Getty Images / Daniel Wright
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the opportunity to start some new holiday traditions and make sure that old ones don't die. There's something about holiday traditions that just make them more special that other traditions. Well, maybe that's not always the case, but whenever it's time to take part in a beloved Christmas tradition, it does feel extra special. The nice thing about holiday traditions is that they don't have to be expensive. They're just about spending time with family and loved ones and enjoying the season together. If you're looking for some new holiday traditions to start now, check out these suggestions.
Holiday Traditions to Start This Season
One great event that could become a tradition is going to a local tree lighting. The official Naples Christmas Tree Lighting event will take place on Monday, Nov. 25, along Third Street South. Expect "live musical performances, viewing elaborately decorated storefront windows with scenes of the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop with St. Nick himself." Also, restaurants and shops will be open extended hours. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., and the Christmas tree lighting and (fake) snowfall is at 6:20 p.m.
In Tampa, the 2024 Santa Fest is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, followed by the annual Tampa Tree Lighting. That's on Saturday, Dec. 7.
As for some other holiday traditions you can start now, one is baking holiday treats for family and friends. Every year, I make my prized pumpkin bread, so that's my holiday baking tradition. You could start a holiday baking tradition and bake the same thing each year, such as cut-out cookies, or baking something new each season. Either way, it's a delicious way to celebrate the holidays.
Another holiday tradition that you can start now is singing Christmas songs with friends or family. Don't laugh. It can be really fun to gather up a bunch of friends and family and sing beloved Christmas songs to your heart's content. Everyone tends to know the lyrics and melodies of these songs, too, so it's easy for everyone to participate.
So, what's the most popular holiday tradition in the United States? According to the EF Academy Blog, it's decorating the Christmas tree. It should really be no surprise that decking out the Christmas tree is such a popular thing to do. It's always so much fun to put it up but less fun to take it down. "Whether you get a real tree or a fake one, creating a perfect tree is a classic Christmas activity," they note. "Complete with lights, tinsel, baubles and ornaments, Christmas trees are one of the most traditional symbols of the holiday season."
