30 Out-Of-The-Ordinary Yet Wonderful Christmas Traditions Shared By Reddit Users Are Just Heart-Melting

For most people, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. That's because it's among those holidays that allow us to get away from the busyness of our lives and slow down to spend time with our loved ones.

There are so many fun things to do during the holidays with our friends and family. From setting up a Christmas tree and decorating it, sending cards to distant loved ones, baking gingerbread houses, every household has its own way of celebrating the holidays.

The Christmas season is a time to make memories that you can always fondly look back. It's a time to gather with friends and family and take part in long-established traditions that create joyous celebrations.

Some Christmas traditions are started within the family. You and your family have a favorite dish to make, songs to sing, decorations to put around the house, a way of opening gifts, and so much more!

Some of these practices are so fun, you keep doing them year after year. When you think about it, it's not the gifts that make Christmas memorable.

It's how you celebrate it with your family and friends. Traditions indeed create the biggest impressions.

So what are people doing this year for Christmas? Reddit user hellotintin100 was curious, so she asked the community to share their family's unique traditions.

The stories are so wonderful, they will make your heart melt. Let's take a look!

The question

Reddit

A Redditor and his brother, along with their families, spend Christmas Eve at their mom's home yearly.

Both of them are already in their 30s. And yet, their mom wants them to take part in their mom's gift-giving tradition.

Everyone would sit at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning. Once their mom tells everyone that Santa left something for them, they'd come to the living room to find gifts waiting for them.

It's getting pretty crowded but I wouldn't have it any other way!ScoobJetson, Jonathan Borba

When this Redditor was just a child, his parents were broke.

But when it's Christmas, it's hard to tell that they are. They'd splurge during the holidays.

There was one particular Christmas when his dad was broke. Still, he bought last-minute presents.

They got home and had no more money to buy food for a feast. They only had hotdogs and canned beans.

In an odd turn of events, the parents were able to come up with something special. The beans were cooked in a pot over the fire.

Then they decided to use the hotdog cooker they used for camping and cooked them over the fire. The redditor and his sister loved it so much, it eventually became a tradition.

When the family was no longer broke, they repeated the hotdogs over the fire every year. Over the years, they went from hotdogs to Bratwursts.

The beans went from BnM to a fancy gourmet bean dish. Now that the redditor and his sister are adults, and have their own families, they are still keeping the tradition alive.

KyussSun, Timoune Aracama

The Role of Ritual in Family Bonding

Research indicates that family traditions, particularly during holidays like Christmas, can enhance emotional bonding among family members. According to Dr. Dan Gilbert, a prominent happiness researcher, "Rituals provide a sense of stability and predictability, which is vital for fostering secure attachments." These rituals can vary widely, from shared meals to gift exchanges, and create shared memories that deepen familial connections over time. Dr. Dan Siegel, a child psychiatrist, emphasizes that "these shared experiences help reinforce family identity and promote a sense of belonging, especially among children." As families engage in these traditions year after year, they contribute to a narrative that strengthens their emotional ties and creates a legacy of shared values and experiences.

A couple who didn't have a topper for their tree during their first Christmas decided to improvise.

They used an oven mitt from the kitchen and looking at it made them burst into laughter. After 14 years, they are now married and have a daughter.

The mitt topper became a tradition. The weirder it is, the better.

Ellen Samiagio

The family tradition of this redditor is to have a Christmas Eve box. She plans to continue the tradition once she has kids.

They would be given one gift early. The set in a box contains Christmas pajamas, popcorn, hot chocolate mix, a mug, and a Christmas movie.

They will open the box at lunchtime. Then they'll spend the whole evening wearing the new jammies, sipping hot chocolate, while enjoying the movies.

Mrs_carroll, Maddi Bazzocco

The "gold" watch

The redditor's great-aunt got her older sister (the redditor's grandma) an Elizabeth Taylor perfume that comes with a watch. It was shiny gold, with straps of pleather, embellished with fake diamonds

The grandma would show it off. She'd wore it all day, laughing.

Look at my gooold watch.

The following Christmas, the grandma wrapped that watch and gave it to her sister. It came with surprise and laughter.

Then, it became a tradition that the watch would be gifted back every year. Sadly, the redditor's grandma passed away.

But the tradition did not stop. The redditor opened up her gift and found the gold watch that her grandma used to wear inside it.

She cried and then laughed because of the beautiful memories it created. Now, it's she and her sister trading the watch every Christmas.

