Traditions

Since I was so busy with school, I didn't put up a single Christmas decoration this year. Sad! Because of this, it didn't feel like Christmas until last Thursday when my sister and her family came in town for a few days. I really wanted to get into the Christmas spirit so I tried to think of all the things I did growing up in the Johansen household. Many things came to mind, but here are just a few of my favorite things to do during the holidays:

Make homemade scones. These are absolutely delicious. My Mom makes the dough from scratch, but my sister and I decided it would be easiest to use pre-made roll dough. Yum!

Between Thanksgiving and New Years, we consume many bottles of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. We drink it like it is apple juice. It doesn't seem like a holiday without it.

Many cups of hot chocolate. I love to cozy up in front of a fire place (this year I had to imagine since we don't have one in our house). Erik always makes fun of me because as soon as it gets a little chilly outside, I want to make hot chocolate. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I drink it.

Cuddling in front of the TV and watching Christmas movies. I always have to watch Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve (this year we watched it early). It is by far my favorite Christmas movie, although ever since Elf came out, it isn't too far behind. The beginning of Elf is so funny, but by the middle I have to say that I get a little bored.

Hickory Farms sausage, cheese and crackers. Erik thinks this is absolutely disgusting, but I love it. It will always remind me of Christmas at home.

Christmas music. I love to play Christmas music on the piano and I put my first Christmas CD in the day after Halloween. One of my favorite songs to listen to is "Christmas in the Northwest". It's a special song written about Seattle (well, probably the Northwest in general) and it will always remind me of home. I have so many fond memories of Christmas and life in Washington.

One of the Christmas traditions I will not be taking part in this year is making Norwegian fattaman bakkles. This is a Norwegian tradition my family has done every year. All of the husband's think they are gross, and to be honest, I don't think they are that tasty. I guess I just love them because of the idea. It always makes me think of family, tradition and togetherness.

I love to wrap Christmas presents. Each year, I decide what my theme will be and all the presents have to match and coincide. This year, it was red and silver. Unfortunately, I only had four presents to wrap, but it was still a lot of fun.

Last but not least, we get pictures taken with Santa. Since my oldest sister was born, we have gotten Santa pictures taken every single Christmas. Erik is mortified that we continue to do this, seeing as the oldest, Eddie, is 35 years old. My sisters and I came to the conclusion that until Erik and I have a child, the adults have to be in the picture. Once that day finally comes, it will be a "children only" picture. For some reason this still hasn't influenced Erik's idea of having a baby.

I'm happy to say that it feels a little more like Christmas. Sadly, my sister and her family have left and my parents are miles and miles away on their mission. I will miss my family a lot during this holiday season, but I have a little piece of them with me every time I take part in one of the traditions we created together many years ago. I am excited for Erik and I to start our own traditions as our family grows, but the Johansen family traditions will always have a special place in my heart. There is nothing like Christmas as a child. Merry Christmas everyone! We love you.