I‘m all about some Christmas traditions. Whether it’s driving around to see the lights on Christmas Eve, savoring the cinnamon rolls at Christmas breakfast or playing board games with cousins, I cherish all of it.
During the first few years of marriage, I remember navigating Christmas traditions from both sides of the family. I always thought back to that scene in Friends where each person begs Monica to make the potatoes a different way and in the end, dinner is ruined but they have tons of potato dishes left over. As funny as that scene was, it shines a light on the reality of sharing Christmas traditions.
In years past, we’d visit both sides of the family on the same day (exhausting, btw). The differences between the two were night and day — especially when it came to opening gifts.
The method on my wife’s side was “let ‘er rip.” The adults sat back as the grandkids tore into each gift, wild animal-style. In the flurry of excitement and simultaneous reactions, boxes and wrapping paper piled and before you knew it, the kids were out playing with their new toys. The whole thing took about half an hour.
On my side of the family, it was a bit different. Generally, one person is anointed as “Santa,” who’s in charge of handing out gifts to everyone. Then, we go around the room and each person opens their present while everyone else waits and watches — baby shower style. This goes round after round until all the presents are gone. Granddad stands by with a trash bag for the gift opener to immediately wad their wrapping paper up and throw in. Bows are saved, ribbons are rolled up and frequent breaks are taken. It’s an all-day affair.
The point is …
For some families, there’s so many kids and gifts to get through that the free-for-all, snatch and grab method is the best option. For other families, slowing things down and taking turns opening presents is a fun way to create anticipation and ensure everyone gets to enjoy the moment. The point is: there’s no right or wrong way to do Christmas, y’all. Regardless of how you do things, what’s important is that you have family traditions that help you ENJOY your time together.
All young families have the opportunity to create their own Christmas traditions, taking the best parts from both childhood experiences and finding a happy middle ground. You get to decide which Christmas traditions you both want to keep and which ones you don’t. Ultimately, you have to do what works best for your immediate family unit.
And don’t be afraid to try new things and add different traditions. Take them ice skating, caroling, to The Nutcracker Ballet, to your town’s Christmas parade, to see a holiday film or to cut down a tree. Create a day of giving. Visit nursing homes. Give to a homeless coat drive. Do something to demonstrate service in the community. Make it anything you want!
No matter your family’s dynamic, you can create meaningful holiday experiences by blending existing traditions or creating new ones. But don’t overload yourself! Remember, you only need to make one potato dish this Christmas.
