Top 10 modern Christmas traditions

During the Holidays, families are usually more than just slightly busy. With the activities of Black Friday’s bustling, fast-paced shoppers comes the realization that Christmas is just around the corner and, naturally, people are going to rush to get ready.

These are also the perfect times to get together with family and share warm memories of love and generosity.

This list of top ten modern Christmas traditions is as follows:

10. Sending Christmas Cards

It might seem like Christmas cards are becoming a thing of the past due to the sudden internet boom, but it’s still very delightful to receive a few once in a while.

Plus, it will make friends and family feel like the sender cares enough about them to go out of their way to wish them Happy Holidays by doing it the old-fashioned way.

9. Travelling to Christmas Events

Nothing can warm the spirits like going to holiday-themed light shows, concerts or festivals.

Some must-see recommendations are the epic music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Nutcracker’s delicate, but exciting shows and anything at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. These are among some of the best performances and shows that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

8. Singing Christmas Songs

Ok, so not everyone can or will even be willing to belt out tunes, but people will be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t want to party with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree or Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.

Children will also have a blast with timeless classics like Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. They’re all catchy tunes, so who wouldn’t like them?

7. Christmas Decorations on Homes

Some do it modestly, some go all-out, but nothing brightens up a day like multicolored (or white) lights, icicles, candy canes, animatronic reindeer and snowmen lining the perimeters of homes.

The view of “The North Pole in the Back Yard” is simply spectacular, even in the distance if there are enough decorations and lights.

6. Candy Canes, Holly and Mistletoe

One of the best things about Christmas is the candy that can be found in stockings. Candy canes, of course, are among some of the most popular. Just don’t get caught kissing under that mistletoe and holly while eating them!

5. Watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

These two well-known Christmas TV classics are also two of the most well-made animated programs period. It can’t be helped if viewers feel for and identify with Charlie Brown and Rudolph.

They’re both such loveable misfits who just have bad luck, but in the end, the characters around them realize that they’re just trying to make Christmas memorable and special.

4. Christmas Tree

Whether it’s fresh or artificial, it would be very surprising to see anyone without a Christmas tree. It can be a hassle to decorate these bright beauties, especially if they’re over nine feet tall, but to see all of the glowing lights, garland and crystal and gold ornaments sparkle in all their glory makes it so worthwhile.

3. Having Christmas Dinner with Family

The best and most traditional time to get together with family is during Christmas Eve.

Typically, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins will all gather to eat a roast turkey or ham as the main dish, topped off with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, corn and green beans. Also, dessert shouldn’t be forgotten (consisting of cake, pie or cookies, usually).

Seeing children open presents with their extended family is a treat, especially when their bright faces light up as laughter fills the room.

2. Christmas Presents

This is a given. Nearly everyone will be seen with content smiles on their faces when they open gifts they have wanted for a long time (or maybe even ungrateful sneers if not).

1. Santa Claus

The tale of Santa Claus is said to have originated from the Greek bishop Saint Nicholas. For centuries, his current form has given joy and laughter to millions of children around the globe. From the red button-nose to the white beard, this jolly man with a hearty laugh is loved by many.

So there it is the top ten list of Christmas traditions. Not everyone will celebrate the holidays in this manner, but this generally seems to be the norm.