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One of my favorite family traditions is one the boys and I started several years ago. I take each of them shopping, one at a time, so that they can pick out and purchase Christmas gifts for their brothers. Having this rare one-on-one time with each boy has been beyond wonderful.
You may remember me sharing the fun story of these mugs that Malachi picked for his brothers (and himself!) last year. :)
I used to do this shopping marathon with they boys all in one day. Four trips back and forth to the store, four tours around all the aisles – all in about a 6-hour time frame. That was fine (said the crazy lady), although my brain and energy were fried by the end of the day (you think?).
This year, we’ve broken it up a little bit. Asa and I were at the mall last week since we had to go out of town for doctor appointments. He got his shopping done there. Elias had items in mind that could all be purchased online. He got his shopping done in his pj’s while sitting by me at the computer a few days ago.
Today, Malachi and I headed out and had a great time picking out gifts his brothers wanted/needed. Later this week, Justus will take his turn. Then, we’ll have a little more one-on-one as they hide out with me and wrap their gifts.
It’s probably best if I don’t mention the fact that traditions are all the more special to me this year since our oldest is a senior in high school. Yeah, I won’t mention that. It’s been fun to see our family traditions develop through the years.
Check out this gem from 2007 I found a few days ago!
Who are those little-bitty boys, anyway?
I’m so grateful for this holiday season, and all the fun and joy that comes with it. Praise God for the fun traditions he’s created in our family!
What are you grateful for this Gratituesday? Leave a comment to let us know!
That’s such a sweet tradition, to be able to take each of your boys out individually. My hat is off to you for taking such time and energy with each one! I grateful that God showed me the full fairness to “Why Me?” in a really hard season. http://lisaappelo.com/asking-god-finding-thankfulness/
Lisa
Doing online,schooling.. just doing on our schedule and no homework at night. Been able to have more family time at night a few times a week we have game night. There no rushing at night. But next year she be back in school. So going to enjoy the rest of the year
I’m so thankful for our fairly new Christmas countdown tradition. We simply wrap up a Christmas book or movie to unwrap each day in December. It’s fairly inexpensive (we only buy a couple of new items each year) since we mainly use what we have, and use the library to fill in some blank days.
It’s a great way to spend time focusing on the family during this time of the year that can be so hectic.
http://maggiesmilk.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-countdown-our-tradition.html
So thankful for memories (and SKYPE). This year our Christmas circle will be one less as our 20 year old daughter is on a 2 1/2 year stay in the Philippines, midwife missionary. Loving that she’s serving, but missing her terribly. Trying to ignore the sappier Christmas songs!! I’ll be Home for Christmas?!?!?
We’re just a few steps ahead of you, Laura, and letting them go has been THE TOUGHEST!
I know how you feel, I have a daughter teaching in South Korea and this will be her second Christmas away, it is hard with them so far away.
I am thankful for small acts of kindness
http://sandrasark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/his-pyjamas-on-another-bed-dose-of.html