Holiday traditions

During the first few years of our marriage, hubby and I used to have this lovely holiday tradition of surprising each other with 20 gifts to unwrap on each of the 20 days before Christmas.  To prepare for this exciting event, we would set out on a secret shopping night at Walmart or Target on December 1st. We'd walk into the store together, each only allowed to spend $20 on the 20 gifts. It was all so secretive. We'd pay for our purchases, still in private, and lug them all home to wrap in newspaper.

Then on each night for 20 nights leading up to Christmas we'd each open a gift.  It was awesome.  We ended up with some ridiculous items, like stickers or sidewalk chalk or a bar of soap. Sometimes the gifts were great...like candy or a magazine. But they were all inexpensive and a good deal of fun to open.

Since becoming parents, this tradition has fizzled. I think back on it with love and as something to cherish.  I look forward to creating new traditions, as a whole family.

While visiting Southpoint Mall this past Saturday night with Grammie (Debbie) and Granddaddy (Pat), we encountered something tradition-worthy.  Just as we were leaving the mall, exiting by the sidewalk near Barnes & Noble, an amazing thing happened. "Snow" began falling from the sky.  It was shooting off the rooftop of Barnes & Noble.  As a silent blizzard came down on our heads, I saw the joy in Caleb's eyes and realized this is a great memory. I took a video for proof.  I assume the "snowstorm" is something that Barnes & Noble creates on a regular basis throughout the holiday season. And if so, that may just be our new tradition.