What’s Your Holiday Tradition?

By: Samantha Brierley

It’s that time of year again, and also time to share with you some holiday traditions my family has. So put on your nostalgic hat and join me as I discuss some of my family’s traditions.

Every Christmas eve, my church, a small Presbyterian church outside Albany, NY has a candlelight service. My family and I set up bags which include candles insite and we light the sidewalk to the church’s entrance. We attend the candlelight service and sing traditional Christmas songs such as “What Child is This?” and “Silent Night”. After, my family has a small get-together at our house to have delicious homemade pies and cookies. After a long chat, we are allowed to open one present! Christmas morning is full of a scrumtuous breakfast cooked by my mom and I. Eggs, toast, bacon, and hot chocolate is served after we open our presents and stockings. Later, we join my grandmother for a ham dinner. She makes the best salads and pineapple upside down cake EVER for dessert. Someone usually plays “santa” every year and passes out the gifts to everyone, and we all watch the football game and talk for hours.

When new year’s eve rolls around, I throw a big party for my friends and I. We go out to dinner, the movies, and bowling. We ring in the new year with hats and noisemakers. I would have to say that aside from opening presents,  this is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season.

After the holiday is over, it’s time to hit the stores for the end-of-season clearance rack and spend those gift cards like there’s no tomorrow! 

Now that I’ve shared my holiday traditions with you, what are some of yours? Please leave your comments below!

Have a safe and happy holiday season, and I will see you all next year!