Kristine Lilly is a legendary U.S. Soccer World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist and Steward’s Community Wellness Ambassador.
One aspect I love about the holidays are the traditions. Growing up, I had many family traditions, and now I am trying to continue those and make new ones with my own family.
Some of my favorite childhood traditions and memories with my family that I loved were:
- Watching, on TV, the New York City tree lighting.
- Getting an advent calendar
- Going to pick out a tree.
- Opening one present on Christmas Eve, which was usually pajamas!
- Opening up presents, first, then my stocking on Christmas morning.
Fast forward to the present. I have continued some of my favorite traditions but have also created new ones with my husband and daughters.
My youngest daughter said to me at the beginning of the month, “Mom we need to get the calendar with the chocolates in them.” I was a few days late on getting the advent calendar, but we now have one in the house.
A new tradition for my family is making gingerbread houses. We also make a fun, and simple, candy treat that I learned from a friend. To make this twist on the traditional Turtles candy, all you’ll need are Rolo candies, mini waffle-shaped pretzels and plain M&M’s. Then, on a baking sheet, lay down the pretzels and top each one with a Rolo. Bake them in a 300-degree oven for approximately 4 minutes, so the Rolo gently melts. Take them out of the oven and add an M&M to each one by pushing down gently. The final step is to put the baking sheet in the fridge so that they can set and cool. There you have it—a yummy little treat.
Another tradition we began is nightly visits from the elves that Santa has sent to watch over us and see how we are behaving. Our cute little elves, named Jolly and Sprinkles, arrived a couple of days after Thanksgiving. Every morning, my kids wake up, and the first thing they do is look for where the elves have returned.
There are many traditions that you may have or continue to make. It is so important to keep these traditions going. I hope when my kids get older that they will continue some of our traditions and create new ones with their families.
Happy Holidays and Always Believe!
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