Tom Gill 2014

Xmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year filled with a bunch of fun and classic traditions. Many people around the world celebrate Christmas and have different traditions, but today I’m focusing on the classic American Christmas traditions. Listed below you will find 12 Christmas Traditions that were front and center in my house..

1. At the start of December many Americans who celebrate Christmas put up and decorate their Christmas Tree. This is a fun family tradition where you put ornaments and lights around the tree and a star on top. 
2. Many people also decorate the inside and outside of their house for the Holidays. People put lights outside their house, wreaths on their doors, and they hang their stockings above the fireplace.
3. While many people decorate their houses with lights for the holidays, others like to drive around at night to view all the houses with the lights and decorations.
4. Christmas movies are a favorite in our house. Usually starting at the beginning of December you will find Holiday movies playing and even for 24 hours on some channels. Some favorites would be Elf, Christmas Chronicles, The Grinch, Home Alone and Christmas Vacation.
5. Usually a tradition the little kids love is leaving out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.  Waking up on christmas morning to see that they came and enjoyed their snacks
6. Christmas pickle sounds funny, but it’s a pickle ornament hidden in with all your other ornaments on the christmas tree. The first child to find the pickle on christmas morning wins an extra gift.
7. This one does not go back as far as some of the other traditions, but it has taken on a life of its own, the elf on the shelf.  The Elf on the shelf comes to visit and keeps an eye on your kids so he can report back to Santa.  Usually getting into some sort of mischief along the way.
8. The advent calendar is a calendar filled with small gifts or chocolates that help you count down the days to christmas.  Over the years you can find calendars suited for everybody’s likes and hobbies. 
9. Gingerbread houses are not made of just gingerbread anymore.  Although it’s the same concept you can find a house made of oreos and sugar cookies.  This is a fun activity to have the family do and display around the house.
10. Ugly Christmas Sweaters are really gaining steam.  Any reason to have a gathering.  Find the ugliest sweater, get together with family and friends to show them off.  
11. Unfortunately I think this tradition has hit a decline. I still enjoy it when I get to my mailbox and find a christmas card.  The ones with family pictures are especially nice to see. 
12. You are never too old for this one, Pictures with Santa.  Weather you go to the mall or a Christmas event it’s always nice to sit with santa tell him what your wishes are and leave with a keepsake picture.

Christmas traditions are a fun way to keep the Christmas Spirit alive.  You may not participate in all of them or maybe you have a few of your own but whatever they are enjoy them and be Merry!