Christmas Time is Here

It's a Christmas miracle!  My computer was simply needing a slight vacation as opposed to the death sentence I had written it.  Apologies for the posts back to back, but it is Christmas Eve and it just wouldn't be the same if I posted these after the fact.  So...

Feeling much like cattle at Silver Dollar City.

I L-O-V-E Christmas time, love it.  I love why we celebrate it, the togetherness which encompasses it, giving to others, the humility which seems to be brought as a result, I just really enjoy this time of year.  I also love the fact that this is my last Christmas with a Miss at the front of my name.  Chris and I started our relationship this time of year, so we have already started several traditions, and are sure to have more in the future.  Here are a few of our fun traditions, some new, some old:

• This year after spending some time trimming the tree and decking the halls, we enjoyed a nice sushi meal in front of the fireplace (and Elf on the TV).  I hope to continue this tradition next year =)
• On the night of Thanksgiving I have always watched Home Alone, Chris has entered in on this habit.  That Kevin gets me every time.
• I have also forced Chris to watch numerous other Christmas movies.  I would watch one every night if allowed, and if I could stay awake.

Traditions we intend to begin once we are married:

• I saw the idea of "Hope Notes" on a blog and just loved the idea.  At the end of the holiday season, the family takes time to write notes to other members of what they hope to see happen in the upcoming year.  These notes are tucked into each individuals stocking and packed away.  When the time comes to hang the stockings the following year, the notes can be read aloud to see what has been accomplished (and possibly bring some laughs along the way).  The notes can then be tucked into a journal to reflect on throughout the year. 
• It is very important to both of us to give to others.  While my overall prayer is we are able to do this year round, it always seems to tug at the heart strings a little more this time of year.  We have a few specific ideas of how we would like to do this in the future and Chris is excited to begin some next year.  He really is a great guy, I lucked out.
• There is always a real Christmas tree in the Boschen household.  I remember having one when we were young, but fake has always been our cup of tea.  After seeing my mom crawl under the tree to water it and the empty pathway to the tree in order to do so, as well as having a time limit for how long the lights could be on, I love my fake tree.  But, I also think of the Griswold's and their adventurous trip to seek out the tree which will overrun the living room and scorch Grandma's cat, that is what memories are made out of!  So, we will probably have a real tree for a period of time at least.
• Hot chocolate, whipped cream, and a candy cane, nuf said.  Drink sent from heaven this time of year and it will flow rapidly in our household.

There are some more sentimental jargon, but I won't bore you.  What are some of your festive holiday traditions?