The holiday season is a time for traditions, big and small, that warm our hearts and bring us closer to those we love. This year, we asked Today’s Woman readers to share their favorite holiday traditions—the moments they cherish and the memories they create with family and friends. From cozy nights with hot cocoa to festive gatherings with tamales and cocktails, your responses reminded us that the holidays are as much about togetherness as they are about the traditions themselves.
Helen
We have a family gingerbread house making day!
Jessica
Cookie decorating, mugs of hot cocoa, and watching The Polar Express. For years, Light Up Louisville has been a family favorite. On Christmas Eve, we sprinkle “magic reindeer food” on the lawn before bedtime stories.
Claire
Driving around looking for Christmas lights! We always visit the Mega Caverns with friends, look for new holiday markets, or finding any reason to stay out and create memories.
Miss Hattie
Thanksgiving at my home is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of family as we gather around the table to enjoy recipes handed down through generations. Before we eat, we hold hands and thank God for our blessings.
Vanessa
I host a “Christmas Cocktail Party” for my closest friends. We exchange silly white elephant gifts (under $20, of course), and celebrate the season together.
Sophia
We spend most of December at our grandma’s house. We gather in her kitchen to make tamales for Christmas Eve dinner. Our newest tradition is I make it a point to take my little cousins ice skating before Christmas.
Edna
When I was a little girl, Christmas was simple but magical. We’d go caroling with neighbors, singing in the freezing cold. I remember stringing popcorn garlands on the tree and we always had a fire going. Those were the happiest times, all of us together, laughing and sharing stories.
