Great topic Arianna.  Our tree, always a "live cut tree" was put up on the first Sunday of Advent.  We then started our Christmas Shopping.  When I was young that meant going to the five and dime and finding that perfect gift for my Mother, Father and Brother.  We were told that all gifts had to come out of our allowance and that was 50 cents a week.  Way to go Five and Dime!!!

Opened our gifts from each other on Christmas Eve after church service.  Santa always brought gifts early in the morning, but could not awake before 5:00 AM.  Santa always knew what to get us and I never knew until that ill fated day I walked down the stairs to the basement when I was not supposed to go down there.

Thanks for the memories.

Posted By: Arianna4you

One of my favorite memories as a kid was going over to my grandparents and setting up the tree with my cousin the day after Thanksgiving. We set it up in the "Formal Living Room" which we were never allowed in, and were even allowed to stand up on the fancy high-backed chairs to help string the lights and garland around the tree. On Christmas Eve they would pull out the sleeper-sofa in the living room and leave the lights on for us to try and wait out Santa, lol. Really my favorite memories as a kid.

What sort of traditions did your families have or do you do now? Any specific foods that only come out this time of year? Crazy annual discussions with relatives you avoid the rest of the year specifically for that reason? Share if you care to

-Arianna  

Donuts

My mom would make homemade donuts in the deep-fryer during the holidays.  They'd come out nice and crispy with a soft middle and get dipped in sugar.  So delicious!  Just thinking about them makes my mouth water.