This year was finally the year.
Riley was less than a month old for her first Christmas. She had just turned one for her second Christmas. But as a newly-minted two year old, she was finally old enough to be into celebrating Christmas and all of the fun traditions that come with it. While COVID kept us from attending midweek Advent services and in-person church on Sunday mornings, we still had plenty of traditions to partake in.
First on our list? Picking out our Christmas tree at Drafts Tree Farm!
Patrick and I have gone to Drafts Tree Farm every year since getting married to pick out our tree. It was the first Christmas tradition that we made together as a new family. The owners of the tree farm have actually known my family since before I was born and know Patrick's family, too. They always come out to talk to us when we come select and cut down our tree, and it's fun to catch up over the years. We've been the newlyweds, 39 weeks pregnant, with a 1 year old in tow, and now pregnant again with a two year old in tow.
One of my other favorite traditions? Making Christmas cookies! In our house, we bake them from scratch.
They're made with a recipe from the cookbook from the church that I grew up in. It's a recipe that only comes out for Christmas, although every Christmas I make a promise that I'm going to make the cookies again sometime throughout the year. I never do, but maybe this year while I'm on maternity leave?
Anyway.
Decked out in the apron that my parents gifted her for her 2nd birthday, Riley was ready to bake Christmas cookies!
The cookies were made extra special this year with three generations putting their hands in to roll, cut, decorate, and bake. It was messy fun but it held Riley's attention for a solid thirty minutes which is pretty impressive for a toddler!
Am I already looking forward to baking Christmas cookies next year with a 3 year old and 11 month old? You. Bet.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
