"challah-day" traditions

When I was a little girl my fondest memories of Christmas were gathering the family to decorate the tree, getting to open only grandma's present on Christmas Eve, and always being the first one up in the morning and peeking through the stockings.  As I've entered adulthood some traditions have faded away, and it was a little bittersweet.  But, the greatest joy is realizing there are new traditions to be made.  

This year I entered in a couple new traditions that I am most definitely planning on keeping around.  My dear friend Colleen always makes challah (pronounced: holla) bread the night before Thanksgiving, and then makes scrumptious french toast with it the next morning.  She graciously invited me over to partake in her tradition, and I am hooked.  

Here is what you need:

An adorable little dog that is ready and willing for any scraps to lick off the floor...

Lots of flour, eggs, yeast, and other good stuff....AND lots of patience!  This baby definitely requires patience as it rises twice for an hour each time....so you need a friend to help you pass the time, and also some cute nail polishes to give yourself a much needed manicure.  

Talented braided skills, and big smiles to show off your work of art....

I have to admit that I was shocked when we took it out of the oven.  I thought to myself, "Did we really make this masterpiece that smells so divine?!?!"  Oh yes, I will pat myself on the back for helping with these beautiful creations.  And, I will be called "Betty Crocker" from now on by my brother-in-law for these creations:

French toast with our fresh challah bread.  Can I get a holla?!?  

Thanksgiving morning started off the right way first with a family hike with my in-laws. 

I loved getting to spend the time with my niece, brother-in-law, and Papa.  This will most definitely become a tradition each year we are up at our in-laws house.  

As Christmas fast approaches I have been thinking about other traditions that we are fortunate enough to have.  These include:

-finding cute neighborhoods to go look at Christmas lights at (8 years and counting :) )

-waking up Christmas morning to fresh cinnamon rolls

-planning an afternoon dedicated to just baking with my mom

-eating a huge breakfast at 2pm in the afternoon at my in-laws

-wearing matching PJ's on Christmas Eve and snapping a silly picture

-still opening only grandma's present on Christmas Eve

What are some your family's traditions this time of year?