My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Moments and Traditions
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Moments and Traditions

These are ten traditions and activities from my family and childhood that symbolize my Christmastime.

626
My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Moments and Traditions
Desktop Wallpapers HD

1. Decorating the tree with my family.

We used to do two trees, one little one for us girls upstairs, and a big family one downstairs. Now we just do the big family one downstairs. My favorite part about this is a) It's the real start of the Christmas season for me, b)We never remember where all the ornaments come from and get to reminisce as we decorate.We go to Home Depot (every single year), pick a tree, go home and set it up, take all the ornaments out of the attic while mom makes cocoa and cider, then decorate while listening to Christmas music. We also decorate my grandparents' tree, which is just as fun and special.

2. Cookie decorating with my grandparents.

My grandma has a killer recipe for a classic sugar cookie and we decorate around a hundred cookies a year with homemade icing. This is a family tradition that goes back way before I was born and we are always more than happy to keep it going.

3. My parents switching to Christmas music.

My folks listen to a ton a music, but there's an automatic switch in the holidays that makes them go to Christmas music. My dad's a fan of Barry Manilow, while my mom tends to stick to James Taylor. They both really like Jim Brickman's album and, of course, we always listen to the music from The Muppet Christmas Carol.

4. Christmas movie marathon.

This is kind of a recent one that started, I think, my freshman or sophomore year, but it's so much fun. My family gathers on the couch, makes a ton of unhealthy food, and watches great movies. We cry together through Miracle on 34th Street, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and It's a Wonderful Life. We giggle our way through Love Actually, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone (original and sequel, but none of that third and fourth installment crap). All the while guzzling cocoa and eating junk food (side note: my momma makes killer nachos). It's some of the most fun I've ever had with my family.

5. The first time someone tells me 'Merry Christmas' in a public place.

I love it when they say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays' as you leave a store or when you see an old friend. It just makes me feel like Christmas is truly happening all around me.

6. Santa at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

COME ON. If that is not the kick-starter to your Christmas spirit, I don't know what is.

7. Finally deciding what gifts to get my family.

I love buying gifts for others and when I finally arrive at something special to get every person in my family, I get super excited. It's just nice to be able to think of something perfect for someone else.

8. Danbury Mint Christmas Ornament.

Every year since I was born, my grandpa (whom I call 'Bubba') has been giving us these dazzlingly intricate gold ornaments. There's a new one every year and they are each truly stunning and special. Thanks to my grandpa for making this such an amazing tradition.

9. Breakfast Casserole (a.k.a. Christmas Morning).

My mom makes us this old family recipe every Christmas morning. It's a great way to start off such a special day that really should be all about family, old and new. My parents wake us up and, as is tradition, we open our gifts one by one, person by person, until we've opened all of them. Then we eat breakfast together and head over to my grandparent's house to see the rest of our family.

10. The Christmas Eve Service at St. Mark's Church.

I'm Episcopalian, which is the Protestant version of Church of England. All of our churches are intricate and beautiful, but the one I grew up in is especially so. St. Mark's has the absolutely gorgeous midnight service with lovely music and readings. It always finishes in candlelight and is, in my opinion, the most beautiful way to start my Christmas morning.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57185
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36885
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958632
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190467
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments