Family traditions and memory making are big parts to making a house a home and so over the last three years my husband and I have started creating our own family traditions we hope to continue to pass on to our children one day. When I think of my own childhood I look back on the little things my parents would do to make everyday life and special occasions unique to our family. It is those memories that I hold onto that I want to provide for my own family and guests who come in our home.
Here are just a few of some of our favorite family traditions we have built over the last few years...
On Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve my husband and I spend the evening at home celebrating these holidays on our own and then the following day spend it with our family. This allows us to make our own traditions but still make time for our family (and keep them happy!).
On Thanksgiving Eve we put up our Christmas tree since we don't host anyone on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve we always have brownie sundaes for dessert!
We host an annual holiday dessert party which has become our one signature party besides birthdays each year. The theme of the party is that each guest brings a dessert and they all get voted on leaving one winner who gets to go home with a prize. Having a theme for the party gives guests something to talk about during the party as well as something to look forward to each year.
Just this year we started getting birthday donuts. It began by getting up out of bed at midnight on my birthday for a spontaneous donut run.
On Halloween I make a pumpkin shaped pizza for dinner while we watch a movie and hand out candy to trick or treaters.
Once a week we have dinner with my parents and another night with our in laws. It makes for a busy week sometimes but we enjoy having the consistent time to spend with our family.
Every year in the fall we visit a local large apple orchard, Apple Hill, where we stock up on apples, eat apple donuts and a corn dog, and take lots of pictures!
We also visit the State Fair that comes to Sacramento every summer. I have fond memories visiting it growing up as a kid but also sweet memories of going every year with my husband when we were dating. I always get barbecued corn on the cob and funnel cake! It is amazing how many of our traditions are surrounded around food!
On Easter my husband and I gift each other Easter baskets. And I might have to even continue this when we have kids! We also host my parents for an Easter breakfast before running off to other Easter family festivities. I anticipate having Easter breakfast a family tradition when we have our own kids.
On road trips we always make sure to stop at In-n-Out and Sonic Burger.
On Saint Patrick's Day we make mint chocolate chip milkshakes.
Every Valentine's Day I host a ladies Valentine's Day tea where we get together over tea, lunch, and a craft. It is a fun way for me to pour into and treat my girlfriends to something nice.
// Apparently we are obsessed with holidays and food! That might be my doing. But it sure is fun! I would love to hear, what are some of your favorite family traditions from growing up or that you carry on in your family now?
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