Friendly Advice

Q: What are your special Christmas traditions?

Each year I take a similar photo of my three little boys around the Christmas tree. It’s been so fun to see them grow and change each year. And the glow from our tree always looks so magical to me.

MELISSA DEVOE WAKE FOREST, NORTH CAROLINA

We begin Christmas Eve with takeout from a local Mexican restaurant. We put Christmas music on and have been known to play a few tunes ourselves. We have a violist, two cellists and a flutist in the family, and my husband plays guitar, so there is no shortage of instruments.

HEATHER ECKMAN MARIETTA, PENNSYLVANIA

The family gets together and we enjoy dishes from each generation’s holiday recipe book. We share stories of past generations and remember the real reason for the holiday.

CYNTHIA STEVENS HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS

My son, Travis, is a truck driver and spends all week away from home. About 10 years ago, he started a tradition where we gather on Christmas Eve and fill goody bags with cookies or candy for the truckers who can’t be home for the holidays. Travis buys all the supplies. Then on Christmas morning, he and his girls head to the truck stop and distribute the bags.

ROXANNE SWARTZ STOCKETT, MONTANA

What is your favorite holiday ornament— and why? Maybe you’ve had it since you were small, or it reminds you of someone special. Visit countrywomanmagazine.com/submit to share.