When asking people about holiday traditions, there are many conventional and too many to list unique ways to celebrate. It is safe to say that most families have at least some kind of holiday tradition. For instance, going to the theater to see a movie after Thanksgiving dinner, on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day; seeing a local production of “The Nutcracker” or other holiday-themed show; or visiting the various local holiday lights really kicks off the season festivities for many families. How does your celebration begin?

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 Reading holiday books each night before bed can boost your family’s holiday spirit. Create a holiday playlist to listen to when driving in the car or at home. The Hallmark Channel and watching Christmas movies tops the list as does Christmas baking or decorating gingerbread houses. Use an advent calendar as a fun way to count down to Christmas. Today there are a variety of advent calendars, ranging from candy to candles that are burned daily to toys in each tiny box counting down to Dec. 25. Don’t forget about “Elf on the Shelf” and all of the creative traditions and trouble he can create.

A fun tradition is to search for and chop down your own Christmas tree (don’t forget the permit that must be thought of ahead of time). This brings up the debate of real trees versus fake, flocked versus green, colored Christmas lights versus white. So many different options exist, and preferences vary greatly. Next you worry about when to decorate said tree and whether it is ahead of time or on Christmas Eve when you await grandma’s ham. Whenever you decorate, have treats and hot cider or cocoa on hand to add to the festivities. Camp out in front of your Christmas tree one night. Keep the tree lights on, read holiday stories and snack on your favorite holiday treats.

Let’s talk about holiday food traditions. Does Christmas dinner always include turkey or ham? Does your mom get tired of cooking and slap together French dip sandwiches, pizza, or lasagna instead of the traditional fare? Does everyone in the family have a food assignment (side dish or specialty) to bring? Does the same person always forget their assignment, no matter what it is? Is there one holiday food you refuse to eat (yams, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, olives, or the dreaded green bean casserole)?

Many groups get together and make Christmas cards or ornaments or even baked goods (cookies for Santa). Some groups get together with everyone bringing their own cookie recipe to share. Other traditions include ice skating, eggnog, drawing names and gift exchanges, ugly Christmas sweater parties, or trendy charcuterie board creations. Of course, let’s not forget caroling around the neighborhood or the dreaded mall Santa picture with the kids crying.

Purchase or have your child make a holiday ornament each year, providing a great reason to reminisce during holiday decorating. Start a holiday village, angel, elf or gnome display, adding a new house or element to your display each year. Write letters to Santa, create a “Thankful List” for the entire family to contribute as you countdown to Christmas, or prepare the good old holiday newsletter to send out to family and friends keeping everyone up to date on the latest family business.

Gift traditions can include drawing names, an annual Christmas shopping or wrapping event, setting a gift amount limit and playing an exchange game where no one is guaranteed any gift and only luck prevails. Give a funny gift (white elephant) to a family member and pass the gift on each year to another unsuspecting member. Some families open one gift on Christmas Eve (of course it’s the traditional Christmas pajamas). You can track Santa’s progress across the globe, read ‘“The Night Before Christmas” at bedtime, and of course, set out Santa’s snacks. 

Sentimental public service ideas include creating holiday cards for hospitalized or ill children, taking pet food donations to the local animal shelter, or volunteering as a family at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Kaysville GIVES and Fill the Fire Truck are local events that spread joy and help give back to the local community. There are “Giving Trees” everywhere to help families in need. Go shopping for the items together, wrap them, and donate them. Start a canned food drive in your neighborhood or at your child’s school and donate to a local food bank. Go through closets and donate used coats and hats and gloves to a local shelter. Finally, deliver cookies and treats to neighbors or your local police and fire stations. Don’t forget senior citizens; volunteer your time or take youth groups to perform or deliver treats to the residents.

On Christmas Day, call or video chat with loved ones who aren’t able to be with your family. Make a traditional breakfast entrée (eggnog French toast anyone), and invite family, friends, and neighbors over for games, dessert, or snowman making fun.

Most important – remember the reason for the season. Celebrate, give thanks, and spread joy. Happy Holidays.