By: Stella Katsipoutis-Varkanis
Making the holidays memorable isn’t just about buying gifts and throwing parties—it’s about sharing special moments with the people you love. And one of the best ways to create memories that’ll last a lifetime is to celebrate with fun, heartwarming and sometimes even quirky traditions with family and friends. Looking for ideas to make this holiday season the most meaningful one yet? We asked our Facebook fans to tell us about their most treasured holiday traditions, in hopes that it will help inspire your own. This year, gather everyone together and give these activities a try:
“Giving unused household items, toys and clothes that are no longer worn to AMVETS the day after Thanksgiving. My dad said it was the ‘giving’ part of Thanksgiving.” – Chelli T.
“For about the last 12 years or so, my entire family has gone to a Japanese steakhouse for Christmas Day dinner together. It was far easier than cooking, not to mention very yummy!” – Holli A.
“My brother and I would always break the wish bone. Now that my youngest can hold tight, she and her sister can start the tradition. Make a wish!” – Ashley B.
“Big friends and family Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange! There was a giant box one year that had a little $1 hand juicer and about 20 pounds of oranges in it. That one cracked us up!” – Nini M.
“Last year, we started going to the movies after Thanksgiving dinner. We decided that people make too much fuss and take so much time preparing for one meal that they don’t get to spend quality time.” – Chassity H.
“Christmas Eve dinner is French meat pie, then the kids open one present (which is pajamas) and drink hot chocolate while watching ‘The Polar Express.’” – Jan B.
“Tacos on Christmas Eve, and no presents opened until Christmas morning.” – Carole R.
“A Cajun-style crab boil!” – Michael G.
“Getting a new ornament with the kids’ names and year on it.” – Lynn M.
“Decorating the house inside and out, lots and lots of baking with the grandkids, and enjoying Christmas movies and music.” – Denise S.
“Enjoying the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, and walking around Disney World to see lights and hear music.” – Tina F.
“Christmas Day Chinese food!” – Randy M.
“Opening one present on Christmas Eve, and it’s always Christmas pajamas!” – Christina M.
“The Feast of the Seven Fishes, [an Italian-American tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with various fish and seafood dishes].” – Samantha W.
“[Putting a] snowman [decoration] in every room of the house.” – Eric N.
“Lechón a la vara, coquito, arroz con dulce, parranda, música típica … I recommend everyone to spend at least one Christmas in Puerto Rico!” – Cheska A.
“Buying a Florida State ornament with the year on it.” – Ryan S.
“Attending midnight mass on December 24th.” – Pierre S.
“Pumpkin and pecan pie, cinnamon sweet rolls, turkey and ham!” – Lisa S.
“My dad always got coal in his stocking!” – Kathleen T.
The content provided in this blog post consists of the opinions and ideas of the authors alone and should be used for informational purposes only. VyStar Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided.