Traditions are a big part of the holiday season

As Christmas fast approaches, Branson Globe readers were asked to share the traditions that make the holidays special for their individual families. 

Said Sharilyn, "I make pies and give them to friends and family. I've made 140-plus pies so far this year! And, I have three Christmas trees in my house. Love Christmas."

A reader that likes to be called Persnickety shared some Hanukkah traditions, noting, "Our traditions are to make potato latkes, bake cinnamon rolls and light the hanukkiah (Menorah) each night."

Danna shared, "Before we moved here seven years ago, our tradition was to always pick a week and spend time here, of course including SDC. These days, my husband wakes up super early; me, not so much. He makes my mom's cornbread dressing and all the fixings. I open a can of cranberry sauce like nobody's business. We spend the day watching all the classics: ‘A Christmas Story,’ ‘It's a Wonderful Life,’ ‘Frosty’ and ‘Rudolph.’ There's no schedule, just family and making memories. This year is different. My mom passed in October. My little family is gearing up to go to SDC this week to carry on one of our traditions—watching “A Dickens Christmas Carol.” I've been kind of dreading it because I know the floodgates are going to open. But, it's also a reminder of the love and happiness that now live in a memory that has become a tradition, and one that must go on. So, if you see me, and I'm crying like a big baby, just say a prayer for us."

"Just being with family and friends" is Monnie's favorite tradition.

"Opening stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve, finger foods and watching ‘White Christmas,’ said Donna.

Said Kerri, "Silly String fight in the front yard with anywhere from three kids to now kids, grandkids and neighbors."

MJ recalled, "Since my kids were little, we have done what we call 'Secret Sibling.' On Christmas Eve, my kids draw names and we give them money to buy gifts for the sibling they drew. We all go to Walmart and shop at the same time, trying not to be seen by the other siblings. Then we go home. Each kid wraps their gift for their sibling. We then do our gift exchange, but first everyone must guess who had them. It is a lot of fun and the kids always look forward to it, even as teenagers and young adults."

Angela shared," I am no longer in Branson, but come often to see friends and family still in the area. One of my traditions is going to Silver Dollar City. When my children are in town (both adults, married and live in other states), we will look at the tree and think of my first husband who passed in 2017. The ironic thing is my first husband and I met working there in 1989. SDC has a special place in our hearts. The best thing is my husband allows us to talk, think and cry as we need."

Said Leslie, "My favorite holiday tradition is I make Christmas goodies for my coworkers and a couple neighbors, as well as my mail carrier. Some are store bought items, some are handmade items, and some are holiday goodies. The past few years I've made seven different kinds of cookies and handed them out as gifts. This year, I made mini banana bread and mini zucchini breads to hand out. I do this from the heart and continuing my mom's tradition when she was alive. I get great pleasure from watching the smiling faces."

Gracelin noted," My favorite tradition is probably when me and my mom watch a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve and eat popcorn."

Said Heather, "My favorite Christmas memories include loading in the van on Christmas Eve and looking at Christmas lights with my amazing family. Momma and Daddy always made sure we had a wonderful Christmas, including delicious apples and oranges and the home cooked meal Momma worked so hard to cook. Then, having birthday cake and singing ‘Happy Birthday, Jesus.’ I am so very blessed for the memories."

AnnaLee shared her thoughts: "Christmas is a special time when families can spend time together. We celebrate the birthday of Jesus and remember Christmas time with those who are no longer with us. I remember as a child, my mom would always try and buy gifts for my sister and I that were things we could use like a warm coat, hat and gloves or a much wanted doll. As we get older, we realize that just being together is one of the greatest gifts. We bake a cake and sing Happy Birthday, as it's a very special day to celebrate our Lord and Savior. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and I encourage you to not just celebrate Jesus on Christmas but every day of the year." 

Karen shared, "One of my favorite Christmas traditions has always been to attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my church. Taking time out of the always busy and sometimes hectic season to stop and quietly reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas has always brought peace and joy to my Christmas morning."

Margaret recalls a very special family tradition that reflects the true meaning of the season, "Not putting baby Jesus in the manger with our nativity set until the kids were asleep on Christmas Eve. It was better than stockings to see the Baby Jesus was born!"

May you enjoy your beloved traditions and take time to create new traditions this holiday season!