Family Traditions

With the onset of fall, it's the beginning of family tradition time for everyone.  And before I add my two cents on the topic, I have to give a major shout out to Bocephus, because you can't think of the term "family tradition" without sangin' this song in the back of your mind... 



... yep, a true-blue country song.  

Moving along... Me, personally, I'm not big on anything obligatory that comes with the fall and winter holidays.  I want to do things because we want to do them, not because we feel obligated to because we've always done them.  I want a purpose, not an obligation.

As such, my family's "traditions" consist of the simple things... 

Boo-ing the neighbors...
The boys have loved doing this in the past.  We fill a treat bag with goodies and then ding-dong-ditch the neighbors.  They get to open the door to a treat and then, unfortunately, have the obligation to return the favor to someone else!  We don't do this every year, but it's been something we've enjoyed doing in the past.  I found this one on Pinterest that's adorable!

Decorating for fall... 
I love the colors of fall.  The bright, vibrant yellows, pumpkin oranges, deep, rich reds, warm browns and shades of green and violet that peek up this time of year make me smile.  I love pumpkins everywhere.  I love the mums.  This picture absolutely epitomizes everything that I love about fall and is featured on Adventures in Decorating.

Pumpkin Patch...
We've been known to visit a pumpkin patch or two for some pictures... and pumpkins {DUH}... which ultimately result in some awesome jack-o-lanterns on our porch on Halloween.  I don't mean to brag, but I've been known to toast a mean pumpkin seed.

Starting to make soups, stews and chilis more often... 
I mentioned this yesterday.

Baking up a storm... 
I love baking up homemade breads, muffins, sweet breads, cookies, pies and treats.  I'll be sharing these goodies on the blog!

Sharing a delicious meal with family and friends on Thanksgiving...
One of my go-to "traditions" at Thanksgiving is that I use a king-sized sheet as a tablecloth and have everyone sign it.  Once the feast is over, the company is gone and the dogs have gobbled up the crumbs, the sheet gets washed.  After the new year, I grab my needle, embroidery thread and I stitch everything into the sheet permanently... signatures, prayers, blessings, "turkey" traced hand prints... you name it... permanently etched into my family's history of Thanksgiving.

and of course... 

...planning for the Christmas holidays!  I have lots of things in store for Christmas planners so stay tuned for all kinds of fun!

What are your fall family traditions?  

Come join in on the fun this month with the November Blogathon at The Mrs. and the Momma.