When I was asked to write about my family’s holiday traditions, I honestly got a little nervous. I never really looked at it as having traditions, but in hindsight, I see that we actually did have quite a few. When I think back on my family’s Christmas festivities, I remember a lot of love and laughter. I remember the large family reunion party a week before Christmas, the traditional Ukrainian home cooked dinners on Christmas Eve made by my mom, grandmother and aunt, the marathon of holiday movies I watched until I feel asleep on the sofa waiting for Santa, then waking up Christmas morning to a generous amount of gifts under the tree.I could always tell which ones my grandmother had wrapped because it was either just tissue paper, non holiday wrapping paper, or not enough paper on the sides. I remember the excitement and me shaking the boxes before I opened them. Always thinking I could guess what was inside. As an only child, my favorite tradition was my mom letting only me decorate the Christmas tree. She still to this day leaves the tree undecorated until my husband and I come to town. It's something I have always loved doing and remember stepping back when I’m done to admire my masterpiece. I plan to continue this tradition with my daughter, Milania. She is only two, so we did a little practice run on a miniature tree and captured some memories along the way.
Wearing special pajamas for Christmas never caught on in my household when I was growing up but after this series I think we are adding a sweet new tradition to our new little family.
My little lady is wearing her mommy made knit pajamas using the Winter PJ's by Peek A Boo Pattern Shop. I have ONLY had this pattern since last year and it was about time I put it to use. It was a quick sew(cut and sewn during a naptime) and fit perfectly! Even my little Miss Picky wore them proudly. To top it off, it's a gender neutral pattern!
I did add a little ruffle skirt to the bottom of the top(instead of just hemming as instructed in the pattern tutorial) because I felt it needed a girly touch...and because I will pretty much add a ruffle to anything I can get my hand on. Thank goodness I had a girl!
To do this cute little skirt add on: Just cut a 5"x double the wide of the bottom hem circumference strip. Sew the two short ends together. Gather until the ruffle fits the bottom of the shirt(Right sides together). I did a zigzag stitch to attached the two (since I use a lot of pin) and then serged right over the zigzag stitch to secure it in place. Flip the skirt down and that is it!!!
Don't children make the holidays magical again?
I look forward to continuing old and starting new tradition. I hope this inspires you all to do the same.
Happy Holiday...Merry Christmas...and a Happy New Year!