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365 Czech Republic

Traditions and an Early Christmas

A Christmas Tradition (12/20/14)

Traditions are important. I haven’t done a big study on the topic or read any books, but I think one of the main reasons people like traditions is because they are a constant in the midst of a changing world. No doubt some traditions need to go, but some are ones we look forward to year after year.

Bethany grew up with the tradition of enjoying breakfast, cinnamon rolls, and reading Luke 2 all on the floor around the Christmas tree. This tradition has carried it’s way in to our family and it’s one we now enjoy. Today we celebrated our own Christmas on the floor around the tree. With traveling to the States on Christmas Eve we felt like we should just have an early Christmas of our own here in Czech before we leave. Below is the mini-feast we enjoyed today, complete with cinnamon rolls.

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

We didn’t tell the kids a single thing about the plans for this morning. Bethany had the big blanket laying out by the tree and Titus, “Hey, what’s this blanket doing here?” We told him to look under the tree and when they saw the all the presents they were giddy with excitement. Once the food was ready, we brought everything out and enjoyed our eggs with cheddar cheese, bacon, coffee, orange juice, and of course the cinnamon rolls. After we finished we cleared the area for present opening. I took the photo below of the kids before we started opening presents.

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

Below are the photos I got during present opening. Nut much explanation needed, just a lot of happy faces and excited screams.

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

Here’s Titus playing with his new sword and shield. We bought these at the Christmas market in Poland on Monday. He loved it!

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

This afternoon we did a ton of work cleaning the car and the house. We want things to be nice and tidy for when we return from the States in mid January. Bethany also worked on making chicken and dumplings which we enjoyed for dinner! While we were outside cleaning the car, our landlord came down and gave our kids a little plate of cookies and gingerbread gifts. This little house (below) she gave to Avery has incredible detail!

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

Titus and I had to walk to post office this afternoon as well, so I got a few photos of the amazing weather we were enjoying. The sun was shining and even though it was a little windy, it was just a nice walk.

An Early Christmas (12/20/14)

It was a really fun day and I’m excited were able to make it happen. Tonight we reminded the kids just why we celebrate Christmas–the birth of Jesus. I look forward to celebrating it again next week with our family in the States.

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