Special Holiday Traditions

I often think it's the special holiday traditions that are unique to our families and few others, that create our sense of identity and belonging. It's those special rituals, foods, or holidays that we share only with those to whom we feel most close that give us that warm feeling of family. Some of these traditions are tied to holidays that are celebrated by everyone, with our own personal spin put on it. Some holiday celebrations are uniquely our own. Occasionally traditions are passed down through the generations, and others we create with our own children hoping they will pass them down the line. Here are examples of special holiday traditions that I've heard about (or created) over the years:

Special Thanksgiving Menu - Thanksgiving may be as American as apple pie, but each family brings its own ethnic slant to the table. For example, my extended family and I always enjoy turkey and stuffing at the holiday, but for as long as I've been old enough to sit at the table, the meal begins with antipasto and a pasta course.

La Befana - La Befana is an Italian tradition that is celebrated in Italy on the feast of the Epiphany. As tradition goes, she is an old woman who gives small gifts to children on the feast of the epiphany. This tradition is followed, in addition to Santa Claus, in my brother's home.

The Feast of the Seven (or more) Fishes - Many Italians enjoy a seafood feast on Christmas Eve. How many and which fishes are served all depends on each family's separate tradition. When I grew up, we ate shrimp fried and boiled, fried eels, fried smelts, baked flounder, and spaghetti with anchovy sauce. In my husband's family, their most important seafood was bacala (dried cod fish) served in a special soup and salad. Today, in my household, we usually combine a few items from each of our family's traditions, and have added our own including crab cakes and spaghetti with white clam sauce.

Candy Monday - This tradition is near and dear to the hearts of my children. When they were very little and first received Easter baskets, I invented a holiday called Candy Monday for the day after Easter. This was invented so that I didn't have to play "candy policewoman" on a day that was overwhelmingly tempting. On Candy Monday they are permitted to eat as much candy as they like without permission or restrictions. In their minds it's an official holiday.

April Fool's Day - April Fool's Day has achieved the status of a holiday in our home because every year my kids have come to expect a prank from me. This year, I baked a fresh batch of peanut butter cookies with cayenne pepper. April Fool's!

Half Birthdays - In my sister's home they always celebrate half birthdays for their children. There are special gifts and food served on that day just as there would be on the real birthday. I've also heard of other families that celebrate half birthdays with half birthday cakes.

Do you have holiday traditions unique to your family? Share them with us by responding below.