Traditions

While we don't celebrate Christmas, we can still appreciate the excitement and festive feelings in the air this time of year. Since Lauren has blessed our lives, we've also come to develop our own traditions associated with the holiday that is still very much us.

As Christmas Eve this year fell on a Friday night, we began with our weekly ritual of celebrating Shabbat (hopefully Christmas Eve won't fall on a Friday again for a very long time, as the 30-plus person line at the bakery when I went to pick up the challah was not too festive).



Then enjoyed a home-cooked meal of roast chicken, whipped potatoes and roasted asparagus.



After that, we were off for our annual tour of neighborhood holiday lights. Getting bundled up and going out after dark to see the lights is always a highlight for Lauren, and this year was no exception.



While we mostly drive through several neighborhoods who really do it up for Christmas, Lauren's little face plastered to the window while she squeals with delight, we always get out of the car for this house.



The highlight of the home is in the garage. Yes, the garage. Revelers come from all over to witness the magic inside.



Including our little clan.



Two months of construction and decorating, and the end result, in the words and eyes of a 4-year-old (and her parents), is simply awesome.



Before leaving, we stopped to view the house across the street, which truly has the most amazing light show set to music.



As has also become our custom, since we were in the neighborhood, we then stopped by the house of our pool guy Jim, who was celebrating with lots of family, food and spirits, but made time for a special moment with our girl. Wonderful people.



Off to one final neighborhood, so alive with music and lights, and so incredibly crowded that cars could barely snake around the culdesacs. After Lauren's insistent pleading, we jumped out for a quick photo op.



Then headed home to set out a special treat for Santa, personally selected by Lauren herself.



Oh yes, that's challah. When Christmas Eve falls on a Friday night, that's what Santa gets.

After she went to sleep, Santa did pay a visit to our very deserving girl, with just a few gifts to surprise her the next morning.



Today we are lounging in pajamas while eating challah french toast, then mid-day will go to the movies to see "Tangled." Later this afternoon we will head to my parents' to enjoy Chinese food for dinner, another longstanding tradition.

We are blessed for so many things in our lives, not the least of which includes health and love. We wish everyone a magical, beautiful weekend, with whatever traditions you call your own.