Christmas Traditions

      One of my favorite Christmas traditions by far is when my family and a few other family friends get together and go shopping for about 5 foster kids.  First, we get the kids names, ages, and their gender so we kind of have an idea of what to shop for.  Then we go to a few different stores, we usually go to Target.  We will usually get the kids some toys, blankets, or clothes based on the kids ages.  We also get gift cards for the guardians so that they can buy things for the kids too.  After that we take everything home and wrap it.  This usually takes a while because we have to make sure we know who we are wrapping the gift for so that we can put a name tag on it so the presents don't get mixed up.  After that we drive to the kids houses and drop the gifts off for them on the doorstep.  Then we ring the doorbell and run.  It's kind of hard sometimes because there is a lot of presents and we can be loud sometimes.  After someone rings the doorbell other have to drive away but the doorbell-ringer has to just run and then hide in the neighbors yard.  Then we have to risk going back to check if they were even home and got the presents.  It is definitely my favorite part.  After that we go home, watch a movie and have hot chocolate.  Definitely one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

-Ellie Bethers