Values Forum: Family Programs

Traditions - Christmas

"In our family every year each family member gets a new ornament to add to the Christmas tree."
Jessica Cook, Spokane, Washington

"In addition to regular Christmas ornaments, our tree is trimmed with memorabilia: birth announcements, wedding or graduation invitations issued that year, post cards or match boxes from trips made during the year, dried flower, shells, shiny pebbles, feathers or other treasures from family hikes or trips and even photos."
Female, Illinois

"Because both my husband and I come from large families and no one could afford to give everyone a present, we draw names when we gather at Thanksgiving. When some family members live at a distance, which was the case in our family for a few years, we simply add their names and draw for them and gifts are exchanged accordingly by mail."
J.B., Cincinnati, Ohio

"We have a tradition of giving each other homemade gifts. We find this keeps the emphasis on caring for one another and not the price of the gift. We have exchanged pages from coloring books to oil paintings for the entry hall; knitted sweaters, embroidered pillow cases and creative t-shirts. Some of the best gifts have been presentations which liven up the occasion: piano and violin duets, a ballet number complete with costume by a young niece, a humorous skit and so forth. "
Joyce, California

"On Christmas Eve after my parents get home we always go and give the ducks Christmas dinner.When we come home we have a special dinner. After that we take about forty-five minutes to finish off our presents and make sure that they are wrapped.

Then the whole family helps bake special cookies for Santa. While they are baking we go into the living room and by the light of the Christmas tree we sing Christmas songs.Then we all get ready for bed. For a snack we try some of Santa's cookies. After snack we write our notes to Santa. Then we fill a plate with cookies for Santa and carrots and apples for the reindeer.We also give Santa a cup of milk because hot cocoa gets cold.

Our stockings come next. Each of us hangs his or her stocking. Then Mom or Dad chooses a package for us to open. After we gloat over what we got, Mom or Dad reads to us. Then after a final look at the tree it's time for bed so we can get up extra early in the morning. Merry Christmas!"
Suzanne Almeida, Washington

"On Christmas Eve my mom makes peanut butter balls .It is easy to make. All you do is get some peanut butter and dip it in some chocolate. That is it. So if you want to make it just follow the recipe.It's good."
Scott Wheeler, Washington

"On Christmas Eve, my family has a nice dinner with great food such as ham, yams, potatoes, string beans, cheese cake, vegetables with dip and water.Then we go around in a circle and tell everyone what we are thankful for. After that, we exchange gifts.We usually watch It's a Wonderful Life. After that, we usually have a conversation with everyone there.That is what I do for Christmas Eve with my family."
Justin Schwartz, Washington

"One family tradition is having my dad joke that we'll be shoveling snow all Christmas break. When we get home we watch movies. After the movies we go out for dinner.Then stay up late watching movies. And last but not least we plan our Christmas break."
Ian McCollum, Washington