Christmas Part Two

We always celebrate Christmas morning with Richard’s family. Everyone congregates at their house for stockings, present-opening, cinnamon rolls, and just to hang out and be together.

Wesley and his stocking

One of my favorite Phillips’ traditions is the family stockings. Everyone gets one the year they enter the family. Richard’s Aunt Judy makes them by hand, and they always have some common elements as well as 1 or 2 unique designs. This year she didn’t have much time to make Wesley’s sock, since he was born so late in the year. She did it though! His sock has the traditional designs, and his special ones: holly leaves and a hot air balloon. I love it! I remember getting mine the year Richard and I got married — It was a big deal for me.

Our family's socks

It was especially fun to see everyone’s stockings all together. All the sequins are hand sewn, and the stockings are lined so that the threads aren’t exposed. One day I’d like to learn how to make them, so that I can help pass on the tradition when my sons get married and have children.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays – I love shopping for other people, and it’s great to have the time to focus on family and just… be together with the people I care the most about. For me, having the holidays center on family is so important. We’ve talked about staying home and establishing our own nuclear family traditions for Christmas. Part of me would really like to do that – growing up, my family had some fun Christmas morning traditions that I’d love to implement with my kids. I’m not willing to give up the time with family, though!

Vincent breaking into his presents

Vincent also really enjoys being around the extended family, and I’m sure Wesley will too as he gets older. Also, I’m pretty sure Christmas is more fun for our family’s with the little ones around. There’s just something magical about the season for kids, and that excitement rubs off on everyone exposed to it. I’m grateful that we have such great families to celebrate with.