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Holiday Traditions
Ten real-life examples of family togetherness.
After the Thanksgiving meal, my family gets into the Christmas spirit: We draw names from a hat for Secret Santa. Then we have a whole month to choose a thoughtful gift (the hard part: secret!). It’s a tradition we look forward to every year. Here are some other homespun rituals that you may wish to adopt as your own.
“On Thanksgiving, we put five corn kernels at each place setting to represent what the Pilgrims had the first Thanksgiving. Prior to the meal, each person names the five things he or she is thankful for.” —Jennifer, N.J.
“On Thanksgiving morning there’s a high school football game between the two local rivals. Families from both communities gather for a potluck breakfast, after which my husband and our two sons go to the game.” —Bridget, N.J.
“Every year right before Hanukkah, we ask our children to make room for new toys in their closet by donating old ones to charity. Not only does this teach them the value of giving but it also cuts down on clutter!” —Elizabeth, Ill.
“My musical brother gathers his nieces and nephews together before Christmas and makes an annual Christmas CD. The kids love spending the day with their aunt and uncle, and we will enjoy hearing the music as they grow up!“ —Megan, N.Y.
“On the night before Christmas Eve, the kids, their father and I sleep in the living room in our sleeping bags, next to the tree. It’s fun to wake up together on Christmas Eve morning, turn on the tree lights, and be together before the holiday craziness sets in.“ —Liz, Vt.
“When we were kids, my parents would load up the toy chest in the family room with presents during Hanukkah. Since the first few nights were the big ones, by the end, it was down to socks and underwear. We also always sang traditional songs (in Hebrew). Even when we're not all together, we still sing along together on speaker phone.” —Jonathan, NY
“We bundle the kids and take an evening walk to see the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. We do this every three to four nights — it’s a great way to get into the spirit and tire out the kids!” —Brooke, Wash.
“As a kid, my family lit the menorah, ate potato latkes and golden chocolate coins, and played with the dreidel during Hanukkah. But my mom was a bit of a rebel, and we had stockings over the fireplace, too. I remember getting a Christmas tree and adding Jewish decorations — including a bagel at the top!” —Sam, London
“On Christmas Day, we make predictions for the next year (about ourselves, each other, our sports teams). We seal them up and then open them the following Christmas Day and share.” &mdash Jennifer, N.Y.
About the Author: Tricia O’Brien starts listening to Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day. She lives in New York City with her golden retriever.
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