A Tad on TRADITION

Tradition...Our Christmas traditions are many, they are shared with immediate and extended family.The Sowards traditional stockings found their way into my own families. I made Rick a stocking to match mine when I was 16. Yes, the two hanging near our fireplace are the original ones. Mine is 51 years old, and Rick's stocking is 39 years old. They look pretty funny. I am thinking of making Papa and Guggy ones for us now. Not only did I make them for my own children, but I have made them for their spouses and their own children.

My 51 year old stocking my Mom made me.

Rick's stocking I made at 16.

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Here is a picture of Jamie's family stockings. I will be making a new one for the baby (coming in May) next year.  Also, in the picture is a Fisher Price nativity. I made sure all the kids have access to their own, as well at my house.  The grandchildren love it!  Even baby Jake will carry around the baby Jesus, and give him kisses. He calls Jesus, baby G G.

Here are Bri's family stockings...I don't know where hers is?  I need to get a picture of Brandon's family stockings also.

Fudge has been a big tradition in our family, along with my popcorn balls. I have already made 3 batches. Here is a picture of some of our Christmas Eve goodies.

Decorating is another fun tradition. From the lights, to the Santas, and nativities throughout the house.

My Aunt Jane and Uncle Allen gave us our first place setting of Spode Christmas dishes, when we started our family. We would use it for all our meals in December.  I would look forward to receiving a new piece each Christmas. I have carried on the tradition by starting our children's family with Spode.  Every Christmas, each family receives a piece of Spode. They all have a good start on the tradition.  I love to see them using it during the holidays.

Collecting Santas for the tree is another tradition. I have purchased them from all over the U.S. I have about 300 of them now.  I started the only Santa tree about 28 years ago, but some of the Santa's are 30 to 34 years old. The tree is so hard to put up, but I love it. My sis just brought me two from Switzerland, I am so excited!

 This is probably one of my favorites.

Music is a big tradition at Christmas.  Growing up, the Sowards family sang the whole month of December.  At church,  at the neighbors, in the car, at Christmas parties, we sang and sang.  Our family now sings on Christmas Eve, and plays the chimes.  I love the chimes.  I can't wait for the grand kiddles to get a little older so we can all chime away.

Sowards Family Singers 1967

Sowards Family 1983 singing the "Orchestra." Yes that is me with Farrah Fawcett hair!

These carolers, handmade by a friend, are on my piano.  I can't look at them with remembering caroling with my family.

The "Nutcracker" is one of my favorite traditions.  We were able to go because of the generosity of my Aunt and Uncle.  I remember going several times when I was younger, and then them carrying the tradition on with our own children. Last year, I started the tradition with our grandchildren. It was especially fun because Brianne is friends with Sara, a Principal Ballerina, in the Houston Ballet.  She was beyond kind, when she took us for on a back stage tour.  An evening we will never forget. 

Sara and Bailey

Christmas Eve with extended family started years ago.  We have enjoyed celebrating with the Morgan's for the last 10 years.  This year, with Becky and DJ's move, they will have their whole crew home for Christmas. We thought we would let them spend that time together. We have always had FOOD, FUN, and FESTIVITIES with them. We are getting together as a BIG extended family for an outing to Chuck E. Cheese on the22nd.

Here is a picture of us starting a new tradition, with the grandchildren acting out the nativity. We will have to get clever at our house, without Aunt Becky's cute costumes.

There is the tradition of a family newsletter, Christmas dinners, driving around looking at lights, and many more carried out each year to make our season complete. I hope to add more. TRADITION!