A Purdy Tradition

I just LOVE this time of year! Yesterday I got out all of our Christmas decorations and Ryan and I had such and awesome day decorating our house. Yes, I know that it's not even Thanksgiving, but my niece could be born any moment and I really wanted to have everything up before traveling to Houston (that was my excuse anyway:) I love everything about Christmas. Our Savior's birthday, giving to others, the music, Christmas lights and the traditions that this time of the year brings. The Purdy fam has many Christmas traditions. Listening to Amy Grant Christmas music is a must-note my blog music! We all wear matching PJ's on Christmas Eve...that's right the WHOLE family from Nana to Ally. We look hilarious but I love every minute of it! My dad always reads the Christmas story out of Luke before we head to church for the Christmas Eve service. We have food out all night and then we open gifts and stay up late and get ready for Santa! Such a lazy, fun time together as a family. One of my favorite things growing up was the December stockings that we had outside our door the entire month of December. Honey is super creative and used this as a discipline technique and it really worked! I started this when Ryan was three and he REALLY, REALLY looks forward to this every year. Here's how it works: If Ryan can follow these 5 rules, than each morning he gets a little treat in his stocking outside his door. I just made these up for this year, they change each year.

1. Have a smiley face in his folder from school (good behavior)
2. Obey the first time he's asked to do something
3. Be a kind big brother to Ally
4. No timeouts for the day
5. Complete 2 chores from the chore list each day

Chores in our house are very age appropriate like get the mail, help unload the dishwasher, pick up the playroom, etc..

Most days Ryan did great and he was able to get a treat the next morning. But there are days when he doesn't and it just breaks my heart that he choose not to obey. The good thing is that the next day is always better:). This is just a fun thing to do and the treats range a lot. Some days it might be a piece of bubble gum , or M&Ms, and the next day a small toy. To see his face each morning is just priceless! I haven't figured out exactly what to do about little Miss Priss? I know that she'll need something also but behavior for an almost 2 year old is tricky:). I'm sure we can figure out a fair way to let her experience this fun family tradition. I would love to hear about things you did growing up or things you do now for your families...so post away!