1. Keller's

Keller’s drive in located is in Dallas, Texas, and going there has been a part of my family’s Christmas tradition before I was born. It’s very special for a few reasons. First of all, the food is probably the greasiest food that you will eat all year long.

Therefore, it’s definitely worth indulging in. Secondly, because it’s a drive in, you get to stay in the car! How sweet is that? The way it works is that you pull up, flash your headlights on, and someone comes out to wait on you. Because you don’t have to get out to enjoy your gourmet meal, you can stay in your pajamas and enjoy the greasy goodness. Every year I get a grilled cheese, tater tots, and a chocolate shake.( As pictured above) Third, it is the best place ever because it provides a family atmosphere. Every single person who’ve waited on us has been extremely sweet. Fourth, it has a menu that has not changed in at least 18 years. Therefore, you already know what they have before you get there. Heck, I know what I want back in July.

Keller’s is definitely something I will bring my children to one day because somehow the spirit of Christmas lives inside that tiny building.

2. 12 Days of Christmas Sing-a-Long

Well, also located in Dallas, Texas is the 12 Days of Christmas. I’m not talking figuratively; I’m saying that somewhere in a neighborhood there are the physical 12 Days of Christmas set up outside people’s yards. Does our family sing along loudly? You bet we do. Does it ever end up on the internet? Never. However, if you’re the lucky one who ends up being a spouse of my brother or me, you’ll get to see this first hand.

3. Getting "lost"

However, before we can find this neighborhood, we always have to “get lost”. It all started when my grandpa used to drive and actually get lost. However, now my mom takes over and knows exactly where she is going.

4. Hallmark Movies

Another tradition includes watching as many Hallmark or Lifetime movies as possible. One year we watched 8 in a row without moving from our seats unless it was to feast on Ghirardelli cholates with caramel inside or to use the restroom. Trust me, we can usually call the plot of the movie within the first 15 minutes of It, and we’ve all seen the one with the girl who returns to the bayou several times. Sometimes, we hope that we’re going to be surprised. Once, I remember the description talking about a “sexy man” and the movie did not seem to have one. We were extremely disappointed about that fact, but the plot was good enough to forgive the television description’s lies.

5. The Eggnog

Every year, we have homemade eggnog, and it’s probably the fluffiest, most delicious concoction ever made. I remember the one year my aunt and I tried to make it…and we failed together. I think my mother will always oversee it. Regardless if it’s spiked, plain, or poorly made, it will always be Christmas in a cup.

Only 10 more months to go until this magical time of the year returns!