Memories

Christmas memories

What are your Christmas memories? What traditions do you hold dear to your heart? I’ve always been big on tradition, but even more so since Brady entered our lives. I want him to grow up and think back on things we did and say “It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t………….”

Here are some of mine:
- One thing we did which is rather odd, but we always went to the beach in December. There was no sunbathing or playing in the surf (well, maybe a little playing in the surf), but we did do a lot of fun things. We went to Atlanta Beach, NC, right next to Morehead City. We always went to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and I always insisted on doing the nature walk. We’d go eat at this same restaurant in Beaufort every year until it closed. We’d walk along the beach and collect shells, go grocery shopping at the Food Lion, see a movie or two, and take a trip to Ft. Macon. There was the trip we got the stomach flu and had to stop in multiple parking lots and bathrooms. Then there was the trip where we had to fight an ice storm to get there.
- We always watched the Peter, Paul and Mary Christmas concert. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Peter, Paul and Mary and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
- Bourbon balls and Cornish game hens
- Trying to be the first one to yell “Christmas Gift” on Christmas morning
- Walking into the dark living room, illuminated only by the Christmas tree, and trying to figure out which stack of gifts was yours and hoping that one special gift was waiting for you.

We’re starting some new traditions now with our own little family. I’m sure as the years pass we’ll add a few and maybe take a few away. So far:
- We watch Meet Me in St. Louis every Christmas Eve before going to bed.
- Stockings go in the bedrooms, not on the mantle.
- Trips to Roper Mt. Holiday Lights and Hollywild Lights
- The Big Baking Extravaganza
- Opening one gift on Christmas Eve
- We put up a Christmas tree in the dining room and tie all of the cards on with a ribbon.

I hope everyone has some good memories to reflect on this Christmas.