The holidays are a time for traditions—those little rituals and moments that make the season feel uniquely ours. Over the years, I’ve developed my own set of cherished customs, and now, with my husband by my side, we’ve blended our family’s traditions into something special. From eating fish on Christmas Eve to the infamous pickle ornament that’s become a holiday hallmark, these traditions have a special place in my heart.
The Pickle Ornament Tradition
Every year, my husband and I hang a very specific ornament on our Christmas tree—a pickle. It might sound odd to some, but it’s a tradition that he brought into our life, one with roots in his family. According to the tale, whoever finds the pickle ornament on the tree first is said to receive good luck for the coming year, and sometimes even a special gift. Over the years, this quirky ornament has become a fun and competitive part of our holiday celebrations. It’s not just about luck—it’s a moment of joy and laughter as we scramble to spot that little green pickle hidden among the tinsel and lights. Even if it’s a bit silly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the season, and it always brings a smile to my face.
Eating Fish
In my household, the Christmas Eve dinner is not complete without a very specific meal—fish. This tradition comes from my Ukrainian heritage, where the meal is centered around fish and other meatless dishes, honoring the religious customs of fasting before Christmas Day. But I do have to admit that we cheat a little bit and after 10:00pm we eat our “midnight snack” which does have ham.
My uncles will go ice fishing so we have freshly caught fish to eat that night. And for the more picky eaters, fish sticks are served. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of fish so I prefer to eat borsht and perogies instead and stay far away from the pickled herring that always seems to make an appearance.
Singing Christmas Songs (and Being Made Fun Of by My Brother)
No holiday is complete without a good ol’ sing-along, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a Christmas carol enthusiast. From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” you’ll find me belting out all the classics. The problem? Well, my brother seems to find great amusement in poking fun at my love for holiday tunes. Every year, without fail, I get teased for my earnestness as I sing my heart out. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Christmas BINGO
One of the most eagerly anticipated holiday traditions in our family is the annual Christmas Bingo game. It’s simple, fun, and a perfect way to bring everyone together, no matter how busy the season gets. And we all get a bit too competitive with it, even though its pretty much all luck.
Watching Love, Actually
One of my husband’s family’s most treasured holiday traditions is watching Love, Actually. Every year, without fail, this movie brings everyone together, and without fail, it always makes his mom burst into tears. It’s a moment that we all look forward to—seeing her wipe away a tear or two . The holidays truly wouldn’t feel complete without it.
Happy Holidays! 🎄
What are some of your families holiday traditions?
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