Not only did we have a real "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree," but we focused on the true meaning of Christmas. This year Jamie was actually excited about Christmas, it was time to start our own family traditions. Although Aviella probably won't remember this Christmas as she gets older, she was old enough to be excited about the Christmas tree and other traditions that we started.
Our first tradition was to incorporate St. Nicholas Day (a fairly German holiday - prevalent in WI, but not many other states). On December 5th we picked out our Christmas tree and Ryan set it up in the house. Aviella seemed to enjoy picking out the tree (leary of the snow on the ground at first; she didn't want to walk on it) - there were doggies and reindeer at the place we got our tree.
Our tree was not a farmed tree, but rather an "environmentally friendly" Charlie Brown tree that was removed from the National Forest to aid in preventing forest fires. Anyway, that night we decorated the tree and the house for Christmas. When Aviella woke up on St. Nicholas Day, not only did she have a stocking with some presents, but the house was filled with the spirit of Christmas. She was in awe of the tree and snowflakes hanging in the hallway.Our next tradition was to make our version of the Advent Wreath and light the candles on Sunday evenings before dinner.
We also started a tradition to give our kids three gifts from us for Christmas representing what Jesus received from the three Wise men; one gift being educational, one practical, and one fun. We also purchased (and received) some books on the true meaning of Christmas and who the real St. Nicholas was which we plan to read during the Christmas season to our children as they grow up.In addition to our tradition making, we had a fun-filled Christmas party for friends in our community here at Family Housing.
Lots of laughs were had during the white elephant gift exchange, especially the "bedazzled" toilet seat!! We also enjoyed a "Christmas tea" and playtime with our British and South African neighbors who served mince pies and mulled wine (or grape juice for those of us pregnant/nursing). There were German, Japanese, Korean friends there too. For Christmas Eve we invited a Chinese couple that we are friends with to join us for church and dinner. 
It was a great time to share the true meaning of Christmas with them - prior to this year they thought that American Christmas was just about gifts and Santa (everything the children wanted)! After opening gifts on Christmas morning, relaxing for a bit and packing for our trip back to WI, we ate a Christmas dinner with some of our Korean friends. It was a very International Holiday for us this year; we had a wonderful time.Our trip back to WI was enjoyable (aside from the two day drive) and extremely busy. We saw lots of family and friends and Aviella enjoyed all the doggies and horses she met as well as all the people. We were amazed at how well she did and how comfortable she seemed to be with our friends and family that she rarely gets to see (except in pictures). Unfortunately we did not make it up to LaCrosse, to visit Ryan's extended family as we had hoped, but maybe we will make it back for the Family Rendezvous in August. Ryan got sick while in WI and was somewhat miserable most of the time we were there. It was good to get home and sleep in our own beds.
We wish everyone a Happy New Year!
