Jingle bell, Pajama, Sleigh Ride!!

As a child, one of my favorite traditions was the Jingle bell, Pajama, Sleigh Ride. One night after we were tucked into bed and nodding off. Someone, I think my dad, would ring jingle bells until my brother and I came out of our rooms and then our parents would announce that we were having a sleigh ride and take us, in our PJ's, to go see Christmas lights. I still remember sleepily seeing the rows of houses lit and the excitement of pointing out houses along the way while listening to christmas music on the radio.

So with such beautiful memories one year I tried this with my Children. It failed miserably. The night we tried it, it was dark and raining and I did not have a driving rout planned out. I just figured I would drive around a few neighborhoods. I ended up down a lot unfamiliar of dead ends with no turn arounds and could not see, because it was raining and dark. SO, if you try this find the best light displays before you go. And pick a clear night! Also you may want to make sure your Children have on warm pajamas when they go to bed, a robe, coat, or warm blanket  to wrap up in, and slippers where they can be found quickly. Check the weather before you go to make sure it won't be too icy, cold, or rainy if possible. And have a children's Christmas CD for the car. And maybe hot cocoa?

Even for all the trouble this tradition gave me as an adult I continue it because as a child it bestowed in me a love of the holidays and a  particular sense of adventure that has never left me. I now routinely surprise my family with little trips which, when I think about it, all comes back to this tradition. 

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