The stockings hang by the fireplace, sugar cookies are cooling on the stove, and "The Grinch" is playing on repeat in the living room.

Growing up, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. No school combined with the promise of presents is enough to make any child ecstatic for the holiday season. Christmas Eve is always my worst night sleep of the year, because of the anticipation of what was to come the next day.

My family always made Christmas a big deal growing up. Now that I am older those once exciting traditions bring back a whirlwind of nostalgia. Watching silly Christmas movies on tv, and wearing socks with bells that jingle, make me feel like I am eight years all over again.

All over the world families celebrate their version of holiday traditions. Religious families go to Church for midnight mass. Other may go to Christmas light shows. In Japan, a holiday tradition is eating KFC for Christmas Eve dinner. This tradition has only been around since the 1970s, but it is common for many Japanese households.

Santa Claus delivering presents is a holiday tradition my family has been practicing for generations. Yet, in Italy, they have someone a little different from St. Nicholas. An ugly witch named La Befana is the gift giver. On January 5th families put out broccoli, spiced sausage, and a glass of wine for La Befana.

No matter how holiday traditions are celebrated they evoke child-like wonder in us.

Every country, city, and household has its own interpretation of how to celebrate a holiday. We are the creators of our own traditions. So no matter what traditions you uphold this Christmas, I hope you feel as giddy as a child again like I do.