Today's WFMW is a themed edition talking about the holidays.Everyone knows that the wait for Christmas is hard for kids, and my parents knew that too. To ease the waiting for Christmas, and to build a family tradition, my mom bought (and gathered) an assortment of Christmas books (My two favorite were the Jolly Christmas Postman and The Tale of the Three Trees). She wrapped 24 books and every night as a family we would gather around the basket she had put the wrapped books in and the three of us kids would decide together which book to open. After we opened it we sat and read it together.
My mom used the same books every year, but even though we had read the books it was still exciting to unwrap something. As the years passed we would always try to figure out which books were our favorites and open them first. It was a lot of fun. :) Last year my mom put the books out unwrapped (all three of us kids are over 15) and I was like, "you didn't wrap them!?" She just looked at me and was like, 'honey, I didn't think you would need them wrapped..." I have lots of fond memories of doing this and it really did make it exciting to count down to Christmas :)
We didn't start this tradition until our kids were teenagers, and they love it too. We also added some movies to the book collection. Have fun celebrating Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time. What a very special memory to be able to have. You are Blessed!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE this idea!! I'll have to hop on Amazon and see if I can get some things together before Christmas this year! Thank you for sharing this! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea! I will have to do this. We have so many Christmas stories and such. Just carefully wrap and share special moments with my little guy. Ahhh! precious idea! Thanks for sharing. Please stop by and visit and browse a while. If you like what you see, click the "Follow" button and subscribe just below to get instant updates. This way we can share ideas and spark each others creative juices.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea!! I think my two daughters would really enjoy this tradition.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best traditions I've heard! I love this! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe do this starting on the first day of Advent and my kids love it. Anne Marie, head to the library if you don't have enough books. We have more than enough, but I usually throw in a few library books just for fun.
ReplyDeleteI started this last year after reading it in someone's blog (was it yours???) and my son adored it. We will repeat for sure!
ReplyDeleteThe video idea a commenter suggested is cute too if books aren't your family's speed. Although our family does a Christmas video marathon to kick off the season and get us all in the holiday spirit. Keeps us all singing those songs all month long!
:)
We have tons of Christmas story books, but I've never thought of doing this. I think we'll have to wrap them this year! Thank you for sharing such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so sweet! What fun!! A friend of mine does that too!
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