Christmas is like the United States–it is a melting pot of traditions and cultures. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Christmas. Some people prefer elaborate celebrations with lots of decorations and work, but others prefer simple celebrations with simple decorations and less work. I have decided to write about a few different ways Christmas is celebrated.

Christmas trees are a big tradition. Some people put up a real tree; some prefer to put up an artificial tree. Some say an artificial tree is less of a hassle as you can get it pre-lit, which eliminates the hassle and hair pulling of stringing lights. Others say that the mess with the lights is worth it as they can enjoy the fresh scent of pine. Of course, you have to keep the tree watered and deal with the dead pine needles all over the floor. There is also the joy of picking out the perfect tree.

Baked goods are a huge part of Christmas. Snowballs, gingerbread men, spirtz, fudge, chocolates, warm breads and pies appear in large numbers in homes and are given to neighbors. It’s one of the few times baked goods are everywhere in almost every house.

There is also the ever popular gingerbread house. Gingerbread houses are fun and relatively easy to make. Kids have fun; it’s one of the few times they are allowed to play with their food!! Even teens like making them, even if they don’t admit it. You don’t have to make a house– you can challenge yourself to make a castle or to model some famous structure. There are kits for houses, trees, and igloos. Graham crackers also make good gingerbread houses, particularly at large parties for kids.

Parties are also a huge tradition, but not everyone has one, nor does every one go to a party. Some see parties as annoying and a waste of a time. But for those who enjoy parties, it is a time to socialize in a different setting than normal. Parties are fun and entertaining, Yankee swaps provide moments of laughter and a little bit of stress. Playing games like a box with in a box– a game when a present is wrapped in several boxes and each box is wrapped. One person plays holiday music and randomly stops it, and whoever has the box tries to open it as fast as they can, but when the music comes back on, they have to pass it on. Who ever finally unwraps it gets it. If it is sharable, they can choose to share it, or they can give it to someone else. Christmas themed trivia games are also popular with prizes for completing it.

Music is also a huge Christmas tradition. Some people listen to it from the minute Thanksgiving is over. Others often listen a few days before Christmas. A few popular tunes are “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “The Christmas Song,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Christmas Shoes.” The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a popular group for modern Christmas music. For all holiday music station listen to 94.9 WHOM. They play Christmas music up to and on Christmas Day.

The Christmas dinner is another tradition. Some have ham, While others have turkey– my family has flank steak. The fixings are diverse and individual. Of course then dessert pies are popular, but there are cakes, too. Spumoni ice cream is a Christmas ice cream only available during the holiday season. There are also other seasonal ice creams like peppermint or candy cane. An Italian cake is also popular it is filled with raisins and dried fruit.

People make it a tradition to help the less fortunate during Christmas. There are many organizations that have operations during Christmas. Giving to others offers a warm fuzzy feeling inside. It is the knowledge that you are doing something good for someone else.

The really important tradition in my opinion is what you do with your family. Getting together and playing a game, watching a holiday movie, spending a few days together, even if it is just Christmas Day.

Christmas is about family, giving, love and caring. No matter what you do for Christmas, do it with joy and pride, do it with your family.