Holiday Traditions by Megan and Taylor Maiers

During the holiday season, people are constantly busy with their usual traditions. These can include winter activities such as building snowmen and sledding to holiday activities such as having a gift exchange with extended family.

Of course, the holidays are usually filled with sweets of all kinds. Families come together to create all of their favorite recipes on a day filled with sugar. There are always the classic cookies that were mastered and passed down for ages and are recreated every year.

Traditions can be simple and special, such as creating a gratitude chain every year. Paper chains can be made out of colorful paper and people can write what they are thankful for on each sheet. Each day, one will be created by each member of the family, creating a long chain by the end of the holiday season. This can help to bring in some more appreciation to the holidays that are usually filled with selfish thoughts and wants.

A common but still fun tradition is creating gingerbread houses with family. People of all ages can put together a beautiful house made of sweets that is unique each time. It is a great way to show creativity, and this can take as much time as someone wishes.

Visiting tree farms are also a tradition. While picking out a tree and cutting it down may seem like a chore, it brings families together and can bring the spirit of the holidays. The decorating of the tree afterwards brings joy and excitement.

Caroling is a tradition for many families as well. Whether it is caroling in neighborhoods, at a hospital or nursing home, or at relatives’ homes, it lifts the mood. This tradition is more of a classic, but it is still used today to bring back the memories of childhood to adults and start new memories for young children.