Holiday traditions, it wouldn't be the same without them.

We all have family traditions that MAKE the holiday season for us.  Whether it be baking cookies with family and friends, decorating the Christmas tree with grandparents { one of ours }, visiting the same Santa each year for pictures { ours, again }, using the same Advent calendar each year...  whatever it may be it's a tradition for you and your family and your holidays aren't the same without them.

That brings me to another holiday tradition that I've tried my darnedest to keep going in my family over the years...

The tradition started for me when I was a child, each Christmas my Grandma Kelly, may she rest in peace, would give ornaments to all of the grandchildren for their gifts.  And each year she went to Stanek's on the South Hill in Spokane to pick out those ornaments.  Eventually my brother and I got to go with her since Mom and/or Dad needed to drive her there...  we then got to help her find just the right ornament for everyone { even ourselves }

Grandma passed away in 1999 and I didn't immediately continue the tradition... it probably wasn't until 2003 that I finally started and then it was only with gifting ornaments to Mom, Dad and the hubby.

{ of course I also picked one out for myself, after all I am a lover of ornaments... thanks to Grandma }  

BUT...

Once Carter was born I had a new motivation to go all-in with the tradition.  I now include Carter { obviously }, my brother and his girlfriend, and my mom-in-law.  Each year when we go to downtown Seattle for our Santa pictures we also make a stop at the Macy's Holiday store so that I can select the perfect ornament for everyone.   They have an amazing selection and the way they display everything reminds me of shopping at Stanek's with Grandma. { smile }

My LOVE for Christmas ornaments and the joy of decorating our tree each year is a result of Grandma's tradition, for that I am very grateful.

{ Not to mention that who wouldn't enjoy shopping for these beauties?! }

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

The ornaments that I received from Grandma over the years are now little reminders of her love...  I wouldn't give them up for anything.  By continuing her tradition my hope is to remind my family of that love she had for us, along with letting my loved-ones know how much they mean to me.

What special traditions does your family have?  I'd love to hear about them { smile }