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November 28, 2018

PLANNING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS WITH BABY

Aren’t the holidays the most magical time of the year?

To be fair, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Even if I don’t dress up, I love the weather that time of year and handing out candy. Plus I’m a huge fan of horror films and all things scary. In fact, I think one of the things I’m looking forward to most about motherhood is dressing up my child and doing a family themed Halloween costume (until he finds us un-cool and wants to do his own thing, at least). And I may or may not already have our first one planned in my head… so cheesy, I know.

But Christmas time was always so special to me, especially growing up. From hanging up our stockings every year, to picking out our Christmas tree together, to decorating the tree with our favorite ornaments, the time leading up to Christmas was almost as special as Christmas morning itself. I hope to create that same magic with my son next year when he’s here and start some traditions with him that he will always remember.

Celebrating both holidays: Although I was baptized, confirmed, and got married in a Catholic church, I did not grow up in a very religious household, which is how we plan to raise our son. My husband identifies as Jewish so it’s important for us to incorporate both holidays in his life. We received this menorah when we got engaged from close friends, so we plan to light the candles each night of Hanukkah and get better at celebrating the holiday. We also will put up a Christmas tree and pick it out together, which I always loved as a kid. This fall we went apple picking at Kuipers Family Farm and had so much fun, so we will probably go there to get a tree as well!

Advent calendars: As a child once December 1st hit I could NOT wait to start our advent calendar! The anticipation of counting down until Christmas and seeing what was behind each day was so much fun. I plan to get one every year for our son from Etsy – there are so many adorable ones!

Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning: When we were kids we would spend Christmas at my Grandmother’s house. Since we would leave Christmas Eve night to make the drive from Brooklyn to New Jersey, we would open our gifts Christmas Eve morning at home. When we moved to Florida we kept the tradition of opening one gift Christmas Eve night, which just adds to the excitement of the night. The next morning we open the rest of our gifts and then make homemade waffles for breakfast – while also eating the candy that Santa gave us from our stocking. 😉

Baking… yes, me baking: Admittedly I’m not the best in the kitchen – in fact, I’m pretty much the worst. Every year my father makes these amazing cookies from my Great Grandmother’s recipes and I’d like to continue the tradition with him. Luckily my husband loves to bake, so it’s something we can all do together with my dad.

Giving back: It’s so cliche but it’s so important to give back during this time of year. In my best efforts to raise a compassionate and kind human, I want him to not only be grateful for what he has but also want to give back to those in need. When he’s a little older, I’d like to volunteer with him especially around the holidays. Whether that’s donating food or helping out at a local shelter, instilling these types of values early on is very important to me as a mother. (PS if you’re looking to give back this holiday season, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is where I donate!)

I’m sure as the years go on we will create more traditions that fit with our family, but I can’t wait to start these with our son. I can’t believe this will be the last year that we celebrate without a baby, and that next year there will be another stocking added with his name!

