Holiday traditions?

[Auquanut]

Every year for the past 30+ years, my family has strung popcorn and cranberries for the tree while watching Christmas movies. This year, it took all of 'Christmas Vacation' and half of 'Christmas Story' before we got it done. Then comes the ornaments. After all of these years, Lynna can (and does) still tell when each one was added.

The only ornament that doesn't get added to the tree yet is the pickle. When we returned home after retiring from the Navy, we started the tradition of the pickle gift. Each year, one special gift is given to the grandchild who can find the pickle ornament hidden in the tree. After the rest of the festivities are done, the child that found the pickle the previous year hides the ornament in the tree for the rest to find. We've done this for 12 years, and it's become one of my favorite traditions.

What are some of your holiday traditions that make this time of year special for you and your family?


P.S. The picture on the wall was produced by the older grandkids when they were still small. About 10 years ago. It goes up every year. Another tradition.

 

[BillyW]

That’s awesome! Thank you for your service, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

 

[fish farmer]

With my wife, it is watching "It's a Wonderful Life". This year it will probably happen on New Year's Eve.

We watch too many Hallmark movies, we have gotten to the point of "seen it" this year.

Our families live in different states so traditional gatherings are whatever works, this year I pulled the work on Christmas shift so time off is next week.

 

[Opus]

In the past we have done it at my in-laws house, which is about a 5 hour drive with all the traffic on our side. Had to switch it up this year because my son starting working nights and he is off on Wednesday and Thursday night. Half the time we don't even put up a tree since we aren't here for it. When we do it is usually the end of January before it gets taken down.