Last year I enlisted the help of some friends to put together a list of favorite holiday movies. This year I figured I’d do something similar, but instead of movies, I’m talking all about favorite holiday memories. I already shared with you my memories of organizing holiday cards with my mom, and starting new Christmas traditions with Bryan, but today I’m sharing a few more. I hope you enjoy.

1. One of my favorite holiday memories is trying to peek downstairs with my sister Tara on Christmas morning. We’d have to wake our mom and dad up first, but while my dad was busy getting his camcorder ready, we’d get a first look. Tara would lie on her stomach at the top of the steps with her head toward the bottom of the steps. I would hold her feet so she wouldn’t slide down. She’d report back to me about all of our presents under the tree and in our stockings. 

2. Another favorite memory is going to my Grandmom’s house for dinner on Christmas night. My entire family would be there. Before dinner, my cousins and I would put on a play for my family. One year we taped cotton balls on my cousin Stephen’s face because he was supposed to be Santa. The rest of us would be elves, Mrs. Claus or reindeer. Everyone laughed at our crazy costumes – except Stephen when we had to take the cotton balls off. 

1. Going to my grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve each year when I was little. We always had a silly meal of Chop Suey because my grandmother was NOT a cook, and throughout the whole meal my brothers and I were just so anxious to open the doors to the living room and see all the presents they spoiled us with. Opening presents with my grandparents was my favorite! (Clare @ Fitting It All In) 

2. Every Christmas Eve, after dinner, my older sisters and I would go to Dunkin Donuts and each get a hot chocolate and drive all over town looking at different neighborhood lights to see who has the best! Followed by coming home and sitting in front of the fire place. It always seems so magical to me. It’s one of my favorite memories! I still love driving around and looking at lights. (Cait @ Piece of Cait) 

3. Walking down the steps on Christmas morning with my sister Nicole is a favorite holiday memory of mine. (Tara K. – my sister!)

4. Baking cookies with my mom and sister for sure is a favorite holiday memory. Every year. Dozens and dozens. Late nights and so much fun. Another favorite memory was always going to a christmas show with my Grandma and her friends. (Rebecca B.)

5. My favorite memory would have to be Christmas Eve at my uncles! We would do all the traditional 7 Italian fishes. But what I loved the most was the ride home with my parents, grandmother and sisters. We would take all back roads home and look at all the Christmas lights. (Chelsea O.)

6. Last year while celebrating Christmas with my extended family my then 10 month old took her first steps. It was perfect, all dressed up and in front of so many people who love her. (Sarah @ Creative Ramblings)

7. The first year my sister brought her now husband to our house for Christmas, my mom tried to make a roast in this QVC rotisserie oven she got and it caught on fire. He came back every year since and married my sister. (Krissie @ Philly Nerd Girl)

8. I used to love going to Christmas brunch at my Grandmom’s (Mimi). She’d have all sorts of delicious breakfast foods and treats. And she would always let my brother and I open one present before eating, even though we were supposed to wait till afterwards. Mimi always, and still does, get the best presents. She’s a loyal QVC and HSN fan and we would get the most unique things such as a didgeridoo or a rapping marionette doll. We no longer have brunch on Christmas but we still all get together around the holidays and we always have a lot of fun and laughs. (Bridgett B.)

9. A fav memory/ tradition was when my Grandmom gave me her all her old classic ornaments (Christmas balls) that she used when she was growing up and used for her kids (my mom and aunts/uncle) . It was special they got passed on to me, and we put them on our tree every year. They are our favorite ornaments! They don’t make them like that anymore. (Lauren T.)

10. I couldn’t have been more than four years old, waking up super early and coming downstairs and seeing that Santa had brought me the Barbie cruise ship with working (human sized!) blender. I used the blender so much – usually really early in the mornings on the weekends – that my mom had to take it away from me. (Leslee @ Her Happy Balance)

Talk to Me

• What are your favorite holiday memories?
• What traditions make your family unique?