The holiday season always brings nostalgic memories of my childhood and the traditions we had. The smell of pine reminds me of decorating a fresh cut Christmas tree..with popcorn and fruit loop garlands nonetheless. Vanilla brings back the memories of sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles. The spicy cinnamon scent you smell when you walk into a store with those scented pinecones reminds me of the stove top potpourri my mother always made. Sometimes I come across a scent that reminds me of all those holiday memories and know it has to be part of our home.
One of the things I love about Glade® candles, beside the scents, is the size! They’re great for small centerpieces and along the center of table during a dinner party. Of course, it’s important keep an eye on flammable decor nearby and when children are around – my kids love blowing out the candles! :)
Today I’m sharing some of our family traditions – we look forward to these every year and with the two little one’s growing up from babies and toddlers we’ll be creating new traditions this holiday season.
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– Making gingerbread houses
I’ll be sad when the kids outgrow this tradition. It’s always an essential part of the holiday season and I enjoy seeing their cute little gingerbread houses every year. We like to buy the mini village set so each child can decorate a house of their own. We also make graham cracker gingerbread houses on the first evening of Christmas vacation. This is an expensive way to host a gingerbread decorating party for a big group of kids. A good idea is to make the gingerbread houses beforehand so that they’re ready to decorate when guest arrive.
– Handmade ornaments
I’ve been making handmade ornaments with my mom since I was 4. It’s one of those traditions that we keep up every year. I like to play Christmas music, light up holiday scented candles and invite my mother and sisters over for an ornament decorating party. Now that they kids are enough enough they’re starting to participate in our craft night.
DIY Glitter Ornaments – the best glue to use!
– Giving back to our community
The holidays are a season of giving and there’s no better joy than sharing what we can with those who need it most. This year the little ones are starting to understand the importance of giving back and helping those who don’t have the luxury of enjoying a holiday meal, warm clothes, or even toys. We found a few organizations in our community when my oldest was a toddler and started involving him at an early age. He 11 now and was the first to suggest we make a game plan on when and what to donate to this holiday season…I love this kid! He has such a kind heart and I couldn’t be happier that he’s wanting to teach the importance of this tradition to his younger siblings.
– Baking!
This is pretty much a given but it’s one of my favorite traditions to bake up dozens of batches of cookies, fudge, and candy to give our friends and family. This is another tradition my mother started that has been passed down to my children.
What scents do you find nostalgic around the holiday season?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Glade®. The opinions and text are all mine.
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