It’s finally the most festive month of the year so I thought I would share with you one of our December traditions. A few years ago I decided to change things up and do a special breakfast on December 1st to celebrate the start of Christmas. The kids absolutely loved it so I’ve carried it on.

I used to do a Christmas Eve box for them with things like pyjamas, socks and activities but it made more sense to me for them to be able to wear and enjoy those things throughout December instead.

This year’s offering was very festive indeed. I bought most of the things early when they were on sale, I do love a bargain. I always include a chocolate calendar that the kids choose themselves and a fun one that I choose for them. This year they have a rubber duck advent calendar to share. In previous years they have had calendars from Smiggle and Lego each but I thought they could share this fun one instead.

I set the table up the night before all ready for them to come downstairs to on December 1st.

They have a pair of festive pyjamas and a new blanket, it is cosy season after all. There are some chocolate treats, some activities to do, and some bath bombs. I usually include some festive socks but I just couldn’t find any that I thought they would like this year.

For breakfast, we have warm pastries, strawberries and fresh orange juice. There might have been a little chocolate consumed too but it’s okay it’s almost Christmas!

This year I bought some awesome Lego Christmas decorations as an activity. The kids wanted to build them straight away so they are already adorning our main Christmas tree and their small bedroom ones. I think buying a Christmas Lego set might become a new tradition from now on.

I love planning this special breakfast and sourcing festive things that I know the kids will be excited about. I’ve always tried to celebrate every special occasion as I think it creates lasting memories and gives your mood a boost. It’s not about doing something that’s the latest trend or putting yourself under pressure, it’s about doing what you want and can do for your family. We have never done Elf on a Shelf but I still love seeing how creative people get and how much happiness it brings to their family.

I get so much joy from being able to do things like this for the kids while they are young. I’m sure in a few years the lure of gifts and a special breakfast won’t be enough to get their teenage selves out of bed early. I’ll probably carry on the tradition for Chris and me long after the kids have left home and why not?

What traditions do you have in December? I would love to discover some new ones.