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Top 5 Family Traditions that Light Up our Holidays

Where the Heart Resides
TOP 5 FAMILY TRADITIONS THAT LIGHT UP OUR HOLIDAYS

By: Amanda Hyslop | December 7, 2023

In the bustling hubbub of holiday cheer, every family has traditions that bind them together. Traditions spark a mix of heartwarming and hilarious stories that turn into cherished memories. My kids eagerly anticipate these family rituals. And I believe these fun traditions not only paint a picture of who we are as a family but also create a foundation that keeps us together.

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE TRADITIONS FROM MY HOUSEHOLD THAT MIGHT JUST INSPIRE YOUR OWN FESTIVE RITUALS.

1. The Evolution of Christmas Pajamas
We have a ton of family photos where everyone is adorably dressed in matching flannel pajamas. As toddlers, my kids were wrapped in flannels and seas of red. This tradition has been passed down by my mother who took inspiration from photos in the Sears Catalog. With time, we have evolved our Christmas pj style to reflect the burgeoning personalities of our family. One year, we donned our matching flannel pants with shirts of our beloved Marvel heroes like Captain America and SpiderMan. Last year, we mixed it up by pairing the same flannel pants with tops featuring our favorite music artists. I sported a Lauryn Hill tee, my daughter rocked out with Willow Smith, my husband went punk rock with Death From Above, and my son embraced gaming vibes with a Sans tee from the video game 'Undertale.' Each year the choices reflect a little more of our evolving personalities and interests. This year I am pairing our flannels with jerseys from our favorite sports teams.

2. Grandma Janet's Santa Clause Cookies
We all need a grandmother to give us some love, advice, and some tasty recipes. With Tik Tok lighting up the latest Granfluencer, we have one in our household too. For the past 51 years Grandma Janet has been whipping up her famous Santa Clause cookies. Her mother, who originally made these cookies, handed down the legendary Aunt Chick's Cookie Cutter, a piece now treasured by many vintage shops. This Santa Clause cookie cutter went out of circulation in 1972 but has been remodeled and continues to touch generations. And yes, every year, we eagerly await these Santa Clause cookies in the mail, tearing through them as quickly as we tear open the presents on Christmas morning.

3. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
On Christmas Eve, we read the infamous “The Night Before Christmas.” It is more than just recitation; it’s a performance, filled with dramatic pauses, Santa Clause voices, and endless vibes of magic and laughs. One highlight: two years back, my nephew, smack in the throes of adolescence, hit the line "breast of the new fallen snow." He couldn’t help but turn beet red when he had to offer up the word ‘breast,’ setting off a wave of giggles throughout the room. These fine moments really make me appreciate how we truly connect and bask in each other's presence during the holdiays.

Then like the geeks we are, we cap off the night by tracking Santa’s Journey on the US Department of Defense Official Norad and head off to bed.

4. Ornaments from Afar
Throughout the year, as we travel, we collect more than souvenirs; we collect Christmas ornaments. Each place we visit, we pick an ornament, a bauble that holds the essence of that locale. These ornaments are not just decorative; they’re geographic diary entries of where we have been as a family. When we decorate our tree and handle each ornament, they become conversation starters, opening up discussions about the places we've visited and the memories we've shared as a family.

5. The Star-Crowning Ceremony
The crowning glory of our tree is, quite literally, a crowning. Placing the star atop the Christmas tree is a coveted honor in our household, and it’s a role that alternates between the kids each year. Of course, as I have grown older, memory is a fickle friend. Disputes arise as the kids argue whose turn it is to place the star. This prompts my husband and I to scroll through our phones and investigative pictures from years past to decipher whose turn it is. This playful struggle is a cherished part of our tradition, one that allows us to go down memory lane and see how the kids have grown through the years.

Holidays, often envisioned as perfect and joyous, can be tinged with different shades of emotion. Holidays aren't always as idealized as we imagine; they can be quiet, reflective, and diverse in experience. It is important to know that many people find this time of year challenging. Last year, we lost a beloved family member, the pillar of stability and our very own Santa. This year, as my brother inherits the Santa suit, our celebrations will be a bittersweet blend of sadness and new beginnings. So, as you enjoy your cocoa and wrap gifts, feel what you feel, do only the things that you want to do, and cherish the unique traditions that are intimately yours. Whether it is lighting a candle or making a traditional recipe, hold on to the practices that give you a sense of meaning, belonging and continuity. Make it uniquely yours!

Amanda Hyslop is rocking the mom life with two whip-smart kiddos, Sienna & William, and her hubby, Bill, who has a knack for dad jokes. By day, she's a go-to Advice Nurse at Tamalpais Pediatrics; by night, you'll find her playing the keys or hitting the pavement for a run. Amanda's all ears for your thoughts amandahyslop@gmail.com and will get back to you – just as soon as she locates that pesky missing sock!