You said "I have my own elf on the shelf now. We have a Christmas tree made of lights on the wall, and the kids think it's awesome. Not really much else planned, but I am open to suggestions.
Every year, I lift one of the boys up and they put the angel on the top of the tree. I asked them who did it this year, and they said mommy. Kinda seemed disappointed"
It's okay to be disappointed but maybe your wife loved when you lifted up a son and wanted to continue the tradition. The boys will remember their Dad lifting them up every Christmas and they will do it for their kids. You own that, you started that, the fact that they did it is a tribute to you. Be proud of yourself.
Starting a new tradition is a good idea. I think it should be a father son thing. It should start this year for the obvious reason. Think of something that is for the Christmas season but can float within the calendar so you can fit it in. Cutting down a tree, going hunting, going fishing in Florida over break, going camping, anything you and they love. Something they will want to do with you and with their kids later in life. You can introduce it as " the first annual .....". It doesn't have to big production, it should be a time of bonding between father and sons. I can't chose for you, it must be something from your heart.
On a separate note, are you the DB'er with the old car you were going to restore with your kids?
