The Blending of Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions are a big deal for both Beaudrys and Brohinskys. Jesse and I both have strong, wonderful memories of Christmases as kids, and there are just certain things we would hate to have to give up. We had to do a lot of talking even before the holiday season officially began to make sure that we came up with acceptable compromises. Here are the most conflicting traditions:

1. Jesse likes a real tree, while I prefer an artificial one.

2. Jesse's family only ever opens one present on Christmas Eve. My family always opened all of ours then.

Other situations were not quite as important as these, but I think we've come to an excellent agreement. My family always has a big party with close family, junk food (cookies, pigs in a blanket, punch, crackers) and the all-important Red Velvet Cake (Jesus' birthday cake!) on Christmas Eve before we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and open presents. We get to do that this year at our house, and add in the Brohinsky traditions of burning the "NOEL" candles and opening one present. All of the Brohinsky kids will be there (except the ones who are in Florida!), and we will get to watch some of our favorite Christmas movies. (Like Patrick Stewart in A Christmas Carol, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.)

Since Christmas is on a Sunday this year, and Jesse and I have to be at church reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally early, we get to spend the night at his parents' house (or sisters' house, depending on room) and celebrate Christmas Morning by opening the rest of our gifts and stockings. My personal favorite Brohinsky Christmas tradition? Crabbies. Yum.

So what are some of your favorite family traditions?

P.S.: We ended up using an artificial tree at our house, but there is a real tree at Jesse's mom's house, which is where we will be for Christmas Day. I'd say that's a good compromise, 'cause then I don't have to take care of the real tree ;)