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We asked our readers what their favorite fall and winter traditions were and you might find some ideas to start a new tradition with your family.
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“Fall is my favorite time of year!! We love going to a pumpkin patch, visiting fall fests, carving pumpkins, decking out for Halloween, and drinking apple cider!” - Elizabeth
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“My younger brother and I would always wake up early on Christmas Day before my parents and older brother. We weren't allowed to open presents, but our stockings were fair game. Our only rule was that you couldn't open your stocking until we were both ready. It was our special game. Stockings have always been my favorite part of Christmas, and I still text my brother to tell him he can't open his until I'm opening mine.” - Laura
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“Every fall, we head to the Deutsche Weinstraße and visit the wineries, eat flammkuchen and sip on new wine!” - Mary
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“Back in the states, my family goes Christmas caroling every year. We’ve been doing it for the past 60 years! We have our favorite homes we hit up and try and surprise a few new families ever year. On Christmas day we feast on prime rib and lobster! My friends and I also do a cookie exchange so there’s always good food this time of year.” - Emily
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“For the month of November – We do an “I’m thankful tree” on our dining room table. It’s more like a small tree branch. My daughter and I cut out construction paper leaves and we write something we are thankful for on the leaf, then hang it on the tree. I actually got the idea from a What’s up Article several years ago. My daughter loves it.” - Carrie
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“On Christmas Eve, my father will gather all the kiddos, and now grandkids, and read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” My father, from New Jersey, does it in a John F. Kennedy voice. He did it once goofing around and we all cracked up laughing and now he does it that way every year. My parents have this ridiculous Mickey Mouse Christmas Clock that has characters pop out of doors while Christmas carols play. I’m not going to lie, it’s quite obnoxious. But, for the last 25 years or so that has been our Christmas alarm clock. Even if I’m not home, I’m called and it’s played over the telephone.” - Amanda
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“We love all the advent calendars they have here in Europe for Christmas. Chocolate Ritter Sport calendar - yes, please!” - Rachel
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“Having spent much of my adult years living abroad, it's not often I get to see my extended family over the holiday season. When I do get back, I like to bring them back inexpensive mementos from wherever it is I happen to be living at the time. One of the most fun ways I've had distributing the spoils was to put the collection of candy, soaps, creams, spices and other small treats all together in a big bag and let everyone reach in and grab something.” - Karen
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“On Christmas Eve, we let our kids open two presents. The first is always a new pair of non-matching pajamas. The second is some sort of gag gift. One year my son ended up with a box of kleenex, and my daughter wound up with a wrench. Last year, they would up with a can of Pringles and a bag of pretzels.” - Stacy
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What are some of your favorite family traditions?
