Christmas Traditions - Shops with Pops

Every year I find my self following a number of Christmas traditions. Only slight variations differentiate one year from the next. Every family has traditions, every person has their own, I figured it would be nice to share mine with you (the select few who read my blog).

Christmas shopping is most fun when you don't know what you're getting. So when it came to shopping for presents in the Nieman family, it wasn't like you could load up the van with the whole family and head to the mall. My brothers and I (mainly just me) were too snoopy to be trusted to not look at everything bought. So my parents would go out seperately, but that's not all. Every year since I can remember my dad has found time to take each of his sons out Christmas Shopping individually. I don't know if my dad just decided to start this tradtition or if it occured organically, but every year we did this. Each time it consisted of the same thing, hitting up a mall that we are not normally used to going to and going out to eat at a place that we don't normally get to go. Three years ago it was Hulen Mall and Dutch's Hamburgers (the first time I had been to what is now my favorite burger spot.)

Historically we have hit the Galleria, Ridgemar, Hulen, Grapevine Mills, North Hills Mall, North East Mall, and wide array of shopping centers. But I think it is the time in the car that we enjoy most. My dad isn't the type of guy who just sits in the living room and talks about life with you. You have to get him away and be alone with him, and I think he is aware of this too, that is why these times are so important to him as well! My brothers and I are like my dad in this respect, when we are all together sports is the language we speak, but seperate, in one-on-one converstations we talk more openly about life.

Last year was a strange holiday season for me. In December I had already made my decision to leave NorthWood Church and at that point had no idea where God was going to take my life. I know for both my parents it was a hard decision to understand. From the outside looking in they saw security for me in a growing church that they were actively a part of. So when it came time for my dad and I to head out for our annual shopping trip this was the best time for him to pick my brain about my decison and it was the best time for me to clearly explain why I decided to go.

What really started as a fun time to hang out with dad, turned into a time where we are able to communicate with each other on a deeper level.

I had my slight worries about this tradtion being effected after I married Maddie, but those worries were unfounded, as I have an amazing wife who understands the importance of this time I spend with my dad each year. So I found a day for my dad and I to head out and get some shopping done and Maddie was 100% encouraging of it!

From Hulen Mall to the Galleria, from restraunts like Balls Sports Bar to Dutch's Legendary Hamburgers, this tradition is always an adventure. But it is the time we spend between stops that really leaves a lasting impact on me. I hope that you can find a simliar tradition this holiday season to spend with your mom, dad, or even spouse!