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Chrysalosity

a flourishing lifestyle

Setting (and Keeping) Christmas Traditions

December 23, 2019 · LIFESTYLE

Setting (and Keeping) Christmas Traditions

I love starting traditions.

Actually, starting new family traditions has been something I've enjoyed the most over the (almost) six years that Austin and I have been married. He will tell you that at almost every holiday or special occasion, I've tried to make traditions a regular thing. The problem: they don't always stick the way I wished they would.

We've done everything from carving pumpkins at Halloween (lasted one year) to sharing what we're thankful for at a nice pre-Thanksgiving meal (again, I think it lasted once). There have been a few flimsy Christmas cookie decorating sessions and staycations on our anniversary, but nothing that really stuck from year to year, despite my best efforts.

Whether you're a super-extra wife like me or a mom that wants to create special memories with your family, you totally get this struggle. We get ideas in our minds of things that would be fun for everyone to enjoy, but somehow our ideas don't stick from year to year as people and priorities change.

 

Why don't our traditions stick?

It's simple, really. Often I catch myself trying to force an idea that seems festive and fun on a hubby that has no interest in decorating cookies for 2 hours or scooping out sticky pumpkin guts. Instead of  coming to terms with reality, we want to create movie-like, Instagram-worthy moments that our loved ones might not actually enjoy.

If you want to create a lasting family tradition that has everyone excited from year to year, keep it real with who you are as a family. Are you a family that loves to laugh? Are you active? What is your family dynamic? How can you relate to all age groups and genders in your family? These are the most important questions to consider when planning family traditions. Forget about what other families are doing - they're not you!

 

Our (One!) Lasting Family Tradition

Austin and I are food lovers, and we LOVE us some Mexican food! We started the tradition of Feliz Navidad back in 2015, and we've continued it every year since then. We'll change it up by doing salads, tacos, and nachos - we even did takeout last year since we were in a rush - but it never seems to get old. We find that it's a nice change of pace from the typical meat & potatoes meals we often eat at Christmastime.

Feliz Navidad through the years...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feliz Navidad usually consists of fun margaritas and sangrias, but this year will look a little different with the baby on the way! Tonight's Feliz Navidad meal will feature tacos, red and green chips and guacamole, and Mexican hot chocolate. (Also considering going to Party City to find a sombrero party hat for Sadie Belle... we'll see!)

We listen to Latin Holiday music while we prep the food and eat, followed by opening our gifts from each other. For now, it's a very simple tradition with just the two of us, but I'm excited to see how it will evolve over the years as our family grows!

And that's the beauty of this tradition - it's simple! Nothing is forced, and it's meaningful enough to both of us that we've kept it alive throughout the years of our marriage. So should you try Feliz Navidad as your next family holiday tradition? Maybe. Or maybe not! Figure out what your family cares about and craft it into something special to you.

 

Feliz Navidad, everyone!

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Stock Up & Save on Christmas Decor!

December 12, 2019 · LIFESTYLE

Stock Up and Save on Christmas Decor

Want to know how I save on decor?

I NEVER buy an item full price. Ever.

When I shop for decor items, I like to stock up mid- to after-season while the items are discounted. And even though Christmas isn't even here yet, you can find decor items on major discount! Now is a perfect time to shop to add to your decor for this season or to store away for next year.

I'm rounding up a bunch of pieces that I love from Kirkland's, inspired by my very own Christmas decor style. You'll see lots of reds, plaids, and natural greenery. Stock up and save by clicking the photos to shop!

Stockings for All

I love traditional plaids and knits for Christmas decor, and stockings are the perfect way to showcase these textures! You'll love stuffing these cuties with goodies for everyone - even your pup! (You know my Sadie has her own stocking!)

Pillows & Throws for a Pop of Color

Nothing is as cozy as cuddling up on the couch with a warm drink on a winter night! Brighten your space and stay comfy with these festive and cute throws and pillows!

Warm Mantle Pieces

Although we rarely use our fireplace for warmth (the energy bill... YIKES!), there's just something special about a decorated mantle at Christmas. I love decorating mine with natural greenery, art, candles, and small figurines.

Festive Florals

I don't typically decorate with fresh greenery, but I do try to find natural garlands, wreaths and stems for my Christmas decor. I aim for a snowy look with lots of pinecones and berries for a splash of color.

Tie it Together with Tree Decor

I'd describe my Christmas tree as a mixture of rustic and glam. I've paired burlap & twine accents with pops of berry red, buffalo plaid, and sparkly sprigs and ornaments to catch the light. I love my Christmas tree because it's pre-lit and has berries and twigs built in. It looks full even without a lot of decor!

 

Happy Christmas Shopping!

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Stock Up & Save on Christmas Decor!

 

 

 

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About Me

Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a millennial wife and mama loving life in the Midwest. Follow me for lifestyle tips like balanced food, accessible workouts, and personal growth inspiration!

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