Christmas is now 18 days away!  When all the shopping is done, things are wrapped and preparations are going on for gatherings, don’t forget the morning itself. Create a memory to pass on to your kids, so they can carry it forward when they have their own families.

If you are lucky like me, and don’t have to go out anywhere, as of now anyway, enjoy the early part of the day. The stress of company and big dinners will be upon you soon enough. Here are some ideas, if you haven’t already initiated your own.

My husband and I began our little tradition for Christmas morning when the kids were older and slept in for a bit. Cinnamon buns would go into the oven about an hour or so after we came downstairs. Nothing tasted better with a cup of coffee. The smell illuminated the entire house. Before the kids would come down, we would sit and drink our coffee, eat a bun, and enjoy the tree, the lights, and some Christmas music. This will continue for as long as we can keep it going, even with the kids grown and gone. It is our quiet time!

I have friends who have Christmas breakfasts for their immediate families. They give a list of food items to each member, and they have to choose one thing and bring it to the meal. These breakfasts are for those who eat later dinners.  Gifts are usually opened after the food has been consumed. This works great for those who have family who need to visit other relatives on the same day. Those who are there for this breakfast, may not be there for dinner. But time is still spent with loved ones.

Then there are the friends who go to a restaurant for breakfast. It is something they’ve done for years. This way, if they are not doing the cooking, they can just head out to other relatives for the day. Another idea is going to the movies. Some theaters are open at 11 am. That’s still morning to me. This also works for those who may not be hosting family, but going elsewhere.

This is the time of year for families to come together. It will be a long day. Start it out a little more relaxed and just pay attention to your own household. Whether it be drinking coffee, tea or some hot cocoa, take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Make some gooey cinnamon buns or eat some Christmas cookies. It’ll be the memories of time spent together, for that holiday and others years from now!