Christmas Ships 2013

Many people I know waited until they had children before they started creating traditions in their home. For us creating traditions from the inception of our marriage has helped build a foundation of love and belonging in our home. Although our traditions do not define us, the making and keeping of traditions is one of the qualities which set our family apart from yours. 

One such tradition we have established is riding on the Argosy Christmas Ships. Sure to an outsider the tradition might sound lame or foolish, but to us it is a fun event we look forward to each holiday season. There were the years walked from our house to the ship when we lived in downtown Kirkland, our first year leaving from Pier 55 after moving to Seattle, the year it snowed, the year of the creepy Santa, the year of the awesome Santa, the year of the most brilliant moon I had ever seen or the year I cried and we clung to one another tightly because we were missing our son so much we thought our hearts would shatter.  This year was the year of the fog. Upon arrival a wispy fog seemed to settle into the city and for periods of time it would envelope all but the tippy top of the Space Needle. 

I love the city skyline at nighttime. One of our favorite routes is to leave from Pier 55, cruise along Alki and then head toward Manchester. Once there we drop anchor, the choir sings, and on shore there is a large bonfire and a large group of excited people. As we are about to take off there is a fireworks show. I like to think this is one of highlights of the year for little Manchester. I know how much I look forward to heading over there each year. 

What is one of your favorite Christmas traditions?