What Are Christmas Traditions?
Christmas traditions are the unique customs and practices that we observe around the holiday season, often passed down through families or created anew each year. These rituals bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether inherited from previous generations or established in the present, traditions can evolve as life changes.
Growing up in a Christian family, Christmas traditions were an integral part of our holiday celebrations. Here are some of the practices we cherished:
- Pre-Christmas Preparations: Two weeks before Christmas, my mum would make sure the house was spotless—new curtains, fresh bedsheets, and a new tablecloth. Every surface was scrubbed and cleaned in preparation for the festivities.
- Decorating the Home: Decorating the house was always a joyous occasion, with the entire family getting involved.
- Handwritten Christmas Cards: Sending personalized, handwritten Christmas cards to family and friends was a tradition that made the season feel personal and heartfelt.
- Midnight Mass on the Mountain: One of the most magical traditions was attending Midnight Mass. We would gather with friends, spread a picnic blanket on the mountain, and enjoy the carols or the pageant under a starry sky. The altar, illuminated by candles, added to the enchantment.
- Christmas Eve Rituals: After attending mass, we would return home to enjoy chocolates and exchange one gift before going to bed.
- Christmas Day Dinner: On Christmas Day, the whole family would come together to share a festive meal, full of laughter and warmth.
Though my life has changed over the years, I still carry these traditions with me, adapting them to fit my current lifestyle. Christmas remains a time of magic, a time when we slow down, take holidays, and reconnect with loved ones. However, for some, the holiday season can also bring sadness, particularly for those who are alone or less fortunate. It’s important to be mindful of others and open our hearts and homes to those in need.
Over time, I’ve added a few new traditions to my Christmas celebrations:
- Christmas Carols from December 1st: I start playing Christmas carols as soon as December begins, setting a festive mood early on.
- Make an Advent Christmas wreath: I usually make one with fresh flowers with the 4 advent candle, 3 purple and one pink and we light one candle each week until Christmas where we light a white candle for the day. The 3 purple symbolises Hope, Joy and Peace, the pink is love.
- Christmas Jewellery and Themed Apparel: I enjoy wearing festive jewellery and Christmas-themed clothing throughout the season.
- Attending Christmas Carols and Events: I make it a point to attend a few local Christmas carol performances or community events.
- Baking Christmas Goodies: I bake an assortment of treats, from cookies to cakes, to share with family and friends.
- Christmas Lights Tour: Visiting neighbourhoods with spectacular Christmas light displays is a fun and heartwarming tradition.
- Wrapping Presents with My Niece: One of my Favorite traditions is wrapping presents with my niece. We lock ourselves in her bedroom, sipping hot chocolate made by my sister while we chat, laugh, and enjoy the peaceful moments together.
- Watching Christmas Movies: No holiday season is complete without watching classic Christmas movies. It’s a time to unwind and enjoy the heartwarming stories.
- Elf on the Shelf Mischief: Every year, we add a bit of fun with the mischievous antics of the Elf on the Shelf.
There are countless other traditions you can incorporate into your holiday season, such as:
- Decorating the Christmas tree together as a family.
- Spreading holiday cheer through random acts of kindness.
- Visiting a Christmas market.
- Baking a traditional Christmas pudding or pie.
- Exchanging books on Christmas Eve, offering a cozy read to enjoy during the holidays.
What Are Your Christmas Traditions?
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