Pinkmandms, Deena Englard

Christmas traditions also serve as a mechanism for continuity and stability within families, particularly in times of change or uncertainty. Studies show that engaging in familiar rituals can provide a comforting anchor, helping individuals manage stress and anxieties associated with life transitions, such as moving away from home or experiencing a loss.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that families who maintained consistent holiday traditions reported higher levels of emotional well-being and resilience. This suggests that even amidst the chaos of modern life, these rituals can foster a sense of normalcy and connection that is crucial for mental health.

Roughly an hour after bedtime, this redditor's grandfather would stomp on top of the roof with sleigh bells.

TheNoodyBoody, ob Ricca

The redditor's dad is dyslexic so they spelled Noel as Leon.

It was initially a joke that eventually became a tradition. Even their dog's name is Leon.

joceydoodles, Jon Tyson

The redditor's parents would make every Christmas magical when they were kids.

When they were young, the redditor and his sister would look for the best pine cone in their front yard. A couple of weeks before Christmas, they would plant it in the pot, then water it.

The next day, it would grow into a beautiful and full-decorated Christmas tree. Of course, it would only work during the holiday season because of the "Christmas magic."

The two eventually found out the source of the magic. They found pine tree needles inside their parents' car.

theatrekid97, Jeremiah Brashaw

Creating Meaningful Traditions

For families looking to establish or enhance their Christmas traditions, a thoughtful approach can yield significant emotional benefits. A clinical psychologist emphasizes the importance of involving all family members in the decision-making process about which traditions to carry on or introduce. By fostering a collaborative environment, families can ensure that their rituals resonate with everyone’s values and preferences, thus enhancing engagement.

One actionable recommendation is to create a family tradition journal where each member can contribute ideas about activities they find meaningful. This not only promotes inclusivity but also serves as a repository of memories that can be revisited in future years, enriching the family’s emotional narrative.

When the redditor's eldest was born, he was given a teddy bear by his uncle, which eventually became his favorite.

But before the child's first birthday, his uncle died. After some time the bear goes everywhere, getting a bit ragged.

We did a lot of searching and found the bear, bought several, and every year teddy waits in the Christmas tree to be picked up by the elves where he goes to the north pole and gets pampered. He comes back looking brand new and santa leaves him for our son.Carbotron, Pexels

Riddles are part of one reddit's Christmas tradition. They had to answer the riddles that accompanied the presents before they could open it.

MyNameIsRay, Nina Mercado

After this pandemic, a redditor in her 50s would love to smack cardboard wrapping paper tubes with each other once again.

spiff2268, Universal Eye

Moreover, the psychological concept of nostalgia plays a significant role in holiday traditions. Research indicates that nostalgic feelings can elevate mood and foster a sense of belonging. According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, "Nostalgia can serve as a powerful tool to enhance our emotional experiences, especially during significant times like the holidays." Reminiscing about past holiday experiences can evoke positive emotions and strengthen social connections. Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship researcher, suggests that families can intentionally create opportunities for nostalgia by revisiting past traditions or sharing stories from previous celebrations. This practice not only heightens emotional experiences during the holidays but also reinforces a family’s collective identity and history.

This redditors Christmas tradition is to sneak into each family member's rooms to "steal" items that would be given as a decoy gift.

It's a game they played with everyone in the family. They'd have bonus points if someone in the family didn't even notice that the item was missing.

Lulani van der Merwe, Mia Golic

A redditor shares that their family would leave gift wrappers at the entrance of of the kids' rooms so that they'll have something to rip and stay in their room.

Essendxle, Hello Sunday

A redditor shares that the ornaments to be decorated on the Christmas tree should reflect something that happened in the year. The result is a tree with odd and wacky decorations.

Barrucuda, Omar Prestwich

The Impact of Cultural Traditions

Cultural factors significantly shape how families celebrate Christmas, influencing everything from food choices to gift-giving practices. Cultural psychologists have found that traditions can serve as a reflection of cultural values and norms, impacting individual and family identities. For example, families from collectivist cultures may place a greater emphasis on communal celebrations and shared responsibilities, while individualistic cultures might prioritize personal achievement and self-expression during the holidays.

Dr. Yuki Matsumoto from the University of California, Berkeley, found that these cultural frameworks can help families navigate the complexities of holiday stress by aligning their celebrations with their core values, thereby enhancing satisfaction and reducing conflict. Understanding and appreciating the cultural dimensions of holiday traditions can foster greater empathy and connection among family members.

This redditor does something silly by changing his mother-in-laws candle from Noel to El No.

