How many years does it take for something to become a tradition? Is twice enough, or do you have to do it for a third year to really make it stick?
Heading towards our first Christmas in the US we had a Santa photo done, the first time we’d done this, and as it happened, the first photo of all five of us together! Last year we went back and had another photo taken and I wrote about the difference a year makes and wondered whether we were looking at the start of a family tradition.
So, here we are a year later, and we went back. Same place, different Santa… It has now become a tradition. A small family moment, where we wear co-ordinating clothes and all smile together. A moment where we can see how much we’ve changed, where the past year has taken us.
For me it is also a moment for reflection, and for looking forward. It marks the beginning of Christmas, but also the end of another year. It documents how much the kids have grown, and gives me a moment to collect my thoughts.
It’s been another busy year full of highs, and not so highs. It’s been fun and frantic. It’s been exciting and emotional.
But, when I look at this photo all I can see is five happy faces. I can see children who have grown so much, developing and becoming independent, so full of character, life and enthusiasm. I can see a family that has so much to look forward to.
I wonder what our 2015 photo will look like :)
I love the coordinated clothes, they really make the photo look great! I think this is a wonderful tradition and a good way to capture your children growing up a little more every year. #magicmoments
Thank you Tarana, I do love how you can see the changes in each of the children x
I remember reading your post on this last year!! I think it’s a fabulous tradition and especially special having all of you together in it.
Thank you Kriss, I love looking back at the photos x
The children change so much from year to year but you always look amazing and never a day older! they are all a wonderful age to enjoy Christmas.
Oh, thank you Fiona!
Oh yes! Like Kriss, I remember last year’s, too, and yes, it’s definitely a tradition now. Gorgeous photo, and the Wee Girl looks so grown up now xx
Thank you Jocelyn. I can’t get over how grown up the wee girl is looking!
I think it’s only when we see situations like this over a time period that we truly understand the passage of time itself. Naturally, we tend to live more for the moment I think, but reflecting on our children’s development is something special. I think 3 years is definitely a tradition :)
Yes, I couldn’t get over the change in the children in the photos, especially the wee girl. I’m so glad we have the set!
wow!! I can’t believe how much the wee girl has altered!!
I know, she just looks so grown up!
Awww I think this is officially a tradition now. Lovely lovely photos. Nice to see them grow by the year too =) #MagicMoments
Thank you Merlinda. I love seeing how they’ve changed x
A brilliant Christmas tradition! :)
Thank you Lisa x
Oh Sara I love these shots, what a great record of your family, and how you’ve all grown and changed. Really really lovely and I think its the start of a great tradition! Xx
Thank you Caroline, I am loving having the photos to compare x
Aww that’s such a lovely picture (all three are!), and the start of a really great tradition too, how great will it be to put them all in a montage one day when they’re too old to want to come anymore!
Thank you lovely – I know I need to make the most of it before the 8yo refuses to be in them anymore!
Ahhh it’s so nice to see how the kids are grown and wow they’ve shot up over the years :) it’s a really nice tradition I think and one you should probably keep up for years to come!
They really have, you just don’t notice it when you see them everyday!
This is so lovely. We only had our first Santa photo this year but I’ve done a similar thing with standing in front of the Christmas tree. Its amazing to see how much difference a year makes! #magicmoments
It is amazing to look back on them, isn’t it x
Fabulous photo Sara, can’t believe how much the kids have grown. Happy Christmas to you x
I know, I can’t quite believe it myself :)
What a fantastic idea! It’s incredible how the kids have changed and grown. (I bet you’re pleased to see how little you’ve changed though!)
I am indeed quite relieved to see that I look almost exactly the same in each photo!
Love the transition from year to year. Simple life events can become significant events by managing them with a legacy heart. You have a wonderful family. Keep up the great focus and you’ll see great success.
Thank you very much x
Hello there, wow-I love this and what a great tradition, such a fantastic idea and the photos are lovely! Wonderful how much they have grown in just a year. #magicmoments
Thank you! The wee girl has just shot up!
What great photos! Your little lady has changed so much over the last 3 years!
She really has, it’s lovely to look at the photos together :)
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