The holiday season often conjures images of flickering lights, bustling shopping centers, and carols drifting through the air. Yet, nestled amidst these familiar scenes are some truly untraditional holiday traditions that make the season unique for many NPR listeners. Over the years, people have shared an intriguing array of non-traditional celebrations, each with its own quirky charm.
Quirky Family Hanukkah Themes
For Danniell Nadiv from Cincinnati, Hanukkah becomes a creative journey, with each night marked by a different theme. One evening might see the family nestled in a cozy bookstore for "book night," while another has them learning about and donating to a chosen organization. Every night culminates in lighting the menorah, a luminous reminder of the holiday’s heart.
Mustaches and Memories
In Portland, Oregon, Crystal Hasan’s family has embraced playful silliness in their Christmas tradition. After her grandmother’s passing in 2014, they began wearing absurd mustaches during dinner—a nod to her sense of humor and a way to keep her spirit close. This whimsical practice, where even dogs participate, is now a staple of their holiday gatherings.
Candy Canes on the Move
For Steve and Sarah Fisher, the joy of Christmas comes alive as they dress as Santa and an elf, spreading cheer around North Granby, Connecticut, with candy canes. Initially a simple act involving just a red shirt and hat, this tradition has evolved into a full-fledged event complete with custom-made costumes, bringing smiles to all they meet each Christmas Eve.
Blood Donation in Gainesville
In Gainesville, Florida, Katrina Zinger’s family turns Christmas Eve into a day of giving by donating blood together. This tradition, attended by both donors and little supporters like her 2-year-old niece, has an added layer of friendly competition to see who can donate fastest or has the highest iron level. It’s a unique blend of giving and gamification.
A Nod to Simplicity
Coleen Bremner from Washington, D.C., keeps alive a tradition from the Great Depression era, where her family finds joy in simplicity. Each Christmas, she can expect to find an orange and a can of olives in her stocking, a tradition symbolizing luxury during hard times—one that has been passed down through generations.
Singing and Sharing in Petersburg
In Petersburg, Alaska, Sue Paulsen pays homage to her mother’s legacy by writing and singing original parodies during the holiday season. These songs, filled with local flair and gentle humor, have become a treasured community tradition, celebrated in the cozy, small-town atmosphere of their fishing village.
Gaming Holiday with Mario Party
Shelly Sours from Frontenac, Kansas, celebrates New Year’s Eve with her family through an annual Mario Party gaming session. Launched in 2005 when her son was just four, the tradition endears itself to them so much that her sons, now in their twenties, still return home for the festivities, eagerly hoping for a win.
A Festive Movie Feast
For Cheryl Beese in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the love for classic films fuels a nostalgic Christmas tradition. Her family gathers to enjoy "A Christmas Story," complete with a dinner of meat loaf and mashed potatoes, reflecting the movie’s iconic menu. The evening is filled with laughter and fond quotes, making for a memorable re-enactment of scenes from the beloved film.
