Every family has their own holiday traditions... yankee swaps, eggnog, cookies and milk for Santa, it's astonishing that homes on the outside can look so quiet, but inside they are filled with life, laughter and most importantly, a whole lot of love. Learning about traditions and favorite memories can tell a lot about a person's values. I asked some of my closest friends what their favorite traditions are, here are a few:

1. "Annual Christmas Eve parties and wearing feety pajamas to open presents on Christmas morning" - Casey

2. "My Grandparents used to live in this huge old house in Westfield, I remember one Christmas they had like 30 family and friends over and it was a ton of fun. My brother and I got to hang out with our cousins that we never see. And my Grandparents had just got a new puppy so that was a pretty fun time. I must have been around 8." - Graham

3. "Does drinking count? Kidding, my family does yankee swap for xmas every year, thats my favorite. I don't know how many other people do that." - Chad

4. "I like celebrating the Fest of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, watching 'Christmas Vacation' with my whole family, roast beef Christmas Day Feast and my family's Christmas Night Party with family and friends -- we laugh, play games and have some good drinks. It's something to look forward to after the day's over." - Mike

5. "Christmas has always been about family. Every Christmas Eve my Uncle has allll of the relatives over. Everyone comes from all over MA, RI, NH and even Cali to come in to be with the family. There's an absurd amount of delicious food and drinks. One really good memory was one year my Grandparents had to stay in Boston because my Grandpa had open heart surgery. Family is everything to them and that's really the only time all the cousins are in one place and they were the happiest people in the world that night being able to spend Christmas with the whole family." - James

6. "After my xmas eve party, my family goes home and we actually open our 'Santa' gifts on Christmas Eve." - Anthony

7. "Christmas Eve family party of course!" - Brad

8. "Mine is probably a) making cider and decoding the Christmas tree while we watch the grinch or b) decorating gingerbread cookies with my cousin on my Mom's side... Wait I love when my Aunt makes reindeer dust to sprinkle on the front lawn! That's definitely my favorite." - Denise

9. "That's a tough one. Probably having Christmas with my grandma after I hadn't seen her in 7 years." - Matheus

10. "Every year on my moms side of the family, we go to my grandparents house. We can it 'Nanny's Santa Party'. All the family and family friends come and Santa shows up and gives everyone a small gift. The funny thing is that all the kids, even though we're all 20+ years old now, still have to sit on Santa's lap and get a gift." - Max

11. "Every year, I decorate the tree while my mom puts a kettle on for tea. We listen to Christmas music and just spend time together." - Nikki

12. "My favorite is Christmas Eve dinner with fish, lots of food, family and fun. That is Christmas to me." - Sue

13. "We always wear pajamas, beer pong tournaments, board games, and mimosas in the morning of course." - Audrey

However you celebrate the holiday season, I hope it's filled with endless amounts love and laughter. Happy Holidays!