Christmas Traditions

CD - Family Christmas time in the Brinegar household is a time to take a break from the busy winter months and the cold outside. On Christmas eve we always chore and put hay in for all the cows so that we can enjoy Christmas without work on the holiday. We always sleep in on Christmas exchange gifts, it is one of the few days that we do anything before we feed the calves in the lot. All of the neighbors always give meat or treats to one and another. At noon on Christmas, we have a big meal to enjoy and give thanks for all we have before we go to the other family Christmases over the next couple of days.

Lane- Over the years, my family has always had a solid family tradition for Christmas. We travel down the road to my grandmothers on Christmas Eve to enjoy homemade sweets and goodies. The next morning we wake up very early to enjoy giant cinnamon rolls, my dad's world famous omelets, and open presents that Santa brought for us. My favorite part about Christmas is being able to see the excitement on my families faces when we all open gifts. It shows how blessed we are to receive such amazing items from year to year and be in the company of loved ones. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Chandler- Every year, my family gathers at my Grandmothers Christmas Eve. We spend time telling stories, eating and exchanging gifts. I love when we all sit around the tree and celebrate what we got this year. Often times the house smells of freshly cooked ham, sweets and a variety of candles that my grandmother has decided to light. When we finish with presents and say our goodbyes, my family heads to church to end the night. The next morning, we as an immediate family take time to read the story of Christ’s birth before we go open presents. After presents, we go feed as a family and prepare to go to my Grandfathers to spend the afternoon exchanging gifts and enjoying some fantastic food. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!

Lexi- Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. On Christmas Eve, my family and I get together with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. We eat supper and spend time together. Once we get home, my immediate family and I open up our presents. On Christmas day, my family and I attend mass in the morning. We then pack up the car and go to my grandparents’ house. We spend the day eating, opening gifts, and visiting with family. Once we finish up in the afternoon, we had back to town and have supper with my other grandparents. After a long day, we head home and relax. I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cole - Christmas is a wild time in the Reiman house because we like to mix things up. I distinctly remember some years we have gone into my grandma’s for an extended family Christmas and other years we would stay home and divide out house into two teams for a giant nerf gun fight. It was amazing and unique to our family. Our family has a passion for competition and this was a way for us to take out that passion in a way that allowed us to bond and have fun. (Minus the clean up). What I would recommend to you all on your next family gathering is have fun and don't be afraid to bond and find something completely unique to you and your family.

Jake- The Christmas season is always a hectic time in the Hlas household! Starting on Christmas Eve we make our way to my dad’s side of the family for the first Christmas get together. Christmas day was always a day my brother and I looked forward to all year long. We open our presents, went to church, and then prepare to head to my mom’s side of Christmas that night. To say that we needed to be prodded by my mom to make it on time, might be the understatement of the century. There were things to do, enjoy our presents, feed cattle, or any other various task my dad could find, but sure as the sun rising, we made our way to Pleasantville. As we arrive we stuff our faces like any family on Christmas and open presents. The Christmas season is always a busy time, but when we can focus on the things and people that we love, it truly is the best time of the year. Merry Christmas!

Jodie- Christmas time is my absolute favorite time. Normally after Thanksgiving, my mom, sister, brother, and I all take the time to decorate the house and the Christmas tree. The next thing you know, Buddy the elf is back to keep an eye on everyone and report back to Santa! Around the Christmas season, while my grandpa, uncles, and cousins go deer hunting, my grandma, aunts, mom, sister, and I all do some Christmas baking! When everyone gets back from hunting, we all go and eat dinner together and try some of today’s goodies! On Christmas morning you can find my siblings and me eager and excited for dad to get home from the farm to open up our gifts. Either on Christmas Eve we will go to church with grandma, or we will all go on Christmas morning. After church, we all head to grandma and grandpas to celebrate Christmas! My favorite part about the Christmas season is the joy you can see in everyone’s eyes. While the snow may be cold, we can enjoy coming inside and enjoying hot chocolate with our family. Every year, my family asks what I would like for Christmas, but as I have gotten older, the only thing I want for Christmas is to be surrounded by my family and friends. Happy Holidays from our little family to you!

Laken- My favorite Christmas Tradition actually takes place on Christmas Eve. When I was little, there would always be some presents lined up around the tree, and after dinner, we would sit in the living room to open up one present the night before. We would always open the present from my Grandma, and every year it was a pair of pajamas. We’d put them on to go to bed and all head into my room, where we put on the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story as we fell asleep. We would anxiously try to fall asleep, always remembering mom telling us “Santa won’t come until all the kids are asleep.” After a couple of arguments, and a few of us switching beds because even on Christmas Eve, we were putting ourselves on the line of hitting the naughty list, we finally drifted to bed, only to wake up way too early on Christmas Morning to open presents.

Gwen- In my household we have many Christmas traditions, but my favorites are on Christmas Eve. It all starts at church that evening with the candle lighting ceremony. The church is aglow with hundreds of candles as we sing Christmas hymns. After church, we head back home, and we have more traditions to follow. The first tradition comes from my family’s old German roots! My parents hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree and the first of us to find gets to open the first present of Christmas! Next, my siblings and I all open a new Nutcracker to add to the collection, then it is off to bed. The next morning is spent opening gifts as my parents and grandparents prepare fry bread. Once evening has arrived we gather together at my grandparents for a venison roast and enjoy the company of family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

2018-2019
Iowa FFA State Officer Team