Tuesday's List: Christmas Traditions

{1} Family Time

Christmas time with our families always starts the Saturday before Christmas. My mom's extended side of the family get together for the "Hill Family Christmas," (Hill is my mom's maiden name) where we play games, eat the best southern food around, & exchange gifts (real & gag). The gag gifts usually end up being pretty hilarious (i.e., road kill has been given as a gift in years past). On the same night, after the Hill family party, we head to John T.'s granny's with his mom, dad, and sisters to exchange presents with his granny. She always buys us way too many presents, but I look forward to it every single year! We also play games here to find at least one our presents hidden in her house. Then, on Christmas Eve we will get together with John T.'s family to exchange presents with his parents and sisters. Also, we will go to his mamaw's to have a Christmas feast and spend time with John T.'s cousins. John T. & I started the tradition last year to exchange gifts from each other very early on Christmas morning, as soon as either of us wake up. We also do stockings for each other, which is my favorite! This year on Christmas Day, I'm thinking we will have lunch at my aunt Sharon's house with my mom, dad, uncle Daryl, and my cousins. Then, we will head to my mom & dad's to exchange gifts with them. I LOVE Christmas with my parents...always have, always will! It is the best! With John T.'s family last year

Us with my mom & dad {2008} Merry Christmas {2008}

{2} Favorite Songs

Oh, how I love Christmas music! Some of my favorite tunes include Carrie Underwood's version of "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Little Drummer Boy," "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)," and "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" (always reminds me of Home Alone 2).

{3} Favorite Movies

Home Alone 2, I'll Be Home for Christmas, The Santa Clause, Miracle on 34th Street

{4} Christmas Dishes

Of course, I love the turkey & ham, but my favorite Christmas dish, or dessert I should say is Coca-Cola Cake. I found Faith Hill's recipe last year in the Country edition of People, and it is divine! Cracker Barrel's recipe, though, is by far the best! I could eat an entire pan from there (with some grilled chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, fried okra, & mac + cheese).