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Christmas Traditions and Customs
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For most of us, the holidays are comprised of Christmas holiday
celebrations and traditions. Many family traditions are handed
down from generation to generation. Newer traditions are adopted
when families merge. This makes for some very interesting
holidays indeed! Some traditions are simple to carry out,
however, others require quite a bit of effort.
Christmas Decorations
Without a doubt, one of the most important holiday customs in
the United States is the family Christmas tree. Year after year,
trees are adorned with treasured ornaments and are carefully
stored once the season is over. The ornaments alone often bring
back happy childhood memories and are handed down once that
child grows up.
Most houses are all decked out with garland, mistletoe, and
wreaths. Some families go all out and put up Christmas lights
outdoors. What a treat! It's these decorations that families
come to love and make for a very festive atmosphere.
Baking
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, homes are usually filled
with mouth-watering aromas from baking holiday goodies. From
cakes, candies to cookies, many of these treats are packaged in
baskets or cookie tins for holiday gifts.
Since we always bake weeks before the holidays, we always store
many of these goodies in the freezer so they don't go stale.
When Christmas nears, we have an assembly line to put together
our treat packages and add a Christmas card and bow on top.
Christmas Parties
Who doesn't look forward to a party? Parties are the usual
Christmas tradition, whether it's with work associates or family
members. It's a time for family and friends to get together,
exchange gifts, and celebrate the holiday season.
Often, these parties are for decorating the tree and decking the
halls, while making plans for Christmas Day. Don't forget to
help with the food preparations to ease some pressure off of the
host.
Stockings
It doesn't matter if there is a fireplace in the house or not.
Every child hangs a Christmas stocking out for Santa and his
elves to fill up with goodies and candy canes. The bigger the
stocking the better. This is usually the first thing checked on
Christmas morning when the children wake up, full of
anticipation.
Gifts
Gift-giving is one of the most classic Christmas traditions ever
and the merchants know it. This is the most profitable season
for any store and you'll find decorations and gifts in these
stores as early as August. Don't start shopping too early or
you'll probably end up spending too much.
Christmas Cards
This custom is becoming less popular, however, companies still
find it good for business. With the cost of cards and postage,
lists are becoming very limited. Since the holidays are so busy,
many people don't take the time anymore to send out Christmas
cards. It's a real treat to receive a Christmas card so if
you're considering stopping the tradition altogether, just send
them to very close friends and family and keep the custom alive.
Cookies and Milk for Santa
Remember this? Santa must be very full by the time he's done
delivering Christmas gifts. Children around the world leave
cookies and milk for Santa, hoping they'll wake up to find
crumbs and an empty glass. On farms, they often leave hay out
for Santa's reindeer!
Football Games
Do you have any sports fanatics in your family? Then you
probably know that football games are a crucial part of the
holidays. The men are usually glued to the TV while the women
are preparing or cleaning up after the meal. This may not be a
desirable situation, but often it is inevitable.
Fruitcakes
Love them or hate them, fruitcakes are here to stay. Avoid the
urge to recycle and do not give away a fruitcake from the
previous year. The recipient may actually be someone who eats
it. Imagine their surprise when they discover it's stale and as
hard as a brick.
Prayers
Most important, prayers and religion are a time-honored holiday
custom. Worship on Christmas Eve and Chrismas Day often reminds
us of the real meaning of the holiday and brings us the true
Christmas spirit.
Whatever holiday traditions your family enjoys, they make the
holiday joyful and provide priceless memories exclusive only to
you. Enjoy!
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