The Sound of Music

Christmas traditions are very special in the Jones family. I have so many fond memories of Christmas from my childhood. It truly was the time to feel the comfort of familiar decorations, family recipes, and much anticipated traditions. On Christmas Eve, it was unspoken, yet understood that no one leave the house. Shopping must be completed, and gift giving visits finished as we settled in as a family for the grandest tradition – The Sound of Music. I’m not really sure what year it started, I only know that I’ve seen it so many times, I know all the songs and most all of the lines (so does my family). My mom would make all sorts of wonderful hors d’oeuvres and we’d sit in the family room eagerly awaiting that tiny spec on top of the Alps to become Maria spinning around, beginning to sing, “the hills are alive…” It was the moment that huge smiles came over our faces, hearts began pounding, and the reality of the moment sank in – it was Christmas! Sounds silly, but that same huge smile is on my face right now as I recall those afternoons on the 24th. Every year it was exactly the same, and every year without fail Fraulein Maria reminded us that when God closes a door, He opens a window; that when things get tough, take a moment to remember your favorite things; that you can’t marry someone when you’re in love with someone else!; to climb every mountain until you find your dreams, and that family is a powerful bond that gives strength, courage, and endurance. Perhaps that’s why The Sound of Music was a highly favored Christmas tradition in the Jones family – it bonded us in many ways. It was the movie that we all sat through together year after year, it was the movie that provided many inside jokes for us, it was the movie that caused us to bust out in song and dance at any given moment! Over the past several years, that tradition has been put on hold as we’ve grown up and started families of our own. But as a special Christmas gift to my family this year, we surprised them and took them to The Sound of Music sing-a-long at The Hollywood Bowl. After a picnic, we watched the famous movie under the stars with 18,000 of our fellow fans and sang every note! We laughed, we cried, but best of all, we were together as a family. What bonds your family together at the holidays? Share a favorite holiday tradition with us!

Now it’s your turn!
1. have fun reminiscing about a great holiday tradition from your family or a fabulous holiday must have
2. blog about it (if you don’t have a blog, put your thoughts in a comment below)
3. link up your Holiday Must Haves & Traditions below
4. enjoy visiting the blogs posted below and reading the comments below to get some great ideas to make this holiday season extra special