I can’t believe that it is already halfway through December!! Where did 2014 go? It seems like it was only yesterday when the boyfriend and I were on our week long vacay at Disney World in Florida. Now, I am back at work, watching the snow flurries outside the window and finalizing plans for Christmas. (Great trip btw, it was our fist vacation together and it was so much fun!) 

Anyway, with Christmas just around the corner I’ve been slowly getting into the holiday spirit. This time of year there is always so much to do: send out Christmas cards, buy presents for your loved ones, attend multiple holiday parties, and decorate the house; Christmas tree included.

As I begin to slowly check things off my holiday to-do list (I have a list for everything) I found myself thinking about all of the Christmas traditions that my family has held throughout the years.

Growing up my family and I acquired some traditions that continue to exist to this day. Some of them are quite funny or ridiculous, but hey that’s what makes them special, right?  Every year after cramming our faces with copious amount of turkey, stuffing, and derby pie (washing it down with plenty of wine) my parents, sister, and I make our way down to the Country Club Plaza to watch the Christmas lights turn on. The night usually ends with my sister and mom heading to bed while my dad and I drink a night time bourbon, while sitting in front of the fireplace.

After a few days the Christmas tree would go up and as usual we would fight about the theme of the tree and which decorations were going to be used that year. You see I like white lights and simple, color coordinated ornaments while other members of my family just like to throw a bunch of random ornaments on the tree and call it done. It’s a panic attack waiting to happen for those of us with anxiety. To make matters worse, one year my parents decided that a fake tree was better, which obviously prompted a whole new argument because personally I like real trees much better. (They just smell so nice! Who cares that they leave behind a little trail of pine needles).

Every Christmas eve our family would gather around the dinning room table for a big dinner of prime rib. (One year my mom tried to switch it up and made some pork tenderloin shit, NOT OK!) Grandma always brought along the figgy pudding, even though we never ate it and since we never opened the box containing this mystery pudding, she continued to bring the same one each year. This went on as far back as I can remember. (Grandma passed away last Christmas, but we made sure to still bring the pudding and I know it will be here this year as well).

On Christmas morning we would wake up anxious to open presents and as usual our parents would make us stay in our room while they placed last minute gifts under the tree they forgot to wrap. At this point I should probably also mention that another my tradition my father and I have is that one of us always gives the other a set of shower curtain rings as a present. This goes back a few years when I lived in Nashville and is the result of him staying with me for a period of time and constantly moving my stuff around, which included an unopened box of shower curtains. (We like to annoy each other, what can I say). After presents we would enjoy a brunch of eggs Benedict and usually pass out on the couch watching a movie. Pretty much the best way to end a perfect holiday if you ask me.

While I now live in Chicago, I still make the trek back to Kansas City for Christmas each year and I am already anxiously awaiting this trip. Although my mom better not try to change up the prime rib again!