The Christmas season is one of the best times of the year. The season of giving is one that is full of happiness and endearment. It is a time where families can take a break from their busy lives to spend quality time with the people they love most. From the catchy songs to the bright lights, this season embodies what true love and happiness can bring. With the season being so iconic, many traditions have begun and pervaded throughout the community. The following are some of the most observed traditions amongst all families around the nation.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

By far one of the most important traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. It all begins when looking for the evergreen. It is important to find one that will fit perfectly in your house while also being able to fit all of the decorations. Some also go another route by getting artificial trees that will create less of a mess and will be easier to set up and take down. When decorating, many use ornaments of all sorts such as pictures, candycanes, lights, etc. Being together is the whole point of the season, and during this tradition family is as close as ever. Listening to Christmas music while putting on ornaments you created back in second grade brings back a rush of good memories. Once you put that bright star on top of the tree, the Christmas season has truly begun.

Writing a Letter to Santa

One of the most well-known traditions is the letters to Santa Claus. Leading up to Christmas, all kids around the world write to Santa and tell him what they want. From clothing, to video games, to straight up cash, children around the world create a list of all the things they have been feening over. This list is one of the most important lists you can write so double-checking that all of your needs are met is a must. Once the letter is given to the elf, the only thing you can do is wait for their wishes to come true that one anticipated December morning.

Secret Santa

In the late 1970s a new Christmas tradition began that swept the nation: Secret Santa. a group of people (normally family or friends) will get a partner that will be their ‘Secret Santa.’ Their counterpart has no idea who their ‘Santa’ is which makes it anonymous. The goal of the giver is to get the person something they would like without them knowing. A designated day is made for all of the group to meet and enjoy their time together while opening up their presents and guessing who has been their Secret Santa. The best gifts are the funny or embarrassing ones that get a good laugh out of the crowd. Without a doubt, this is a tradition that will live on for a long time.

Listening to Christmas Songs

Christmas songs can be very controversial when it comes to the time at which they are being played. Many enjoy the songs, but don’t like how early they can be brought out. The majority of the public believes that a good time to begin the playing of Christmas music is on Thanksgiving Day. Nevertheless, they are all great songs that are synonymous with love, joy, and family. From Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” to Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” these catchy songs can make people of all ages get hooked on the Christmas spirit. Music can set the mood, and Christmas songs are no exception. In almost every holiday tradition a Christmas song can be found playing in the background further cementing the idea that this time is one of joy.

Hanging Up Christmas Lights

One of the most memorable parts of the Christmas season is the lights that encase all of the houses. The bright lights of all different colors create a mystical look in the night sky, especially when glimmering white snow reflects the beams. Along with Christmas lights, there are blow-ups that coincide with the lights that create an even more festive atmosphere. Depending on the area, some homes make it their goal to go all out and create a winter wonderland in their front yard, going to the extent of syncing radio station songs to their lights to create a light show. Although expensive and time consuming, it is definitely a fun and joyous experience. Many would agree that Christmas time is the brightest spot in the dark calendar year, which makes it no surprise that this tradition best represents Christmas. The lights represent Christmas, while in contrast the dark night sky resembles that of all of the other parts of the year.