*disclaimer: i "stole" this post from my friend Jill's blog. I was planning on doing a post about this but she did such a good job that I figured I'd save myself some time ;) Hope you don't mind, Jill!
A few nights ago my school friends got together for our annual Christmas Party. We have been doing this forever, and though we don't have a sleepover these days, it is always such a great night!
Here is a lovely morning shot of our 1st shebang! (we're missing Liz). LOVE the plaid boxers! I'll always remember waking up in the morning to the smell of Shosh's pull-aparts. Thanks for making them again, Jill! 
This Christmas Party has never failed. A couple of us may have missed a time or two, due to missions, living out of state, having babies, etc...but the show always goes on!
So, last night was our 17th annual Christmas Party. CRAZY that we've been doing this longer than we were alive at the 1st party!
This year, instead of exchanging gifts, each person brought a Christmas Tradition to share, other than the traditional advent calendars and nativity reenactments. It was really fun to hear some new ideas.
Nabby makes a doll for her mom every year for Christmas. She started when she was 7. She brought them all, and it was fun to see how her creativity has evolved over the years. One gift was a big stuffed ant, one was a quiet book with dolls that velcro on, one was a manger scene, etc...Here is a picture I stole from Nabby's blog. It's her apron gift from last year, with "dolls" on it.
Andrea's family always draws names and make a homemade gift for that person. Some examples are: a binder full of favorite sheet music to play on the piano, an "autobiography" including essays and writings from the child as they grew up, a full Halloween party kit, a framed photograph for an office wall, etc... They're thoughtful and sentimental gifts.
Nicole's family always makes a gingerbread house at the beginning of December. Nicole builds the house and hides little toys inside for her kids. Then the kids decorate it together. On Christmas Eve day, they get to break it open and find their 1st gift of Christmas.
They also play lots of games, and she recommended "Smarty Party."
Liz's family always makes Aebleskivers for breakfast on Christmas Day. When she got married, she was pleasantly surprised to find out her husband's family had the same tradition! She brought us the recipe, and I can't wait to make them!
My family has a Christmas blanket. Each day a different child gets to carry it around that day & sleep with it that night. They cannot wait until their turn comes around again! The kids are so funny, and come down in the morning and say, "I had the best Christmas dreams, because of the Christmas blanket!".
Jill's family always reads, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve. They all sit in a circle and her mom and aunt pass out money to everyone. There is always at least one $5 bill, a $2 bill, some $1bills and a bag of chocolate coins. Then her uncle reads the story. Every time he reads the word "the" they pass their money to the person next to them. At the end of the story, whatever is in their hands, they get to keep. Two funny twists to this, some versions say "The End," and some don't! And although you may think the chocolate coins are the dud of the prize, there have been children known to trade an uncle their $5 bill for the chocolate coins. :)
Although, there are so many "traditional" traditions, I'm always amazed at all of the other fun ideas out there. So do share some more! And in the meantime, have fun with your family traditions!
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