Christmas Traditions - Stacking Traditions for a Shortened Season

With Thanksgiving over, and the last of the leftover's eaten, we turned our eyes toward Christmas, and realized how shockingly close together the two holidays are this year.  If we're going to fit all of our usual traditions, crafts, snacks, Christmas movies, and books into the next 25 days, while still leaving time for quite reflection (I know, I know - laugh if you want) - some of our family favorites are going to have to stack together into combo events.

So, last night, as we decorated the Christmas tree - the Man of the House filmed, in the living room, while each child took turns hanging their special ornaments...

...starting with the first, and working to the present - according to our tradition...

...while I supervised Christmas tree cookie decorating in the kitchen (another tradition), and Bing's White Christmas play in the background (it never feels like Christmas in our house until Bing Crosby has started singing).

Then, we moved the television, temporarily, in from the family room, so we could all gather around the table for cookies, hot chocolate (against my better judgement, so close to bedtime)...

...and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Our movie choice was a nod to the fact that this year, having moved from the mountains to the edge of the prairie, we opted for an artificial tree - walking away from a decade old tradition of trekking into the woods to cut our own.

Of course, it was also the perfect movie to end our Christmas, kick-off evening, as it really did send us off to bed quietly reflecting on the "Reason for the Season".





Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
(source - imdb.com)