Our First Christmas Tradition

Well Aunt Val, you got us thinking about Christmas traditions, and that we don't really have any. This year since Ava is now three and can somewhat understand the whole idea of the magic of Christmas, so we decided to start our own Christmas tradition. From now on, the night before Christmas(which was actually Christmas Eve for us this year because I have work on Christmas Day) we will assemble and decorate a gingerbread house. Dillon and I have never done one before, and since Ava is a candy addict we thought it was something that would hold her attention and keep her involved. She absolutely loved it. There are two days a year when we don't care what she eats: her birthday and Christmas. So after eating dinner on "our" Christmas Eve Ava and I broke out a $7 gingerbread house kit I found at Target and made out first Christmas tradition, while Dillon (our amazing family baker) made chocolate chip cookies for Santa.

Ava thought the whole process was wonderful. I squeezed icing from the bag right into her mouth, and I didn't fret about all the gumdrops and sprinkles she was eating. It was actually nice to just let go and watch her have a great time without being the responsible parent that limits sugar intake and sternly enforces the 8 o'clock bedtime. Come to think of it, I don't event think she brushed her teeth that night! Don't tell Aunt Val, Ava! I will forever remember this special Christmas tradition that Ava and I started together, and will continue to share until she gets married and has children of her own. Here's our finished product. Well worth the $7!

Ava showing off her masterpiece!