Photos by Heidy of BECLOTHESMINDED

Filed Under: Lifestyle

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FOLLOW ALONG @jillbadlotto
If you don’t take a photo of palm trees, are you If you don’t take a photo of palm trees, are you even in Florida? 🌴 Just realized today is Monday, not Sunday, which means it’s Bachelor night. I’m all in this season and fully invested, because what else do I have to do on a Monday night other than judge a ton of people on a reality show? Also, what is up with Queen Victoria?
We are HUGE @DisneyPlus fans in this family and no We are HUGE @DisneyPlus fans in this family and now that Jude is getting older, we’re really loving family movie nights! So we’re SO excited for Disney+’s new original movie Flora & Ulysses, streaming February 19th! Flora & Ulysses is about a girl named who befriends a squirrel she rescues named Ulysses, and learns he possesses unique superhero powers that take them on an adventure that changes Flora’s life. I also love that it’s based on a book, and I can’t wait for Jude to watch it since he’s obsessed with the squirrels in our neighborhood. 😂 You can swipe right to check or visit the link in my bio to watch the full trailer for @Floraandulysses, streaming exclusively on Disney+ February 19th! @DisneyStudios #FloraAndUlysses #DisneyPlus #ad #hbtfloraulysses
Got a little weather FOMO when I saw it was snowin Got a little weather FOMO when I saw it was snowing in Chicago, but we took the boys to a nearby botanical garden (we were the only people there) and enjoyed the 70 degree weather so much, I stopped missing the snow reaaaal quick. 😉 Also the @sollybaby wrap may be our most used baby product. It’s so comfortable, easy to put on, and Heath absolutely loves it. I may start carrying Olive in it when he’s too big for it.
Hooray for 3 months! 💙We’re officially out of Hooray for 3 months! 💙We’re officially out of the fourth trimester and we’re really starting to see his little personality come through. He gives the most hilarious judgmental looks (who can blame him? He’s a 2020 baby), smiles when anyone talks to him, and loves to watch his big brother play.  He’s only been here for a few days but he’s loving the Florida sunshine! ☀️ #heyheathjoseph #childhoodunplugged #babyboy #lifewithlittles
After driving 24 hours we finally made it to paren After driving 24 hours we finally made it to parents’ house in Florida! Driving with two kids under two, two dogs, and enough suitcases to dress an army was hectic to say the least, but it’s always the crazy ideas that make the best memories. And even though we’re not going anywhere, the change of scenery and ability to be outside is going to be such a treat for us. Jude is already living his best life in nothing but a diaper while Olive has already traumatized the ducks in the backyard. 😂 Side note: this gallery wall at their house is my favorite, and I can’t believe how much Jude looks like my dad as a baby (third photo from the top left!) #heyjudeharrison
Proof I own sneakers. Also proof I don’t really Proof I own sneakers. Also proof I don’t really know what to do with them because I wore them in wet snow. 🥴 Took this guy to his 2 year appointment today. I can’t believe we have an almost 2 year old! #heyjudeharrison

FOLLOW ALONG! @JILLBADLOTTO

If you don’t take a photo of palm trees, are you If you don’t take a photo of palm trees, are you even in Florida? 🌴 Just realized today is Monday, not Sunday, which means it’s Bachelor night. I’m all in this season and fully invested, because what else do I have to do on a Monday night other than judge a ton of people on a reality show? Also, what is up with Queen Victoria?
We are HUGE @DisneyPlus fans in this family and no We are HUGE @DisneyPlus fans in this family and now that Jude is getting older, we’re really loving family movie nights! So we’re SO excited for Disney+’s new original movie Flora & Ulysses, streaming February 19th! Flora & Ulysses is about a girl named who befriends a squirrel she rescues named Ulysses, and learns he possesses unique superhero powers that take them on an adventure that changes Flora’s life. I also love that it’s based on a book, and I can’t wait for Jude to watch it since he’s obsessed with the squirrels in our neighborhood. 😂 You can swipe right to check or visit the link in my bio to watch the full trailer for @Floraandulysses, streaming exclusively on Disney+ February 19th! @DisneyStudios #FloraAndUlysses #DisneyPlus #ad #hbtfloraulysses
Got a little weather FOMO when I saw it was snowin Got a little weather FOMO when I saw it was snowing in Chicago, but we took the boys to a nearby botanical garden (we were the only people there) and enjoyed the 70 degree weather so much, I stopped missing the snow reaaaal quick. 😉 Also the @sollybaby wrap may be our most used baby product. It’s so comfortable, easy to put on, and Heath absolutely loves it. I may start carrying Olive in it when he’s too big for it.
Hooray for 3 months! 💙We’re officially out of Hooray for 3 months! 💙We’re officially out of the fourth trimester and we’re really starting to see his little personality come through. He gives the most hilarious judgmental looks (who can blame him? He’s a 2020 baby), smiles when anyone talks to him, and loves to watch his big brother play.  He’s only been here for a few days but he’s loving the Florida sunshine! ☀️ #heyheathjoseph #childhoodunplugged #babyboy #lifewithlittles
After driving 24 hours we finally made it to paren After driving 24 hours we finally made it to parents’ house in Florida! Driving with two kids under two, two dogs, and enough suitcases to dress an army was hectic to say the least, but it’s always the crazy ideas that make the best memories. And even though we’re not going anywhere, the change of scenery and ability to be outside is going to be such a treat for us. Jude is already living his best life in nothing but a diaper while Olive has already traumatized the ducks in the backyard. 😂 Side note: this gallery wall at their house is my favorite, and I can’t believe how much Jude looks like my dad as a baby (third photo from the top left!) #heyjudeharrison
Proof I own sneakers. Also proof I don’t really Proof I own sneakers. Also proof I don’t really know what to do with them because I wore them in wet snow. 🥴 Took this guy to his 2 year appointment today. I can’t believe we have an almost 2 year old! #heyjudeharrison

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