookies, and a cute gingerbread kit that my Aunt had bought of Santa's sleigh and reindeer. We had alot of fun and it turned out really pretty! While decorating it, my cousin, Kristyn, and I decided that we should establish a gingerbread house contest starting next year, since we all had different ideas of how we wanted to decorate our gingerbread kit. Michael was all for the idea!
- Lastly, we watched Frosty the Snowman and Rudolf on Christmas Eve. Though that doesn't seem like a big deal, we really aren't able to watch TV together because Michael is always studying, so any time that we have to just sit and be together is so nice! This year, Rudolf came on TV while we were visiting family at my Aunt Mary's house. After Rudolf, it was about 11pm and everyone wanted to go to bed, except me; I still hadn't watched Frosty this year! Luckily, Kristyn has Frosty on DVD and lent it to me, so Michael and I could watch it. We took it back to my grandma's, snuggled up in our bed, and quietly watched it on my laptop as my grandma and parents went to bed. Amongst all the craziness of visiting with family, it was nice to have some quiet time alone with my hubby :)
As I mentioned before, I was really busy with holiday crafts and decor, since we don't have much money to spend on things we don't need.This helped me realize it isn't at all necessary to spend alot of money to have nice looking things. Here are some of the things I made:
- wreath
- candle holders
- christmas tree skirt
- stockings
Being back made Michael and I realize how lucky we are to have such loving people in our lives. We have missed everyone SO much! Thnks to all of our family and friends for being apart of our lives. We are so lucky to have your love and support!
No comments:
Post a Comment