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There are so many Christmas traditions. However, today we’ll be focusing on traditions specifically practiced in the United States.
1. Decorating the Christmas Tree
Most likely, this is a tradition you’re very familiar with. Many families kick off the holiday season by putting up a Christmas tree. Decorating the Christmas tree is a great opportunity for families to gather together and get ready for the holidays.
2. Making Christmas Cookies
Don’t you just love the smell of cookies baking in the oven? Baking is a hobby many people enjoy. Making Christmas cookies is a way to gather together with family and friends and celebrate the holidays. So, pop some cookies in the oven, mix up some frosting, and get out the sprinkles. There are so many different types of Christmas cookies, ranging from sugar cookies to gingerbread. Later in our Twelve days of Christmas countdown, we’ll dig a little deeper into Christmas cookies.
3. Secret Santa
Most likely, at some point you’ve been part of a secret Santa gift exchange. It’s a fun way to celebrate with your friends or family. Usually for a secret Santa gift exchange, everyone puts their names in a hat, box, or something like that, and then everyone draws a name. You buy a gift for the person whose name you drew. Maybe try hosting a secret Santa with your best friends this year to start a new tradition. Always remember though, Christmas is a time to put other’s needs in front of your own. It is greater to give than it is to receive.
4. Christmas Caroling
Christmas caroling is a Christmas tradition that less people tend to practice. However, it can be a lot of fun. If you’ve never gone caroling before, consider trying it out, you might discover a new tradition you love. Gather together family and friends, plan some of your favorite Christmas classics, and go caroling. To warm up afterward, enjoy some hot cocoa!
5. The Christmas Pickle
This is a much less well known Christmas tradition, however, it is a very unique one. How it works is that a parent hides a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first kid in the family to find it is said to be blessed with good fortune for the new year. However, in many families, the kid who finds the pickle will receive an extra gift on Christmas morning.
6. Ugly Sweaters
While wearing an ugly sweater can definitely be goofy, it’s still a Christmas tradition practiced by many people during the holiday season. This year, try decorating your own sweater!
7. Watching Christmas Movies
Watching Christmas movies is definitely a favorite in my family. Put on one of your favorite Christmas movies, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Santa Clause, gather your family on the couch, and sip on some hot chocolate or nibble on some Christmas while you enjoy a Christmas movie with your family.
8. Send Christmas Cards
Maybe this year, don’t leave all the work to your parents. Help them out with the Christmas cards, or maybe even make your own. Do you have a relative who lives alone that you don’t see much? Spread some Christmas cheer by sending them a Christmas card!
9. Decorate for Christmas
Spread some Christmas cheer by decorating the inside and outside of your home with lights, wreaths, garlands, and maybe even some homemade decorations. Decorating for Christmas is a great way to dive into the Christmas season!
10. Making a Gingerbread House
Another fun baking-related tradition is decorating a gingerbread house. Get out some candy and decorate a gingerbread house! It’s a great way to use some creativity and have fun.
11. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Christmas originates from the birth of Jesus Christ, so what better way to celebrate than to attend a Christmas Eve service? Across the United States, many churches celebrate Christmas by having a candlelight service. So, get dressed up and hop in the car for a traditional Christmas Eve night!
12. Spend Time with People You Love
The Christmas Season is an important time to share with your family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Whether it’s delivering Christmas cookies to your neighbors, having a family dinner, or exchanging gifts with friends, make sure you take some time to spend with loved ones this holiday season.
Join us for the next 11 articles as we count down the days until Christmas break!
Works Cited:
“What’s the Deal with the Christmas Pickle? – the Past and the Curious.” Thepastandthecurious.com, 2016, thepastandthecurious.com/stories/whats-the-deal-with-the-christmas-pickle/