Our Countdown to Christmas continues—7 days until Christmas.

My family LOVES Christmas lights. We have always loved to put them on the Christmas trees and the house. Over the last few years, however, we have had to appreciate them more on others houses then we have our own. My dad got cancer and then passed away. Then, after I got married we only had a small apartment with no place for lights. As we were forced to appreciate others lights, I learned that it was sometimes a lot more enjoyable because it was time with our family and making memories that last.

Every Christmas Eve, we all get in 2 or 3 cars, depending on how many people are there, and we drive to the most decorated neighborhood we can find. We then drive around slowly and see all the lights. If we can we will get out and walk around (being in sunny CA has it’s advantages sometimes). But you don’t have to live in a warm place that doesn’t snow to enjoy the Christmas lights. Jennifer Folsum of Momentum shared this story with us:

“One of our top free holiday traditions is to put on our PJs, put hot chocolate in to-go coffee mugs, pile in the car and drive around to look at Christmas lights. There are a few “destination” houses that go all out, but we love looking at them all. I have 3 boys, 7 year old twins and a 2 1/2 year old. We call it “light night” and although our routes vary, we usually hit two crazy houses in our Alexandria, VA neighborhood (one even has a real train in the front yard!) and sometimes venture downtown to check out the National Christmas tree.

We plan it every year, but it started as a spur of the moment idea. I was having super high holiday stress, after work one day when I was still working a traditional full time job and the kids were crying and not bathed and I just threw them in the car, we picked up Dad at metro with cocoa in hands and away we went!”

Jennifer and her family are doing a wonderful thing that only takes a little gas money to do. The important thing is that you are being with your family and taking the time to cherish one other during this holiday season.