In this ever-growing Daddy Blogging community, there are those who were part of my original group of dads that I consider to be “old school” friends from “back in the day.” Chag, aka Cynical Dad, is one such daddy blogger. I was thrilled when he agreed to share his Family Holiday Tradition. In fact, I like it so much, we just might adopt the first part. Without further ado, I give you Cynical Dad.

Our Christmas tradition revolves heavily around our car. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve toyed with the idea of putting the Christmas tree in the backseat or telling the kids that Santa shimmies through the exhaust pipe instead of down the chimney.

On Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at people’s Christmas decorations while listening to Christmas songs. Then we come home, put out milk and cookies for Santa, and put the kids to bed. My wife and I spend the rest of the evening watching Christmas movies while eating Santa’s cookies, wrapping a few gifts, and assembling the kids’ toys (because it is so much easier doing this the night before; assembling a toy in front of your kid doubles the time and the frustration).

On Christmas morning, the kids wake up early, open presents, and have breakfast. We then drive thirty miles to my mother’s house for lunch and more presents. We then drive back to our house, drop off the kids’ loot, and then drive two hours in the opposite direction to see my wife’s parents, eat another meal, and open more presents.

I think we need a AAA card for Christmas.