Sure, Christmas dinners and parties are fabulous, and we love the gifts, the warm feelings, and holiday cheer. But one of my favorite traditions isn't putting up a tree or baking gingerbread or even eating holiday foods (shocker, if you know me). No, my favorite tradition is on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It's practically another holiday for me and my mom.

See, the day after Christmas, all of these stores have so many products that they are overstocked on and they need it make room for the new products for the upcoming year that they reduce the prices. I'm not talking 25% off sales, I'm talking being able to buy eight of something for the price of one. This day is my family's version of Black Friday. Mom and I get up way before the sun, dress in our warmest layers, and head out with our list of stores. We pick out Christmas decorations and things we may use year-round. There's no telling what you might find the day after Christmas.

Think about it - you could get that pair of boots you've been drooling over since they came out at the beginning of the season for a fraction of the cost. That saves you money for more boots! Or, what if you didn't get that one thing you really really wanted for Christmas (i.e. Beats, a tablet, MAC holiday sets)? Odds are, either that item is on sale or the store is having an over-all sale. Either way, you save big and get what you wanted anyway.

It seems like a lot of people forget about the day after Christmas sales, and I guess it's for good reason. They spend the day with their families, still in the holiday-happiness bubble that Christmas can put you in. It really is a time for family. That's why I like this day to spend bonding with my mom. We've been doing it since I was little, and it's a fun way to save money for the year.

So however you spend Christmas, and whatever your traditions may be, take pride in them. It used to just be something mom and I did, until I realized that hitting the sales on this particular day was another day she and I get to talk, laugh, and connect throughout the day. It isn't your usual tradition, but we love it. We've made December 26th own little holiday, and it's one of my favorites.