Our Favorite Holiday Traditions

This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however all of the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I know not everyone loves the holiday season quite as much as I do, but around here, as soon as Halloween is over, we like to dive headfirst into all of the Christmas fun. From the festive clothing, to the jolly music, to the smell of a freshly cut tree, I truly believe that this is the most wonderful time of the year, and I love to embrace the holiday spirit for as long as possible. I like to think that I passed that mentality down to my kids by sharing some of my favorite traditions with them, and by starting some of our own. I think it is so important to share the joy of this season with my babies, because it truly is more magical through their eyes.

Here are a few of our favorite holiday traditions…

Tagging and cutting down our own Christmas Tree

In our house, it’s team real tree all the way. A few years ago, we started the tradition of cutting down our own Christmas tree, and it’s one of my favorite things that we do all year. We try to get out before Thanksgiving to choose and tag the perfect tree, and then we go back to cut it down the day after turkey day to bring home and decorate together while we drink hot cocoa and blast Christmas music. It’s a family affair and so much fun.

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

My kids absolutely love this tradition. Probably a little bit more than I do, because my goodness do they make a mess, but they have so much fun decorating their own gingerbread houses (and sneaking a ton of candy). We don’t get overly fancy, and usually just buy the boxed gingerbread house kits, but I will admit that sometimes we do go a little crazy and add some additional candy. I love how proud each of my babies are when they finish their festive (and personalized) houses.

The 12 books of Christmas

This is a tradition that we started when my oldest was born. Each year we wrap 12 Christmas books, and we let our kids pick one to open and read each of the 12 nights leading up to Christmas Eve. What I love about this one is that you don’t have to go crazy and spend a fortune. We actually re-wrap some of the books because they are classics, and only add a few new ones to our library each year. It’s a really fun tradition that I hope my children carry on with their own kids someday.

An ornament each year

Every year, each of my kids gets to pick out a new ornament of their own. It can be anything that they want, and usually they end up choosing a hanging replica of a favorite character or toy, but it’s always fun to see what each child picks. I then mark each one with their initial and the year. My hope is that someday when they are all grown up and have houses of their own, that I can pass along to each of them a personal collection of ornaments to decorate their trees with.

Holiday movie marathons and Christmas music playlists

From Thanksgiving to New Years, you can bet that we blast Christmas music in the car whenever we’re in it, and that at any given time, if you come to our house there will be a holiday movie on. I don’t care how many times we’ve seen Home Alone, The Grinch, or The Santa Clause, they’re all still on heavy repeat around here. We love making fun holiday playlists with all of our favorite songs, to listen to all season long.

One gift on Christmas Eve

The amount of excitement in the air leading up to Christmas day is tangible. I remember, as a kid, shaking every box under the tree and trying to guess what each package contained. When you’re little it seems so hard to wait, which is why we like to let each of our kids pick one gift to open on Christmas Eve. We never let them choose a “big” gift, just something small to get them through, but it has quickly become a tradition around here.

{shoes, pants, plaid bodysuit}

{boots}

{plaid top}

{red sweater}

{cutest pajamas ever boy’s | girl’s currently sold out online}

Christmas pajamas & the perfect holiday outfits

Every year we pick out the perfect holiday outfits and pajamas to rock all season long, and Carter’s has become our go-place to find exactly what we are looking for. There stuff is super affordable, high quality, and most importantly adorable! Not only are we big fans of Carter’s clothing and pj’s but we also love the fact that they are a company that gives back. This season they’ve partnered with the Pajama Program, an organization that provides a new pair of pajamas to a child who needs them. From November 1st to December 31st, You can donate a pair of pajamas at any Carter’s store, or you can make a monetary donation in-store and online to support the cause. Carter’s will match up to 100,000 pairs of pajamas, and the best part is that it’s your local community who will benefit from your generosity.

Because Carter’s is our favorite place to shop for the best holiday clothes, and because I love a good deal, I wanted to share the lowdown on all of their holiday specials…

This holiday season, Carter’s will have amazing Black Friday deals starting as early as November 17th!
Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh are giving away over $700,000 in Dash Cash to the first 100 people to visit their local Carter’s or OshKosh B’gosh store for the Dash In to Win Sweepstakes!!! (The sweepstakes will be held on Black Friday [11/23 or 11/24- depending on when your local store opens after Thanksgiving.] Be sure to check www.carters.com/stores to confirm the date the sweepstakes will be held at their nearest location. Plus, you will receive a gift from Shutterfly on your purchase of $40 or more that day! Visit carters.com/dashintowin for official rules.)
And… you can take 20% off your purchase of $40 or more, in-store and online now through 12/31/17. (*some exclusions apply: www.carters.com/couponpolicy)

in-store code: 070716

online code: CART4198