Tradition helps to make Christmas special for many people who think this is the best time of the year. Readers can do these traditions at home. This article lists six! The best thing about Christmas is that it is an eight-day feast in the Catholic Church; if you are secular, there are twelve days of Christmas. That is just one of hundreds of Christmas carols. There are even radio stations dedicated to them this time of year.
Christmas Cards
One of the most popular annual Christmas activities is sending friends and family Christmas Cards. Christmas cards are a great way to keep up with some acquaintances who you otherwise do not keep up with. It is even the case that some people send page-long updates on their family along with their Christmas cards. Buying that many stamps helps support the postal service.
Christmas Tree
Another great idea is getting a Christmas tree. About half of all Americans go to a tree farm to cut down their own Christmas Tree. The other half uses an artificial tree. Putting up an artificial tree and decorating it with ornaments is a nice family event, but cutting down a real tree is also a great tradition.
Families can also take their picture here for the aforementioned Christmas cards. Tree farms often have hot chocolate and cider for sale if it is cold out, and it can be a full-day event in good weather. Many ornaments have great sentimental value for families.
NBA Basketball Christmas Tradition
Sports fans do not need to feel left out amid all the Christmas music and movies. One of the sports traditions on Christmas Day are National Basketball Association games on television. This year, there are five on ABC. These are the best athletes in the world; seeing them on Christmas Day is good. It gives you something to do while you assemble all of those toys.
Christmas Lights
Most people put out lights for Christmas; some go overboard and have many lights. Some people even leave their lights up all year. This does save time, as hanging lights is not always easy, especially if you are short. Nevertheless, hanging Christmas lights is a bonding experience for your family. There are also several Christmas light shows that are free, and everyone can attend. Another idea is to tour your local lights. And do not forget the inflatables.
Christmas Shows
One of the best Christmas traditions is watching the many outstanding shows on television. All are heartwarming, and they are great to watch. Everyone’s favorite seems to be How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is great, as is Frosty the Snowman. At least ten other shows are worth watching with your family. They are nostalgic for the adults and a fun build-up to Christmas for the kids.
Midnight Mass
One of our favorite traditions is to attend Midnight Mass. This, too, is something that is a family bonding experience. Show up early to hear the choir sing and get a parking spot for this high-demand event. Some churches have a ‘Midnight’ Mass or service at ten or eight pm. That is better than a late-night Mass. Going to church on Christmas Eve means you do not have to go on Christmas Day, giving a lot of time for a leisurely morning opening presents.
Christmas Presents
Opening presents with your family is a great tradition, perhaps the definition of this magical day, giving to others. It is worth buying presents for others all year long. This is a way to defray the cost of Christmas and make Christmas last all year, which it should. As a way to make a buck, many retailers try to push presents on you. The important piece is giving something meaningful to you and the receiver, not the quantity or expense.
Conclusion
Christmas is so special we need to keep that spirit all year. It does not matter what your Christmas Traditions are, as long as you have some. It is important to investigate your traditions to see if there are any that can be expanded and passed on to the next generation. Merry Christmas!