Over the last year, I’ve taken a number of photography classes through Clickin’ Moms, and I think that my favorite class so far has been Lifestyle Photography with Kids.  Some of the alumnae from that class are participating in a monthly blog circle, posting photos that demonstrate how we view things through our lenses.  Last month we focused on Tradition.

This year, I hosted Christmas for my family for the very first time.  I have wanted to have Christmas morning at my own home ever since Avery was born, but when you live in a tiny Manhattan apartment, that isn’t always a feasible idea.  Now that we live in Seattle, however, we have the space to host.  My parents flew in to celebrate with us and it was wonderful.  I was excited to incorporate many of the traditions that I had growing up – like baking snickerdoodle cookies and serving pierogies on Christmas Eve – and to create some new ones.  I was also thrilled to be able to host a large Christmas Eve dinner, with a large table filled with family and friends.  I was able to use my wedding china for the very first time!!  I have to admit that it was a much more chaotic environment than I tend to prefer for shooting, but that just adds to the authenticity, right?

After taking a look below, please continue along the circle and check out How Erin Watson of Pretty Pixel Photography Views Tradition.

I’ve loved having a fireplace all winter, but especially for the mood it creates during the holidays.  It makes it feel like Christmas.  Our friend, the Elf on the Shelf, is a new tradition this year.  Avery loved looking for her each morning.

Pretty wedding china!!!

During Christmas Eve dinner, I set up the tripod and put the camera on a timer to capture us eating as a group.  It’s not the best photo – and yes, that is me making a stupid face at Alexa during dinner – but so fun to have these real moments captured forever.  And in the background, you can see how we display the beautiful holiday cards we receive – and that we even have mistletoe inside our front entryway.  😉

Nothing is better than Avery’s first moment’s seeing the overwhelming quantity of presents that Santa and her family has brought!  (Her favorite present, by the way, was a box of princess dresses from Auntie Maleeha!).

And then things turn to TOTAL CHAOS – the best tradition of all!  Presents were everywhere, they did include a trampoline that was larger than Paul and I expected, and Alexa’s favorites were her doggies – and snuggling with her Grandma and Abaji, of course.

Thank you for coming to stay with us, Grandma and Abaji!!  We had the best Christmas ever!!!