Lifestyle What Family Christmas Traditions Make Your Holidays Special? 12/7/2017 | By Terri L. Jones My mother picks a different person to read “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” to the family every Christmas morning, even though there are no Santa believers in our family anymore (or perhaps that’s the point). The night before, my husband’s family gathers for a dinner of pizza and salad, followed by cake, cupcakes or a Neapolitan torte. But whatever the dessert preference that year, it’s absolutely always accompanied by ice cream! All families have their own distinctive traditions that are near and dear to their hearts. Without these cherished traditions, the holidays wouldn’t feel quite the same. Take the British royal family, for example. In preparation for the Christmas buffet, the senior chef carves the meat at the dining room table, where the royal family is gathered. Once the meat is carved, the Queen serves the chef a glass of whiskey and the two of them toast. It’s the only opportunity that the chef has to enjoy a libation with the royal family, making it his favorite time of the year. Other famous folks have their own unique holiday traditions. Jennifer Aniston hosts a tree-trimming party each year. At this annual event, she plays the Charlie Brown Christmas album and serves three kinds of chili along with her own homemade Rice Krispies treats. Jimmy Kimmel and his wife prank their friends every year. As a nod to Tim McGraw’s Italian heritage on his mom’s side, McGraw, Faith Hill and their family eat homemade pasta on Christmas Eve (and eggs with spaghetti sauce on Christmas morning!). And as everyone probably knows by now, the Obamas get in some beach time in Hawaii every holiday season. Think about all those sometimes silly, sometimes sentimental, but always special holiday traditions in your family. While those shared experiences ignite the Christmas spirit in your home every year, they also bond your family together and will continue to create these important bonds for generations to come. Share your holiday or Christmas traditions. Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.