Sharing the Christmas Spirit

Sassy at Cupcakes and Conundrums wanted to know what type of things her readers do for Christmas. What kind of traditions we have and such.

We usually do Christmas with the extended family anytime between the weekend before Christmas and Christmas eve. We go to my in-laws house and have a buffet style dinner there and open gifts and such. It's really low key over there, but it's a lot of fun and SO relaxing! Since my best friend taught me how to make pie crusts from scratch, I usually bring the pies. I do the traditional cherry pie and pumpkin pie and then I throw something in there that nobody will expect. One year I made a chocolate mousse cheesecake and it was SO yummy! That one didn't make it home. Last year I made lemon meringue pie. It turned out really good and everyone loved it!

Christmas Eve we would go to my parent's house. It was pure insanity. It wasn't "Jerry Springer" insanity, but not far from it. My older sister would be there with her boyfriend-of-the-week and her son, my little sister would be there with her boyfriend and their 2 kids and then there would be Husband, myself and our 2 kids. My mom would completely spoil the grandchildren. If they wanted to eat a cookie before dinner, they could. She always spoiled the grandchildren but during Christmas it was bad. Once dinner was devoured, the presents were next. At first we would try to be civilized about it, but then it just got to be too much. We would let the kids play "Santa" and it was all downhill from there. Although it did take less time.

Since a lot has changed the past 3 years, our traditions have changed as well. Christmas day is still for the immediate families. At least ours is. We don't travel on Christmas day or the day after. Those 2 days are down time for my family and our children. We still do a family dinner with my in-laws, though. I doubt that will ever change and I'm OK with that.

This year will be my first year making dinner. Every other year, it was usually done for me. At my home, but I was never responsible for it. I'm sure it will turn out fine, if not..we got hot dogs ;o) I think it's time to start making traditions for my little family, so that's what this year will be all about. It's a new beginning for me and my family. I'm nervous and excited.