I absolutely love traditions. They create a space of safeness and expectation, and year after year, I enjoy those that I have created for myself or have been passed down by my family over the years. I originally shared this post back in 2018, when life was a bit different than it is now, but the traditions have remained. See below my favorite traditions that for me, bring to life the Holiday spirit, year after year.

1. Holiday Cookie Boxes for Neighbors

If you follow me at all on my blog or social media, baking is one of my favorite hobbies, so it’s no surprise that during the Holiday, I create a box of all my favorite goodies and pass them out to my neighbors. It is a way of saying I wish you a fabulous Holiday, while also extending the joy that the season has to offer. I mix up the recipes each year, and also include my holiday card.

Ending of It’s A Wonderful Life - YouTube

2. It’s a Wonderful Life

My Dad started this one as I believe his Dad created the tradition with him. Back before Netflix and Hulu, we would have to wait for the movie to come on TV, at 7PM on NBC Christmas Eve night. Although the time in which I watch and with whom, it is still one of my all time favorite traditions. This movie creates a reset for me every year, and instills in me such gratitude for the wonderful life I have. Each time I hear, “To my brother George, the richest man in town”, I ball my eyes out, and then remind myself of how blessed I am.

3. Candles on candles

This tradition has been brought on by myself, ever since I’ve had my own place to call home. Since I’m obsessed with making my home look the part, I also want it to smell the part too! for this, I enlist in candles every year to bring home the feeling of each season, but especially around the Holidays. My favorites are Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle, Mistletoe from the local candle making company Craft + Foster, or any of these Good Natured Soy Candle’s (Balsam, Fireside, Winter White). The cozy light from the wick, along with the scents that are reminiscent of each Holiday past, it is a tradition I treasure.

4. My sister’s spiked egg nog

Now, if you’re not a fan of egg nog - hear me out! You’ve likely purchased the store bought version which is thick, heavy, sugary and gives you a stomach ache after the third sip. I’m talking about this delicious whipped version that is light, airy, delicious and gives you a slight buzz :) I’ve tried to make it myself (recipe here), but for some reason it just doesn’t taste the same unless my sister makes it. I highly recommend giving it a stab though. It is something I look forward to each year.

5. Fresh baked cinnamon rolls Christmas Morning

I love the idea of having a food to commemorate the feeling of Christmas morning for our family. For me, it was a no brainer to bake cinnamon rolls the morning of that I have prepared the night before. The smell of cinnamon in the air, and the enjoyment of devouring an ooey gooey delicious roll is magical. If you’re looking to create the same magic for your holiday, checkout my go to recipe is here.

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