Happy Friday! We made it through another week and hopefully you are done with all of your holiday shopping 🙂 As the holiday season is coming to a close (I know – I’m sad about that too!), it’s a great time to discuss holiday traditions. My family doesn’t have too many holiday traditions, but I’ve picked up a few running traditions over the past few years.
Christmas Day Run
I wake up earlier than family every day so I just use that free time to get in a short run before we exchange gifts and eat breakfast. I love it because the roads and streets are pretty empty, so it’s just me and my music. I also take the time to look at all the Christmas decorations around town. There’s just something very peaceful about the run.
Jingle Bell Jog
For the past few years I have done a Jingle Bell Jog, but I won’t be doing one this year 🙁 The race I normally do is taking place on Saturday and I just couldn’t commit to doing that race. It’s super close to Christmas and I’m sure there are some last minute errands I’ll need to run. Instead, my running buddies and I are going dress up in festive attire and hit the pavement early in morning on Saturday for 3-6 miles. I feel like that’s a good compromise and kind of still keeps the streak alive.
You can never be too festive for a holiday race!
New Year’s Day Run
What better way to start off a new year than with a workout, specifically a run! I feel that when you start off the year with fitness, it’s easier to keep that healthy habit going throughout the year. Last year my mom and I and our running buddies participated in a virtual New Year’s Day run and it was a ton of fun. We’ll be doing the same thing next year as well!
Secret Santa
I’ve been at my current job for about 6.5 years and we’ve done a Secret Santa exchange every year. We make it a small party too – we went a conference room and everyone brings in an appetizer or sweet treat. It’s a fun one hour break from the work day. We set the spending limit at $20 per gift. I’ve been lucky enough to receive some awesome gifts such as wine, gift cards and candles.
WeRunSocial Ornament Exchange
Although this has only happened in the last two years, I really hope it continues! Started by Brian, it’s a fun way for members of the #WeRunSocial community to connect over the holidays. It’s awesome because most runners will pick an ornament that is affiliated with their state. For example, I’ve never been to Arizona, but this year I got an awesome cactus ornament since my “secret santa” lives in Arizona!
My ornament from this year!
Do you have any holiday traditions? Are you thinking of starting any new traditions?
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy holiday!
I’m linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
These are great traditions! I love running on Christmas morning when its so peaceful and quiet. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
It’s always good to get a run in on Christmas before all the craziness! Merry Christmas Lisa!
These are fun Christmas running traditions! I like to run on Christmas and New Years. I don’t know of any NYD runs around here.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Kim!
Same here – we don’t have a NYD race that’s within a reasonable driving distance so we just run around town lol
Have a very merry Christmas Wendy!
Now that my kids aren’t up at the crack to see what Santa brought, I can fit in a run on Christmas morning! Then I can eat more cookies and peppermint bark for breakfast! 🙂
A New Year’s run is definitely a tradition.
Happy, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I like the way you think! I also tend to sneak in some sweets on Christmas morning.
Merry Christmas to you too!
All so much fun! I always start New Years Day with a run (actually, it’s midday). Even when it’s super cold, which is often the case. I agree — it helps set the tone for the year!
Merry Christmas, Kim!
Totally! I think it’s the whole “fresh start” thing. I always feel so pumped up and excited once I finish the run!
We are doing our annual MRTT New Year’s Eve morning run and I am excited to catch up with a few friends I have not seen in a while. Merry Christmas to you!
Oh that’s awesome! Always fun to run with friends 🙂
I always like to get a run in as well before Christmas Day starts. I love holiday parties that do gift exchanges. I haven’t attended one in quite some time but they are always fun!
I’m a huge fan of the Secret Santa parties because it’s pretty laid back and also tons of fun. Happy Holidays!
Smart idea to do your own jingle bell jog with friends 🙂 Last year was the first year since I started running that I didn’t do a New Year’s Day race and I definitely missed it. I’m planning to get back to it this year.
There’s just something so refreshing about running on New Years Day. Maybe it’s the whole fresh new start thing!
I love to run on Christmas, too! It’s so quiet and it’s great “me” time before the chaos starts!
Exactly! It’s like the calm before the storm lol
Every Christmas Eve for my entire life, we have gone to my Grandma and Pappy’s house! This year will be Christmas Eve #35 with them!
That’s amazing! I love long standing traditions like that!!
I always run Christmas morning before everyone gets up as well! Great traditions
Great minds think alike! Happy Holidays Patrick!
I always get out on Christmas morning for a few miles (and I’m usually still streaking LOL). A few of us locals have gotten together on NY Day for a short run at our lake…it’s a 1-mile loop, so the people can run as many (or as few) miles as they wish. One year, someone brought champagne for us after we finished 😉 Best Wishes for a great Christmas and Happy New Year! I need to look into that virtual NY Day run!
Umm, I can totally get down with champagne after a New Years Day run! 🙂
Merry Christmas Kim!
Secret Santa is always so much fun. I received my card and small gift from the Secret Blogger Card Swap that Lacey and Meranda host every year. Its always a fun way to connect with those who you’ve “met” online.
That sounds like fun! I will take part in the Secret Blogger Card Swap next year!
You have the best holiday traditions! The ornament exchange sounds like so much fun. Happy holidays, friend! <3
Happy Holidays Rachel!