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You Tell Us: What Holiday Traditions or Rituals Have You Started?

We asked real moms and dads how they make the holidays special for their families. (16 Photos)

Erika Rasmusson Janes on Dec 6, 2012 at 10:47AM

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You Tell Us: What Holiday Traditions or Rituals Have You Started?

courtesy of Jennifer

Rise and Shine

I grew up with a Christmas tradition that stockings were put at the end of our beds. I vividly remember moving my foot as I was awakening, and feeling that the big man in the red suit had come. My brothers and I were allowed to open the stocking gifts (mandarin orange, toys, candy) and play and eat until we were allowed to go in and wake up our parents -- at 8:30 a.m., believe it or not. I tried this for the very first time with my own girls (an early riser and an overly excited Santa gift receiver) last year. I awoke to a light on under one of the doors, so I crept over with the camcorder I had set up and started to watch as they unwrapped little things together. It was so cute! Then I happened to see the clock: It was 1:30 a.m. Not so cute! -- Jennifer