– Ask the Williamsburgers –

Today is Christmas Eve! For many of us, there are many holiday traditions with our families. Today and this year, more than ever, we need to celebrate those traditions and enjoy spending time with our family.

I decided to ask the residents of Williamsburg – What is your family’s holiday tradition?

Here is what a few had to say:

Diana Barroner: Opening up one present on Christmas Eve and it was always a new pair of PJs to wear to bed for Christmas morning. We kind of did the same thing with our kids, too.

Rebecca Miller: We read the account of Christ’s birth in Luke 2, pray, and then open presents, taking time for everyone to enjoy watching the person’s reaction to the presents. We learned early, it’s more fun to see a reaction to the presents. We learned early it’s more fun to see a reaction a present we gave than to get.

Matt and Cassie Roberts: Birthday cake and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Kathy Liebal: Every Christmas Eve, my grandchildren get pajamas and an ornament on the tree and they wear their special pajamas to bed.

Linda Dishong: We have Christmas Eve supper together with our family. After that, we gather in the living room. We gather round as the Christmas story is read. We talk and share, we then begin to open gifts, youngest to oldest. We end the evening by waiting for Santa to come by on the fire truck.

Shirley Kurtz-Flaugh: We spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my daughter, Joleen Willis’ family. We go to her Christmas Eve service and enjoy special music presented by her members prior to the service, participating at times. Paul and I give them gifts afterwards and enjoy goodies and take a family Christmas picture. Christmas Day, the children open their presents from their parents and we have a special breakfast. After relaxation, the Christmas Story is read, Christmas dinner is served with a birthday cake for Jesus for dessert.

Michelle Troxell: We go to church for Christmas Eve service, wait for Santa to drive through town and turn on a Christmas movie or cartoon. Then when it is time for bed we make sure to leave milk and cookies for Santa. (Yes, I am 24 and still put milk and cookies out)

Natalie: For us, we have a special buffet on Christmas Eve and then we pick several board games to play for the evening.