It’s Christmas Week! Are you stressed? Did you wrap all the gifts and realize one person has less than the rest? Did you think you were finished and someone pulled the, “I really hope Santa brings XYZ” - which is completely new to you? Tis the Season!

I’m here to say, don’t be stressed… easier said than done, right? I get it. But this time of year is so magical. I’m not talking about Santa coming down the chimney magically.. But the sparkle in your children’s eyes. The excitement of someone getting the gift they wanted, but didn’t realize anyone would actually catch on to. There’s so many reasons to smile and find joy this season. Now, this is coming from Mrs. Claus herself, so take it with a grain of salt. I LOVE all things Christmas - I always have. I’m over 30 (🫠) and still wake up early on Christmas Day like Santa filled our stockings and I have to see what he brought.

Kids Day at Portside Bar & Supper Club has become a fun tradition where we play games and see Santa.
Photography by BMW Photography by Brittany Tilleraas

The best way I know how to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear…no really though, by sharing traditions. Whether you’re getting married this year or have been married for 50 years, young, old, single or dating - it’s never too late to start a Christmas tradition. I’ve polled the audience (aka my group of friends willing to participate in my shenanigans) and here’s some family traditions that you can consider taking on this year.

GAMES: Some traditions are classic, simple and very Christmas oriented. My favorite tradition is when my extended family gets together. Every year, my extended family (which is still pretty small) comes together for a big meal, treats, appetizers and to spend time together. No gifts, just good memories and conversation. We play games - which are different every year but range from Family Feud, Minute to Win It, Bingo, Trivia and rounding out the day with any and every game of cards. It’s always so much fun and brings so many laughs. It's really the only time we all play anything outside of cards (which is our family's game of choice), but it's so entertaining and allows everyone to interact.
ORNAMENTS: A family ornament was a popular tradition among everyone, but there’s a few different takes on it. One friend gets each child a specific ornament each year - maybe something they enjoy, something that represents them. One friend gets any ornament for themselves (just a new one) each year. Our family has gotten one ornament for us (as a couple) and now as a family each year - so our first year was representing how we met, then a big vacation we took, our wedding, our first baby, etc. One friend does photo ornaments from one of their favorite memories of the year - orders on Shutterfly or Snapfish and they can be replaced (if needed) easily! All simple, but festive.
LIGHTS: Local to our area we have a great light display in a few different locations, but specifically LaCrosse. Several of my friends make it a tradition to go to see the lights every year. It’s a great photo op, place to see Santa or just an excuse to get out of the house with all the holiday chaos.
BAKING: Cookies, treats, appetizers and more, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? So many of - actually all - of the friends I polled said baking with family was a tradition in their family. Everyone gets together, some more formally, some less, but just an excuse to get together to bake and snack with the ones you love. Not to mention it's the perfect add on or gift for friends and family… but don’t forget the holiday movies and matching jams!
THEMES: A new, fun idea among friends was having a themed tradition. Let me explain. One family does a specific “theme” ornament each year for each child. As they get older, they collect all these ornaments and when they’re big enough they will be gifted a tree of their own to decorate in this theme. So one child collected Santa ornaments and one Snowmen… how precious? Another friend said that it has become a tradition that each family member gets specific wrapping paper, which is a fun theme. One family has a different Santa themed paper for each person and mentioned it was always fun for the mom to find the themed paper.

My girls and I go to the Rotary Lights in LaCrosse, WI, each year!

All of these ideas are great to start now, catch up from the last few years or continue new or future ones. Whether you’re baking cookies for friends, family and Santa, going to church, reading books or wearing matching jammies watching movies - we all have something we do and love to make the holidays special. Keep it simple, be elaborate, share photos or keep it to yourself, your traditions are just that - YOURS.

Follow along on social media and share your favorite tradition! Also, stay tuned for the next blog on New Years Eve traditions, resolutions and prompts to kick off your year!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!