She would ask me if I did it and I’d say El No. She found me amusing and I miss her.dirkalict, Anne Nygård

The round bottom of the tree will always be cut and labeled with its corresponding year. This way, the redditor and their family would fondly look back at the past years.

SARSStar367, Annie Spratt

A redditor and his wife always ends up making a buffet for 10 people instead of two.

mackattackfc, Pexels

In addition to emotional bonding, participating in holiday traditions can also promote prosocial behavior, as families engage in activities that emphasize giving and community involvement. Research published in the American Journal of Community Psychology indicates that shared family experiences centered around altruism can enhance children's altruistic behaviors.

Families can create traditions that involve volunteering or donating to charities during the holiday season, instilling values of generosity and empathy in younger generations. This not only contributes to a family’s sense of purpose but also helps children build a strong ethical framework that can guide their behavior throughout life.

A grandpa reads The Night Before Christmas to the family.

He has Christmas decorations that go along with with the book. After he reads the line, the one with the corresponding ornament with decorate the Christmas tree.

Cerdocyon-Avius, Pexels

When this redditor was a child, they were asked to look for pine needles to be fed to the reindeers.

But really, it was for getting them out of the house so that the parents can transfer the wrapped presents from the neighbor's garage to their home. They always found a way to find the presents and open them in advance, so the parents decided to have a countermeasure.

leg_day, Jean Lakosnyk

A redditor was one of the first 100 customers at HEB's grand opening. He got two cans (shown in the picture) as a gift.

During that Christmas, they had an enjoyable Dollar Store White Elephant exchange. The can of potted meat was wrapped as his contribution.

His mom found the gift amusing, so the next day, she gifted it back to him. The next Christmas, it was given to his sister.

The following year, she wrapped it and gave it to their dad. They have been trading it for the past 28 years.

Now, it's the younger generations turn to receive it. His son received it last year and will gift it to a cousin the coming Christmas.

JohnnyBrillcream

The Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

Incorporating gratitude into holiday traditions can further enhance their psychological benefits. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased well-being and stronger relationships. According to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, expressing gratitude can improve mood and foster a sense of connection between individuals.

Families can foster a culture of gratitude during Christmas by sharing what they are thankful for as part of their traditions. This could be done during meals or family gatherings, creating an opportunity to reflect on positive experiences, which can enhance overall family dynamics and emotional health.

A redditor's Christmas celebrations involve the whole family with a bonfire near the freezing pond, with alcohol to warm everyone (who is of drinking age) up.

They perform the Polar Plunge on the noon of Christmas day. This is for ridding themselves of the crap this year and look forward to next year.

reddicyoulous, Maria Orlova

This redditor's Christmas celebration involves a competition.

They'll put on their pajamas in their rooms. Then they'll run towards the Christmas tree.

There may be no prize for the winner. But they'll always have bragging rights.

legalizeskooma, Pexels

Catalan's Christmas traditions include Yule Log and a Crapping Log.

Tió is a cut log with a painted face on the cut surface, and a red cap (a traditional Catalan hat called barretina). We've got it at home, typically under the Christmas tree, often covered with a blanket (God forbid Tió gets cold!).

Children will give their uncles (Tió) tons of food each night. The next morning, they're all gone.

The little ones would think that their uncle has eaten them all. The idea behind this tradition is to make the uncle eat a lot so he'll poop a lot.

The uncle's magical log, will then "poop" out presents. The children need to get a stick to hit their uncle repeatedly as they sing a song that translates to:

Crap, Tió. Crap hazelnuts and pine nuts nougat. If you don't behave yourself, I'll hit you with my stick. Crap, Tió.

After they lift the blanket, the children will find their presents. They could be Spanish and Catalan sweets, nougat, and toys.

The Catalans also have what they call El Caganer. It involves adding a figurine to the manger.

El Caganer means "the crapper" according to the redditor. The figure is a shepherd dressed in traditional Catalan clothing with a pose that looks like he's defecating.

Looks offensive doesn't it? But the Catholic Church is completely fine with it.

The redditor adds that the poop is a symbol of fertility to the land where Christ was born. They also purchase celebrity caganers (such as a Trump version).

Why are Catalans obsessed with poop? Nobody really knows. Don't ask me.

SnowFlakeObsidian4, Rodion Kutsaev

As families navigate their unique holiday traditions, it’s essential to prioritize mental health by being aware of the emotional challenges that can arise during this time. The pressure to create the 'perfect' Christmas can lead to stress and disappointment, particularly when expectations are high. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, emphasizes that "unrealistic expectations can create unnecessary stress, which detracts from the joy of the season" on her website susandavid.com.

