The first Christmas I spend with Jon’s family was in 2016, during my first trip to the US. Since then, we’ve always tried to be home for Christmas, because it’s as crucial as we being home for Tet holiday in Vietnam. Looking back, I think the Rowands’ holiday traditions include the following:

Getting a real Christmas tree. Nothing beats the smell of fresh pine. Two years ago I think mom and dad finally got an artificial pre-lit tree, but we will always, when possible, get a real pine tree for Christmas.

Have an orange in every stocking. Mom used to do this to feel a bit “healthy” while adding lots of candies and sweets into the stocking. I love this idea!

Sweet dill pickles and (also sweet) black olives. These are must-have on the dinner table. Since I’m a part of the family, I add a Romanesco broccoli decorated with pomegranate seeds and purple onion rings to resemble a little Christmas tree, plus it means there are some healthy vegie treats.

French toast casserole for breakfast. Lots, and lots of brown sugar.

One ornament each year for the family and the baby, separately. This is probably my most treasured keepsake.

Now, the Ha-Rowands adds these to the list:

Get a real Christmas wreath for the front door. Plus, they always come with bells and bows, which can be saved for next year’s decoration.

Mail our Christmas card. Probably until the kids turn 20. Imagine a stack of 20 holiday cards which record their journey growing up.

Drink eggnog while decorating the tree. The one sugar-loaded drink that Jon loves. Plus, listen to all-time favorite Christmas music.

Be Santa Clause for someone else. Either donate to an organization, pick a name and send a gift, anything that we could help bring joy to another child during the festive season.

The Elf on the Shelf. We haven’t done this yet, but I so love the idea and will definitely start this tradition once Haruki is old enough to understand it.