According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of tradition is the handing down of a belief or a custom. At no time are traditions more cherished than during the holiday season.

Maybe in your family there is a special ornament that has been handed down through the generations and the Christmas tree is not fully decorated until that very special ornament is hung. Perhaps it’s even a Christmas pickle.

There is a handed-down story that the first child in a family to find the Christmas pickle hanging on the tree will receive an extra gift. That is a tradition in some homes, but in reality, the Christmas pickle ornament came about in 1880 when F. W. Woolworth’s imported a large amount of vegetable shaped ornaments from Germany. It just so happens that the pickle outnumbered the other vegetables and more of them ended up on the branches of Christmas trees.

Hanging Christmas stockings made by a favorite aunt or grandmother is a tradition for many and a true delight for the children who hang them and experience the thrill of expectation while waiting to see what surprises will be in the stockings on Christmas morning.

Another handed-down story takes credit for the Christmas stocking tradition. The story states that an English nobleman squandered his fortune after the death of his wife leaving his three daughters with no dowries and therefore no potential husbands.

St. Nicholas, after hearing the sad tale, threw three pouches of gold coins down the chimney on Christmas Eve, which just so happened to land in the stockings the daughters has placed over the fireplace to dry. Fact or fiction, it doesn’t matter; hanging the stocking is a wonderful tradition.

Holiday traditions are a big part of what makes the season so special and they are handed down and observed not just in your own home, but throughout the world.

For example, in Iceland all the churches throughout the country ring their bells at 6 p.m. on Christmas (Jol) Eve, at which time everyone sits down to a large holiday dinner followed by the opening of gifts.

A large family dinner on Christmas Eve is also a tradition in Spain, but the eating and celebrating continue until 6 a.m. on Christmas day.

In America, traditions are maintained and celebrated in every community. For most towns, the holiday season begins with the annual tree lighting and a visit from Santa.

In Oxford Hills, the season is ushered in with the annual Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade which is always on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. According to John Williams, Chamber director, it is believed that this parade is the largest Christmas parade in Maine.

Also a tradition is the last float in the parade carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus on a sleigh who later visit with area children.

Christmas in Harrison is a big event in the picturesque town taking place over a two-day period starting with Soup and Songs, followed by the Christmas tree lighting, the arrival of Santa, and a parade.

Craft fairs, church concerts, bell ringing, and Christmas pageants can be found in abundance throughout Western Maine and are traditionally held year after year.

In your own home, your traditions may be many or maybe there is only one special thing you do every year. Perhaps you look forward to or make jokes about Aunt Mary’s annual fruit cake. It can be as simple as a reading for all the children of The Night Before Christmas or as grand as attending a performance of The Nutcracker Suite every year.

Whatever your own personal traditions are, they should be cherished, preserved, and handed down to each generation for many years to come.