Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Starnes Family Traditions

With the big day approaching, I thought I would re-visit our holiday traditions.
 
Disneyland.  One of our new favorites.
 
 
Always best with friends.
 
This year with the Davidges and Beattys!

 
 
Christmas Eve Mass.
 
Every year.
 
Nothing is sweeter than hearing Silent Night.  I love it at Midnight Mass even more, but 3 children has made that nearly impossible. 
Just as happy with our hooligans at 6pm.
 
 
Some years we really dress up.  Others, not as much.  The Catholic Church accepts all kinds.
 
 

Elf on the Shelf. 
 
Usually well behaved.  Sometimes not, per Blake.
 

 
 
Reindeer food.  Oatmeal, sprinkles, spices and whatever else the kids come up with.


And, sprinkling it for the reindeer.
 



The Night Before Christmas.  This book was given to us on our first Christmas as a family by Pa.  We treasure it.
 


Food for Santa.  Just as important as the reindeer.
 

 
Time to look for Santa!
 
 
Bells on the door so we hear curious children.
 
Lots of work to do!

 
 We used to have snow on Christmas morning.  In fact, it will be a first this year if our kids DON'T run to the door looking for it on Christmas.  For a long time, they equated Santa with snow.  Not the case in sunny California!
 


All gifts opened on Christmas morning.
 
Santa brings one.
 
The rest come from us, family and friends.  It's a special time.
 

 
And, typically, time outside with new gear!
 
 
 
California Christmas is certainly different.  But, we've found the beauty in it like so many other things.
 
And, finally, The San Diego Zoo for Zoo Lights.
 
 
We've done it for the past two years.  Uncle Chris treats us to passes each year for Christmas.  Such a great gift!  Hope to keep going.
 
I think that covers it!
 
 
 


7 comments:

Jodee said...

Love this post! We share many traditions including Christmas Eve mass, reindeer food and food for Santa. I love how families are all different. At our house, Santa brings ALL of the gifts on Christmas Day. They are all wrapped and color coded -- pink paper for Kamree and blue paper for Carson!

donatelli98 said...

Love it Casey! Where's your card??

Jo said...

Sounds like a great way to spend Christmas!

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

I love how every family has Christmas traditions. We also do Christmas Eve Mass, and food for Santa. At our house Santa brings almost all of the gifts with just a few from Mom and Dad. Happy Holidays!

Unknown said...

I still have to do Zoo Lights! And thank you for clarifying how to pluralize our name. So stoked. You have many wonderful family traditions. See you soon. Thank you for curing my baby.

Monica said...

i LOVE the picture of blake, lainey & jack. PRECIOUS. i LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas!

Kristen said...

The pic o Carter with baby Laine..... Swoon