With Mother’s Day coming up, I’ve been pondering what it means to be a mom and to have a mother. Being a mom has got to be one of the hardest jobs there is, but also the most rewarding. Some days I just want to pull my hair out and hide in the bathroom, but then there are so many wonderful days where I just can’t get enough snuggles and laughter with my kiddos. I’m sure my mom often felt the same when she was raising me. I’ve been thinking about the things and traditions my mom passed onto me and hope I pass them onto my children as well. I’ve partnered with Hefty® to share about my strong mom and the traditions I’ve gotten from her.
One of my favorite traditions my mom passed onto me is that we eat Chinese takeout for Christmas Eve, EVERY YEAR! When I was really little, my mom and her sister decided they were too tired from all the baking and Christmas dinner prep to make a big meal on Christmas dinner. They opted to get Chinese takeout one year and it stuck. The tradition got passed down to each of my siblings as well, and no matter where we are we seek out Chinese food on Christmas Eve. Not only does this save time in the kitchen, but it gives us all more time together as a family. It also means less cleanup, with everything disposable.
What do we rely on to hold all of the trash after takeout? Hefty® Ultra Strong™ trash bags are where it’s at. My mom is one ultra strong mom who I always know I can count on to be there for me, but also to give great advice. She knows her way around a clean kitchen too! In honor of Mother’s Day, Hefty® is helping to celebrate strong moms by teaming up with John Cena and his mom Carol Cena. Like my mom, they also know a good deal when they see one. With Hefty® you get ultra-strength and ultra-savings.
Be rest assured with your purchase knowing they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee: Hefty® can handle all your trash bag needs, or your money back!
Speaking of cleaning, my mom isn’t one for clutter and mess. I’m not quite as neat as she is, but we both appreciate a clear and clean countertop. My mom must have passed this need for no clutter onto me. I imagine this will be easier for me to maintain when my kids are grown. We have to have empty space and not have every surface covered with appliances and knick knacks – or heaven forbid, stacks and stacks of mail. My stand mixer and toaster get to stay out, a knife block and utensil holder and a couple of decorations, and that’s it. I have quite a bit of counter space too.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the yummy recipes and good cooking I learned from my mom. She has something special for every occasion and holiday! I often turn to her for recipe suggestions and tweaks to try, to make a recipe awesome. My daughter is even taking up an interest in cooking, which is super fun.
When I think of my mom, I think of someone who is extremely loyal to her family and who is the life of the party when it comes to family time. The grandkids all flock to her infectious personality and know they’re in for some laughs when they spend time with grandma. I’m so blessed to have my mom live close-by, and for my kids to get to grow up with her in their lives. My mom has taught me so much and has passed on so many great traditions from celebrating every little holiday with themed foods to how to maintain a household. I hope I can continue to do the same for my kids. Be sure to watch John Cena and his mom in their fun ad spot for Hefty® Ultra Strong™ trash bags.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hefty®.
Laurel says
Traditions are so important. They contribute to our personal history.
Lois Christensen says
That’s so sweet about the traditions. My daughter and I loved to bake cookies before Christmas while she growing up, just as I liked to do with my mom when I was growing up. I noticed your crepes in the photo…my mother made those for us too! And we always had them with just a little bit of sugar as a treat on Saturday nights for dinner in the winter. Nice memories.
Hefty is the only trash bag we use for our kitchen.
Kathy says
What a sweet post! I would not be able to be a mom without my mom teaching me to cook. We love Hefty bags!
Leanne says
Chinese take out Christmas Eve dinner = pure genuis! You guys are such a fun family! 💕
Brett says
My
Moms been gone almost 9 years now. Sharing her traditions with my own kids helps me so much. It’s so hard sometimes because SHE should be planning to make too many cookies for Christmas and writing out cards and so on but she’s not. So i treasure the moments because I feel like a piece of her is being instilled in them.
Even down to the trash bags (Hefty) and tissues we use! ❤️❤️❤️
Briana says
I love the Chinese takeout tradition! That’s so smart, and yummy!
Laura Franklin says
I love traditions like that! When my first daughter was born on Christmas Eve, I knew that our Christmas Eve traditions were going to be very different from the ones I’d grown up with. I mean, now the day is all about HER!
Emily Buys says
It’s so special to carry on mom’s traditions, especially when she’s not around, Brett! I’m so glad you’re able to share a piece of her with your kiddos.