Dec. 25. By Jon Show. In the spirit of a holiday season filled with traditions (and to avoid having to work today), we thought it would be fun to start a new tradition around here on Christmas Day. We reached out to a few people around town and asked them to share any unique, special or just plain ‘ol fun traditions they have over the holidays.

The Salzman Family

One of our favorite traditions is our Santa Party. We have lots of fun games, food, and drinks and then Santa (aka Pappy/Jack) makes his appearance. The kids are always really excited because Santa brings his bag full of gifts – one for each child. The preparation is as fun as the party – deciding where to hide the Santa suit, who will help Santa change in and out of his suit, and how we will label all the gifts (many years writing left handed to disguise our handwriting). This tradition started 20 years ago when the grandkids were toddlers. Now as teens and young adults they still talk about it and always ask, “Tell us truthfully, was Santa really just Pappy dressed up in a Santa Suit?” This is the magic of Christmas!

–Robin Salzman is the owner of The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen

The Butler Family

Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my cousin’s house for a tradition we look forward to all year. The night is filled with the smell of great food, the excitement of friendly games, the sound of nonstop laughter, and pajamas. It’s a time when everyone slows down, reconnects, and simply enjoys being together. Surrounded by love and fellowship, we create memories that carry us through the year. This celebration is more than a party—it’s the heart of our holiday season.

–Derek Butler is the athletic director at Hough High school

The Grant Family

When they were younger, my three daughters and I would annually go to the North Carolina mountains to bring home a live tree.  On Christmas Eve, we always go ice skating as a family, and that has continued even as they’ve gotten older and busier.  Another tradition that has endured is we all eat giant hot iced cinnamon rolls while opening presents.

–Andrew Grant is the town manager of Cornelius

The Russell Family

I cannot help thinking of Christmas without getting a little nostalgic about how we all went to both sets of grandparents for Christmas.  It started with dinner at Grandmamma Feemster’s and ended with the Russell’s later in the evening.  For many years I was the first grandchild and they spoiled me rotten! My grandparents are gone now, but nearly every winter I wrap up in a quilt my grandmother stitched for me.  The fabric has thinned in places and the thread’s a little bare. But fifty-five years later, it’s still filled with a grandmother’s love.

–Bill Russell is the President & CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Eric and Olive Casella and Lindsay Martell

Every year on December first, my husband pulls a roll of fabric from a shelf in our closet. This two-foot long piece of felt is an advent calendar crafted by my husband’s grandmother when he was five years old. He unrolls it carefully, so that none of the sequins or glittery thread come loose. Each night, my daughter decides which piece – a bird, snowman, or stocking – should be hung on the tree. On Christmas Eve, she places the very last one on top: a tiny, perfect Santa Claus.

–Lindsay Martell writes the Milling About column in Cornelius Today

The Carney Family

We always enjoys Christmas Eve church service followed by dinner at the in-laws. Once home, it’s milk and cookies for Santa and a Christmas movie before bed – Elf is a family favorite. Christmas morning the kids open presents from Santa, mom and dad, and Chippy – our Elf on the Shelf. I then begin the multi-day toy assembly process while the entire family gathers at our house for more gift-giving, dinner, football, and naps. It’s exhausting, but we love it!

– Rob Carney is a commissioner on the Town Board

The Dunn Family

Each year, our family has a special tradition that brings the past into the present.  At the start of the holiday season, we print Christmas photos from years gone by and display them throughout our home, temporarily replacing our everyday pictures.  It’s a simple way to bring those memories out of hard drives and into our daily lives.  All season long, we find ourselves sharing stories and reliving the moments that made each Christmas meaningful.  It keeps our history merry and bright.

–April Dunn is the finance director of the NC Youth Orchestra