How Parents of 11 Kids Handle Christmas Shopping and Dinner
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Alicia Dougherty, the mother of 11 children, shares how her family tackles holiday shopping and Christmas dinner in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. Known as the “Dougherty Dozen” on social media, Alicia, along with her husband Josh Dougherty, manage their large family with love and efficiency during the festive season.
Despite the challenges that come with a family of 13, Alicia admits that they are last-minute shoppers. With four biological children – Zoey, Dash, Bodhi, and Harlee – and seven adopted children – Alex, James, Patrick, Bree, Jordan, Jason, and Dayshawn, Christmas shopping starts about two weeks before the big day.
Alicia shares that they enjoy shopping in person, visiting places like Kohl’s, Costco, and Eastview Mall in Rochester, N.Y. They also support small businesses when possible, ordering online from Amazon for items they can’t find in stores. This year, Alicia’s oldest child, Alex, is lending a hand with the mall haul to lighten the load.
On Christmas Eve, the Dougherty family has a special tradition of getting McDonald’s and driving around to admire Christmas lights. This tradition started a decade ago when the younger children were toddlers, and it has become a cherished part of their holiday celebrations.
Christmas day is spent at home, watching classic Christmas movies like White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street. The fireplace is lit all day, creating a cozy atmosphere for the family to enjoy together.
For Christmas dinner, the Dougherty family indulges in a honey baked ham and a spread of their favorite foods throughout the day, including pumpkin chocolate chip bread, german pancakes, sushi, subs, and charcuterie. Friends and family are welcome to drop by, creating a festive and communal atmosphere.
Alicia expresses her excitement about having all her loved ones together for Christmas, especially as her older children are becoming adults and may not always be home. The joy of being surrounded by family and creating lasting memories is what she looks forward to the most during the holiday season.
The Dougherty family’s approach to Christmas shopping and dinner exemplifies the spirit of togetherness and joy that the festive season brings. Their traditions and celebrations showcase the importance of family bonding and creating meaningful experiences during this special time of year.
In a world where the holiday season can often be overwhelming, Alicia Dougherty’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of Christmas – spending time with loved ones and cherishing every moment together.