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How We Celebrate the Holidays

We asked Oprah.com users: What holiday traditions, including celebrations, events and activities, are unique to your family and friends? From football to fruitcake, get creative ideas to celebrate the holidays from people just like you!
Little girl with painted face
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Brenda M.
"Countdown to Christmas" takes over our world in December. It is a calendar that goes from the December 1 until the 25th, celebrating all things holiday. During the month of November, I "work" on figuring out what the family is going to do every day together until Christmas Day! Some days are very simple projects at home, and other days find us venturing out into the big, busy world! Some events we have done over and over and other activities are brand new. (The calendar is flexible, of course, due to weather and sickness.) I love making it, and my kids are frantic in the mornings to read what the event for the day will be.

Here is a peek at some of our fun times coming up this year (this is all top secret of course!):

December 1: New Christmas books
December 2: New matching pajamas
December 10: Go to Macy's; write a letter to Santa
December 11: Make a gingerbread tree
December 13: Santa Lucia Celebration at church
December 17: Drive around to see the lights
December 18: Make Christmas cookies
December 19: Visit Longwood Gardens
December 20: Go to see The Nutcracker
December 21: Take gifts to neighbors

I am so thankful that my co-workers shared such a wonderful idea with me before my children were born. I love family traditions and think they are the cornerstones of many happy family moments. I will always remember these times with my children and husband. I hope someday they will do something similar with their loved ones.

What holiday tradition do you enjoy with your children?
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Published 12/07/2000
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