Tell us about your favorite Christmas tradition/ traditions in the present or past, When my son was young. a book store

[debm55]

had a book called Santa Mouse with came with a stuffed toy mouse. In the story , if you left a cheese cube on the tree. Santa and Santa Mouse would take it and leave you a little gift. We also had a relative from Boston that would send a large box with 12 little toys in it, They were toys from the Dollar Store. not expensive. My son loved opening a new package everyday.Do you have a tradition? These are two that stood out to me. Others--for me, getting a velvet dress, singing at Midnight Mass. Baking nut bread for the neighbors and sanitation workers.

[pandr32]

1. I tried to keep the magic alive as long as possible.

My kids could only ask Santa for one thing. I told them asking for more tells Santa you are greedy, so the decision making process began as early as September. There was a catalog that came out-- the Sears toy catalog. My kids went through every page and kept revising their picks until they were absolutely sure.
It was fun to watch them mull through choices. Of course, the stocking was totally bonus and filled with surprises. I started collecting wonderful things as early as July and stashed them away.
Also, I never used my handwriting. Kids are smart as can be.

[debm55]

2. Great post and thank you pandr32. I love the part about looking through Sears Christmas catalog.

[EYESORE 9001]

3. It was a tradition that I alone observed

I would take the Christmas tree out to the fire pit and set it on fire, mesmerized by the almost instantaneous combustion. Junior pyro here. I still play with fire.

[debm55]

4. Was it before or after Christmas? Thank you EYESORE9001

[EYESORE 9001]

5. I meant to add that I waited until New Year's Day

My family frowned upon any premature Yule bonfires. Dang!

[debm55]

6. I'm glad that was after. thank you EYESORE 9001