My family has a few traditions that are super special and dear to our hearts. Growing up we enjoyed the time spent together tree hunting, decorating, and watching ABC's 25 Days of Christmas. As we've gotten older and distance has come between us all, it has become harder for us to enjoy these special memories. Nevertheless, no matter how old your family gets or how far apart you live from each other, here are some awesome family traditions that you should adopt for your household!

1. 25 Days of Christmas Movies

I still remember eating dinner in our living room in my pjs watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer","The Santa Claus", and "Polar Express." These nights included popcorn, hot cocoa, and love.

2. Elf on a Shelf

Here's a tradition that I haven't experienced personally but I just adore seeing families post pictures of their elf doing silly things to entertain their small children. If you have a youngster, this tradition is one that you should pick up this year; it's not too late!

3. Black Friday

Ahhh, the dreaded Black Friday, or rather, Thursday night. You've just said grace, thanking God for all the blessings that he has bestowed upon you; now it's time to tackle people on the way to the TVs. I've always been a little cynical about Black Friday because it keeps pushing further and further into Thanksgiving, but then I realize that some families use this as a tool to bond. I know that I have a ton of fun getting a great deal on something on any other day (like Cyber Monday from the comfort of my own bed), so who wouldn't want to share this feeling with a loved one. Make it a tradition.

4. Christmas Lights

You know the one; it's the neighborhood that is literally... lit. The neighborhood near my childhood church always has beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. It's such a wonderful escape. You feel like you are driving through an alternate world, magical.

5. Christmas Tree Hunting

This is my favorite family tradition. Our family has not missed a single year gathering at the tree farm; we didn't even miss the year of hurricane Ivan when all the trees were bare. There is something special about getting on the back of the pickup and searching for the perfect, plump pine.

6. Decorating

Once you find the perfect tree, it's time to throw some tinsel, and make it rain! I know that there are parents out there right now denying their kid the opportunity to decorating the tree because of perfect ornament placement disorder. Stop that. Let that baby put five ornaments in one area, and leave a bald spot in another. Traditions.

7. Family Ornaments

Since I can remember we have always had a new family Christmas ornament each year. When we were babies, we of course had the "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments and special event ornaments. Flash forward to now, we have special ornaments like engagements, marriages, new homes, and fur babies. Our family has grown, so now everything is even more special.