When Jeremy and I were engaged we decided to start a tradition. (which means I basically coaxed him into agreeing to it-he likes to tease me about how much I love traditions) We would get a "couple" ornament each year. We would take turns every other year. He took our first "engaged" Christmas. Although we actually have two from that year because I ended up buying one too, because I was so excited about the idea I didn't want to wait a whole year. We both laughed when we hung them up this year because they both had mistle toe on them. Each year we've had more fun with having our ornament really reflect the year or us as a couple. For example last year I got an ornament that said Mexico in honor of our anniversary trip. Well, this year Jeremy really went all out and ordered a personalized ornament for me. I LOVE it!! It is hand painted on a shell and represents our time at Blessing Ranch this fall.
When Faith was born we decided to start getting the girls an ornament each year as well. We have tried to choose things that reflect their year as well. Grace was very excited about "her" ornaments this year. Anyone who would come to our house she would gladly point out which ones belonged to her and which ones were Faith's. Previously we have always opened our ornaments with the rest of our presents on Christmas. However, this year we decided to make it one of our Advent Calendar activities. This was fun because we had time to really enjoy opening them and then enjoy them on the tree during the remaining days till Christmas.
This year Faith's ornament was a purse that said "The Bag Lady" on it. Faith really loves purses/bags and will load her arms up with them. When we leave the house if I don't let her take one of her own purses she will insist on carrying mine, even if it is so heavy she has to drag it.
Grace's ornament this year was a puppy that played music. Grace has decided she LOVES dogs this year. She adores my brother's dog Roxie. She even picked her out a Christmas present. She would really love if Roxie could come spend the night. Along with this love of dogs her new favorite show this year has been Clifford the Big Red Dog which inspired her being Emily Elizabeth for Halloween. So we thought an ornament involving a dog was perfect for this year. (On a funny side note it plays the song Bad to the Bone)
I think even Jeremy would agree this has become a really fun Christmas tradition!
