Holiday traditions become annual traditions for a variety of reasons - the offhand remark of, “What’s a game we can play that is fun for both kids and adults?” or even, “Yikes! I’m not finished wrapping gifts…will you please help me?” Whatever the reason, if the first time proves successful, it likely becomes an annual tradition. I thought it would be fun to share some of our team’s Christmas traditions.
Christian Owen
On Christmas Eve, the Owen family hosts a party in Mississippi for church friends and family. It is a small-town, 60-year tradition we inherited. The night is not complete until Santa Claus is spotted darting through our backyard.
Lindsey Tonkin
The time-honored photo with Santa at the Bass Pro is a low-stress (free if you can get out of there without caving), post-church tradition for my crew that always makes us giggle as we are typically the most dressed in the queue - 12 years and counting!
Jeannie Tabor
On Christmas morning, our family gathers in the library to read A Quiltmaker’s Gift, a children’s book that showcases the importance of giving over receiving. We pause to eat breakfast and then it’s on to the gifts!
Kit Garrott
On Christmas Eve, my family enjoys a lobster dinner. Each grandchild chooses "their lobster" for a lobster race on a newspaper-lined kitchen floor. The winner earns a crisp twenty-dollar bill and bragging rights until next Christmas!
Bonner Morgan
During my parents’ Christmas Eve party, we set up a photobooth complete with a festive backdrop and props. Our family always looks forward to it, and it’s a fun (and easy!) way to capture these special times together!
Malise Culpepper
What started as a form of procrastination has become our Christmas tradition. We drink champagne while wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.
Amy Golden
I start Christmas gift shopping on January 1. It’s not because my list is as long as Santa’s. It’s a treasure hunt for me – and joy inducing. I never know when I’ll come across that perfect thing!
Margaret Ledbetter
After Christmas Eve dinner, we put on a talent show. All are invited to present a special talent. Whether it be a magic trick, a song or a dramatic reading, everyone's a winner. And it makes for great entertainment and heckling!
Morgan Zanone
When our boys were young, my mother and aunt would decorate gingerbread houses with them. What started as a nice gesture of babysitting quickly evolved into an activity that they enjoyed as much as the boys.