Traditions are a big part of our identity, especially during the holidays when we practice the rituals of our respective cultures, religions and communities. We adhere to family recipes, sing favorite songs and share stories in observance of the holiday.
We also create new traditions like watching favorite Christmas movies, wearing ugly sweaters or moving an all-knowing elf around the house to keep children in line.
There is something meaningful in upholding traditions year after year. According to Google Trends the most popular Christmas tradition in Illinois is attending tree lighting ceremonies. But there are many more Illinois Christmas traditions of note, like:
When it comes to traditions, one thing that can’t be ignored is the profound link between tradition and storytelling. Sharing stories about ornaments, recipes and holidays past cements the bonds between past and present and ensures future generations carry on the traditions.
We also create new traditions like watching favorite Christmas movies, wearing ugly sweaters or moving an all-knowing elf around the house to keep children in line.
There is something meaningful in upholding traditions year after year. According to Google Trends the most popular Christmas tradition in Illinois is attending tree lighting ceremonies. But there are many more Illinois Christmas traditions of note, like:
- Participating in white elephant game where players swap and “steal” gifts from each other
- Wearing “ugly” Christmas sweaters
- Personalizing Christmas stockings
- Using an Advent calendar to countdown the days until Christmas
- Making Elf on the Shelf a holiday roommate
- Hiding a pickle ornament in a Christmas tree to ensure good fortune for the person who finds it
- Matching holiday pajamas for the whole family, even the pets
- Photo Christmas cards and letters
- Building gingerbread houses
- Secret Santa exchanges
- Decorating house with lights
- Viewing holiday lights
- Baking cookies
- Looking at department store windows
- Singing Christmas carols
- Participating or watching Christmas pageants and programs
- Lighting the Menorah
- Playing dreidel
- Giving out gelt (coins, real or chocolate)
- Singing Hanukkah songs
- Cooking food in oil to commemorate the miracle of lamp oil lasting eight days, Latkes and donuts are often favorites.
- Eating dairy to celebrate the heroism of Judith, the slayer of general Holofernes
- Exchanging small gifts
When it comes to traditions, one thing that can’t be ignored is the profound link between tradition and storytelling. Sharing stories about ornaments, recipes and holidays past cements the bonds between past and present and ensures future generations carry on the traditions.