Holiday traditions are what make this time of year so special. They’re the fun little moments and big celebrations that bring families and friends together. Whether baking cookies, exchanging quirky gifts, competing in silly family games, or sharing a favorite meal, these festive rituals create the magic. But they also serve a deeper purpose—giving us a reason to slow down, relax, and enjoy the season with the people we care about most. So, amid the hustle and bustle, take a moment, breathe, and appreciate the joy of the holidays.
In the spirit of this giving season, we asked some friends to share their favorite family traditions with us. These holiday vignettes offer up snapshots of the heartwarming moments that bring families closer. Each reflects the simple pleasure of being together, from lively family games to a tree adorned with meaningful travel ornaments. Whether it’s the joy of decorating an old New England home with kids visiting from afar or the cherished memory of homemade Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake, these traditions remind us of the love, laughter, and memories that make the holidays unforgettable. They also remind us that we’re all part of a larger community, sharing in the warmth and love of the holiday season.
Edziu Sentkowski
My mother-in-law, Suzi, is the queen of holiday games! When my wife Stormy’s family moved here from Chicago, the holidays felt too quiet. So, Suzi started a holiday game tradition, playing everything from bingo and trivia to scavenger hunts—all with prizes. But the highlight is our holiday bell music—Suzi color-codes the notes to match the bells, and we all play along. It’s funny and chaotic, but we’ve gotten pretty good. The games grow with our family every year, making the holidays unforgettable!
Jenn and Art Meconi
Our family collects ornaments from the places we visit throughout the year, and decorating the tree with them is a highlight of our holiday season. Each ornament represents a unique memory; we love hanging new ones from our latest adventures. A favorite is the year we attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, so we have ornaments depicting parade scenes and a snow globe from that year. It’s a beautiful way to keep those memories alive.
Sheri Gibson
I love decorating for the holidays, and our 1796 home on the Oyster River is the perfect New England setting. I put up the trees with just their lights to set the mood, and the day after Thanksgiving, when the kids are in town, we all decorate together. It’s rumored that decorator Mom might tweak things a bit after, but I won’t admit to that! With Christmas music playing and warm cider or hot chocolate brewing, these rare moments together are more cherished than ever.
Patricia Bennett
Yummy Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake has been a holiday favorite since I was a little girl. But when I was eight, disaster struck when our bakery closed early. Not being Swedish, there were no weathered family recipes to follow or Internet to rely on. But my incredible mom, through trial and error, perfected my favorite treat. Every holiday since, at home or across the country, my mornings have begun with a simple braided ring of flour, sugar, cardamom, and love.
They also serve a deeper purpose—giving us a reason to slow down, relax, and enjoy the season with the people we care about most. So, amid the hustle and bustle, take a moment, breathe, and appreciate the joy of the holidays.