How Our Makers Celebrate the Holidays
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?
A holiday tradition we've started this year is an advent calendar of service. Instead of having an advent calendar filled with toys and candy, we've made a goal to do an act of service for others each day of the month leading up to Christmas. Things like bringing a meal to someone, donating blood, donating clothes to a homeless shelter, visiting those who are sick or lonely. The point is to focus the Christmas season on Jesus Christ whom I believe was our perfect example of love and service.
What are you most looking forward to over the holidays?
My four siblings will be in town for Christmas, and I am very much looking forward to the laughs, reminiscing, game nights, good food and just being with my people!
What's your favorite seasonal food or drink?
Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning!
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?
My mom, sister and I always baked LOTS of cookies together -- our faves are "press cookies" using my grandmas cookie press! Now my niece joins us too, so it's even more fun! A new and favorite tradition is being my niece's Santa. My sister asked me to write Emma's letter from Santa last year, and I can't wait to continue that magic for many years to come!
What are you most looking forward to over the holidays?
Watching Christmas movies with my husband, snuggled up on the couch with hot cocoa! I also really love watching all my friends and family open their gifts!
What's your favorite seasonal food or drink?
Lots of hot cocoa, chocolate-covered ginger cookies, chai, homemade Christmas cookies, coffee...basically all the hot drinks + cookies!
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?
My family has many Christmas traditions that are especially meaningful to me this year as we are on our own, away from family for the first time. My mom is very inclusive in her traditions and celebrations and no one is left untouched -- right down to the postman. From her I've learned that the most poignant traditions are ones where we give. Every year on Christmas Eve we have delivered Christmas to a family in need. We always sing a few Christmas carols and talk with the family. Growing up I used to be embarrassed and wonder why we couldn't sing and leave or just ring the doorbell and run but now I see my parents were focused on caring for the family and they taught us the importance of truly giving of ourselves and not just physical gifts.
The part of Christmas I'm looking forward to the most this year is another tradition. We always give one gift "to cherish." This has taken some refining (I've had some horrible flops!) but really helps focus gift giving to be meaningful and not just something that will be thrown away later. Sometimes it's something physical and sometimes it's a memorable experience. This year I'm surprising everyone (including me!) with the gender reveal of our baby. They don't know I'm doing it so I can't wait to create a fun memory. Hopefully there won't be any tears, we have 1 boy and 2 girls.
My favorite seasonal food is "fruit soup." We make it every year to give as gifts and as a part of our Christmas morning brunch. (Editor's note: Get Lauren's recipe here!)
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?
Since the kids were toddlers, we drive through the festival of lights each year and then go out for a nice dinner. Since the kids are now teenagers, they mostly just enjoy the dinner, but we are keeping the tradition alive anyway. :)
I most look forward to down time with the family. I do not have a need to close my shop over holiday break, because it is very busy all the way up to the week of Christmas and then naturally slows down over the kids’ school break. Being in a cold climate, it’s fun just to cozy up and watch movies. When business slows down, I’m able to fully enjoy it with no guilt.
Spiked egg nog…obviously.
Do you have any holiday traditions? Either ones you grew up with or new ones you've created as an adult?