What does Christmas actually mean to your family

What does Christmas actually mean to you?

I mean do you have rituals, meals, annual get togethers?

I know that Christmas is a religious holiday.  Set that aside and think about things.  When I first got married and we had A, my father in law and I hit a brick wall about Christmas.  The first ritual I set for my family is:  We do not go anywhere Christmas day.  Our family members are more than welcome to come to our home.  Christmas day may be one of the last days truly left that you can bond with your children.  It's the one day that their attention can be truly directed to you. 

We have started another tradition of having a big dinner on Christmas eve.  Just us 4. 

And what about incorporating our childhood traditions into married life.  Our biggest issue was gifts from Santa.  Mine were never wrapped, so you knew immediately what was from Santa.  B's were wrapped and said from Santa.  Eventually I won that battle.  There is just something about Christmas that makes me a big sap.  I spend more money than I should.  I spoil our kids.  B gripes at me for both those things.  But every year I do it over and over again.  And I love it.  And normally after she sees the enjoyment on Christmas morning she feels a little better about the money spent. 

Enough of my ramblings.  What this post was really about was the traditions hat you can pass along to your kids.  For all the new and veteran parents reading this, if you don't have one, start one.  And if you have one, please keep it up.  These traditions are some of my favorite days of the year.  And the traditions can be simple.  Even if it is every 23rd you load up and drive around and look at lights.  Just enjoy the time with your kids before you are too lame to be seen with them.  Take care.  Merry Christmas.  Happy Hanukkah.