The Traditional Approach

Every year when it comes time to decorate our Christmas tree, I pull out my bin of colorful green, red and gold ornaments. They were given to me by my mom over fifteen years ago. For the longest time, she stuck with the traditional color scheme until she decided that a mixture of birds, feathers, and glass bulbs all in cream or gold were the next big thing. She loves having a themed tree that is color coordinated. It is a tradition I have always cherished and loved. Well, except for the year that she thought small bundles of hay, raffia garland and wooden ornaments looked good.

During the holiday season, the memories of our family traditions are vivid and comforting. I decided this year to commemorate those traditions by creating layouts of my favorites. Why not record those annual must-do items that bring so much joy? There are many topics you can chose when scrapping about family traditions. Did you engage in a familiar routine or participate in a well-loved game? How about preparing or eating certain foods? Do you have traditions in your family that have been around for generations or are you blazing your own trail?

The talented ladies below share layouts showcasing their holiday traditions. Notice how the journaling documents the important details, making the story come to life.

Must Be Santa by Stacey Michaud

Supplies: Papers: Pink Paislee, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: American Crafts, Buttons: Making Memories, Bling: Kaisercraft.

Design Notes: I found this old photo of the mounds of presents that were always under our tree and was inspired to tell this story. I played Santa at my house for years and it was a tradition I totally enjoyed. I created the triangular trees to fit my theme and added hand journaling as a personal touch.

Journaling: Must be Santa, Santa…Stacey. Yup. Being that I was much older than my sisters, I quickly discovered that the man in the red suit was not. So, as a treat, Mom let me pretend to fall asleep & let me wake up at around midnight. And Santa I became. I stacked, divided and placed. I even ate the cookies. You know...for show?

This is Our Own by Christa Paustenbaugh

Supplies: Papers: Creative Imaginations, Chatterbox, Lily Bee Design, Journaling Tag: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, Rub-Ons: My Mind's Eye, Pins: Maya Road, Ribbon: Studio Calico, Flowers: Prima Marketing, K & Company, Bling: BasicGrey, Recollections, Stickers: Déjà Views.

Design Notes: After tying the ribbon and putting the pins in through the ribbon I wanted to make it pop a little more so I put the red flower behind it. This tradition is very meaningful to us and I cherish it.

Journaling: This is our own night before Christmas tradition. After the cookies and Santa letter, we each put out a pair of shoes and we would wake up to one quarter in each. It seems like a small gesture, but we all loved it and no one ever forgot it. It was our parent’s small token that was so special!

It is a True Blessing by Dorcas Yam

Supplies: Papers: Scenic Route, Cosmo Cricket, Journaling Cards: Collage Press, Die-Cuts: K & Company, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Rub-Ons: Creative Imaginations, Cosmo Cricket, Stickers: Sassafras Lass, Woodland Creature: Shabby Chic Crafts, Journaling Spots: Jillibean Soup, Chipboard: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Alphabet: American Crafts.

Editor's Notes: I just love Dorcas’s heart-warming and very sweet story. You can just feel the love that goes into making those cupcakes!

Journaling: There isn't really any special traditions in our family, but however, since mummy loves to bake and it seems like there have been a little trend these past 3 years that I am very often seen baking for Christmas with little miss Levion helping out beside me. So I thought "Why not make this our little family traditions?" Guess it will just be the starting of our many other little family traditions in the years to come. But, no matter what is going to be added into the list. Mummy just wishes that you will forever remember that baking cupcakes with little red cherries on top, got to be bake and make with love, and we got to share this love to each and everyone around us. That's the joy behind baking.