Holiday Memories: Readers Share Their Favorite Tradition
The holiday season is full of magic, nostalgia, and the kind of joy that only comes from being surrounded by loved ones. It’s a time when traditions—whether quirky, sentimental, or downright hilarious—take center stage, creating memories that we carry with us for years to come.
From small, intimate rituals to big family events, holiday traditions remind us of the joy of togetherness and the importance of sharing moments with the people who mean the most to us. We reached out to readers across the Chattahoochee Valley to share their favorite traditions, and their stories will surely warm your heart and maybe even inspire a new tradition for your family this year!
“The Santa Sleepover” — Ellie M., Columbus
“Our family has a tradition we call the ‘Santa Sleepover.’ Every Christmas Eve, we all camp out in the living room with sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows. We turn off all the lights except for the Christmas tree, and we tell stories until we fall asleep. The rule is that no one can peek until we all wake up together on Christmas morning. Even now that my kids are teenagers, they insist we keep doing it—it’s a way to slow down and just be together.”
“The Nutcracker Dance-Off” — Luis G., Fort Moore
“My family has this goofy tradition that started when my twins were six. We put on ‘The Nutcracker’ soundtrack, and everyone has to come up with their own ‘ballet’ moves. It started as a way to burn off some energy before dinner, but now it’s become this over-the-top competition, complete with ridiculous costumes and a ‘Best Dance’ trophy. It’s our own version of Christmas chaos, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Cookie Chaos” — Denise W., Phenix City
“For years, my sisters and I have hosted what we call ‘Cookie Chaos.’ It’s a holiday cookie-baking marathon where we try to outdo each other with the most creative (and sometimes disastrous) cookie designs. One year, my niece made a gingerbread Santa surfing on a candy cane wave—it was amazing until her dog stole it off the counter! It’s messy and loud, but it’s the highlight of our holiday season.”
“Letters to the Future” — Sarah H., Pine Mountain
“My family started this tradition where we write letters to ourselves every Christmas. We each write about what we’re grateful for, what we hope for in the new year, and one funny memory from the past year. We seal the letters in an ornament-shaped box, and we don’t open them until the next Christmas. It’s amazing to see how much changes in just a year—and how much stays the same.”
“Holiday Pajama Parade” — Alicia T., Midland
“Every year, we do a ‘Holiday Pajama Parade’ in our neighborhood. It started as a joke, but now almost everyone participates. Families put on their holiday pajamas and walk the block, singing carols and waving to neighbors. It’s silly, but it’s also a great way to connect with everyone and share some holiday cheer. Plus, the kids love showing off their Christmas onesies!”
“Tinsel Trouble” — Maxine B., Columbus
“When I was little, my grandparents let us decorate their tree, and my grandpa had this thing about tinsel. He wanted it perfectly spaced, strand by strand. Of course, we kids would toss it on in clumps just to mess with him. Now, every year, we do the same at my parents’ house—half the tree is perfectly tinsel-ed, and the other half looks like an explosion of silver spaghetti. It always makes us laugh and reminds us of Grandpa.”
“A Night of Lights” — Jasmine P., Midland
“Our family tradition is simple but magical. We pile into the car with hot chocolate in hand and drive around looking at holiday lights. There’s this one house in town that goes all out every year, with synchronized music and everything. My kids get so excited to see it that they start cheering when we turn the corner. It’s become our way of slowing down and enjoying the season together.”
Holiday Traditions Around the World
Traditions aren’t just for families—they’re celebrated around the globe in unique ways. Did you know that in Japan, many families enjoy KFC as their Christmas dinner of choice? Or that in Iceland, the tradition of “Jolabokaflod,” or “Christmas Book Flood,” involves giving books as gifts on Christmas Eve and then spending the night reading?
Even within our community, traditions evolve as families blend cultures, introduce new ideas, or simply adapt to what feels right. That’s the beauty of holiday traditions—they’re as unique as the people who celebrate them.
Creating Your Own Holiday Memories
The holidays are a perfect time to create or revive traditions that bring your family closer together. Whether it’s starting a yearly cookie bake-off, dedicating a night to holiday movies, or simply carving out time to reflect on the year, these traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.
As we celebrate this season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple joys of connection, laughter, and love. After all, it’s not about how you celebrate—it’s about who you celebrate with.
Do you have a holiday tradition you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it! Send your stories to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a future issue.
