Christmas Traditions

Keri S.

December 27, 2009 - 8:30 PM

My family has some great Christmas traditions. For the last four years, we have attended the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at our church. The mass starts at 11 pm and gets done Christmas morning at midnight. The first time we went to this mass, my sisters and I got really excited when we got home because technically it was Christmas morning. So for the past four years, my family has opened the presents under the tree starting at midnight Christmas morning. We quickly change into our pajamas and sort the presents while my mom makes us hot chocolate. Now that all the kids in the house are grown up, it is fun staying up until 2 am opening presents with family.

Besides getting my ticket to the Rose Bowl (which I think I am still in a little bit of shock about), I also got some awesome duck gear and some gift cards for Christmas. Since I had already opened my present at the White Elephant party, I got to enjoy watching my family open all the gifts I gave them. I think they all really enjoyed it. For my sister who is getting married, I made her a bridal survival guide with a bridal idea book, bridal magazines, a book on how to plan a wedding, and a cute box to store all of her ideas in. For my little sister who just moved to Spokane to go to Eastern Washington University, I made her a winter weather survival kit full of gloves, socks, and a hat.
After we all opened presents until we ran out, we headed to bed. Christmas morning, we woke up and opened our stockings from Santa. (Even though we are 18, 21, and 24 years old, Santa still comes to visit our house. I love it!) We then packed and got ready and hit the road to Sunriver in central Oregon to visit my grandparents. Since they live over there, we get to visit quite frequently. We feasted on an amazing turkey and ham dinner, and went to bed fat and happy!

As tradition continues, we woke up the day after Christmas and went shopping in Bend @ the Old Mill District. This is the best place to shop in Bend because it is home to the only Duck Store east of Eugene. We leave the cranky dad and grandpa at home and the girls head into town with their credit cards! We then did a lot of needed relaxation and rest and visited with family. After a fun weekend, we headed back over the mountain to Salem. I will only be here 3 days before leaving for Pasadena!

I can't wait!

It was truly an amazing Christmas here at the Sime house, and one that I am so lucky to be able to share with my family and friends. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas as well.