To counteract these pressures, families should focus on flexibility and open communication. Setting realistic goals for their celebrations can help alleviate some of the stress associated with holiday planning, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable experience, as noted by Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist who advises, "Embracing adaptability during the holidays can foster a more positive atmosphere" on his site rickhanson.net.

A figure called Radio Pants is part of one redditor's Christmas tradition.

One day, Radio Pants went missing. Even after a thorough search, they couldn't find him.

Out of sight, out of mind. So they eventually forgot about him.

The family decorates the artificial Christmas tree that's mostly hidden away in two boxes above the garage. The family would put it up and take it down.

Little did they know, they'll find something that was lost a long time ago. Many celebrations have passed until they saw Radio Pants holding onto one of the branches.

They did not expect him to appear. So every year, the figurine would be stored away as it is in the box above the garage.

Every year, Radio Pants would appear, still clinging to the same branch. The tradition has been going on for about 30 years.

Shiggens

Two best friends spend Christmas Eve with each other's company.

They would always be dressed in Christmas outfits, have dinner, and organize an activity or watch a movie. At dinner time, they would always exchange gifts, which are books they picked with a personal note attached.

After all these, they would make a magnet for one another. Then, they'd pick out the best photo of the night.

edpumkin, Boxed Water Is Better

Traditions born out of poverty that evolve into something unforgettable is something that this redditor loves.

The redditor's grandparents grew up during The Great Depression. During Christmas, a single orange is what they'd find in their stocking.

They had children and wanted to uphold the tradition. But instead of an orange, the grandparents gave their children orange gummies.

The redditor's mother keeps the tradition, and this time the orange gummies became chocolate oranges.

I’m not a really big fan of sweets and chocolate doesn’t really like my digestive system since about my mid twenties, but I am so looking forward to getting that chocolate orange on Friday because it just takes me back to being a little kid.SuperMegaCoolPerson, Evan-Amos

The Power of Storytelling

Finally, storytelling can play a vital role in enhancing holiday traditions. Narratives about past family experiences can reinforce connections and provide meaningful lessons about resilience and togetherness. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, "The stories we tell shape our identities and our relationships with others." Encouraging families to share stories during gatherings not only cultivates a sense of identity but also allows for the exploration of family values and history. This practice can be particularly poignant during the holidays, when reflections on the past can enrich present experiences.

A silly redditor would always switch up the letters from Santa to Satan and would see how long it takes for her mom to realize it.

A redditor's Christmas is all about celebrating with friends.

They'd meet up at the local park, launch model rockets while enjoying hot chocolate or coffee with booze. It has been going on for more than 20 years.

Tiffany Kindred, Jon Tyson

A family Goober award that comes with a three-inch tall trophy. It's a Christmas celebration filled with laughter.

For the entire year, the previous champion is going to note all the goofy mistakes of a family member. Then everything will be reported and the goober nominees and winners will be decided.

yellowcard417, Eugene Zhyvchik

For the past 8 years, two sisters would gift each other something that would make each other laugh.

allegraoftherivers, Erica Marsland Huynh

Christmas traditions are what make the celebrations extra special.

They are indeed the highlight of the Christmas party and everyone is looking forward to it. Traditions help family members set a schedule for them to be together.

It brings a time to forget all the busyness and for finding enjoyment and meaning. It's also a great way to spend the happiest time of the year and invest time in family and loved ones.

Psychological Analysis

The article highlights how Christmas traditions foster emotional connections and create a sense of belonging within families. These rituals not only provide stability and predictability, which are essential for secure attachments, but they also evoke nostalgia, reinforcing shared identities and memories that can enhance overall family dynamics. When families engage in these unique traditions, they’re not just celebrating a holiday; they’re actively creating a legacy that strengthens their relationships and emotional well-being.

Analysis generated by AI

In summary, the psychological insights surrounding Christmas traditions reveal their profound impact on family dynamics, emotional well-being, and cultural identity. Engaging in meaningful rituals not only fosters connections among family members but also promotes resilience and prosocial behavior.

As emphasized by psychological research, the key to navigating the holiday season successfully lies in balancing tradition with flexibility, gratitude, and open communication. By prioritizing these elements, families can create memorable experiences that enrich their emotional health and strengthen their bonds, making Christmas truly the most wonderful time of the year.