Traditions are as unique as the families who enjoy them. Whether you prefer silly or serious, free or fancy, check out this list of ideas to find something that fits your family’s interests. Most importantly, enjoy spending the holidays together.

Parade Around Town: Gather the family and march, step or strut to a local Christmas parade. Choose one in your hometown, or attend several. Local Opportunities: Local Opportunities: Opelika Parade- November 30 at 4:00pm, Alexander City Parade- December 5 at 6:00pm, and Auburn Parade- December 10 at 10:00am.

Santa’s Sneaky Helper: Santa’s elves work in mysterious ways, even providing an opportunity for a family tradition. When a sneaky elf appears in your home after Thanksgiving, he will keep an eye on your kids to see who is naughty and who is nice. Each night, he reports to Santa and returns to your home to hide in a new location. Kids will love searching for his hiding spot each morning. Speculating over his nightly adventures also provides opportunity for conversation between parents and kids. More Information: Check out these websites to learn how you can invite an elf into your home: elf-magic.com, elfontheshelf.com and santaschristmaself.com.

Culture For All: Splurge once a year on a cultural event that will create an anticipated family tradition. An annual show is a great way to support your local performers and artists without breaking the bank. Plus, your family will be exposed to an educational, entertaining event. For an extra-special outing, get dress up and head out to a fancy meal before or after the show. Local Opportunities: East Alabama Community Ballet presents The Nutcracker (eacballet.com), Bluegrass Christmas Concert Sponsored by Transformations Life Center (transformationslifecenter.org), and Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art offers Saturday Art Club ‘Holiday Wish Lists’ (jcsm.auburn.edu).

Reindeer Vittles: Attract Santa to your house by sprinkling reindeer food on the lawn on Christmas Eve. The sparkling food is made from three ingredients, and the recipe is so simple that young children can easily assist in the kitchen. Kids will enjoy sprinkling the all-food concoction on the lawn year after year. More Information: For a kid-friendly, environment-friendly recipe, visit dltk-holidays.com.

Give Hope: The holidays are not always a happy time. Some people in the community are struggling to make ends meet. Teach your child a valuable lesson, and establish a family tradition by donating to those in need (and maybe not just at Christmas). Local Opportunities: Food Bank of East Alabama (foodbankofeastalabama.com), Lifesavers Mission Thrift Store (887-5433), and Toys For Tots sponsored by The Auburn Dept of Public Safety (501-3129). For a comprehensive listing of year-round volunteer opportunities in our area, visit 1-800-volunteer.org.

Santa Snacks: Select a special plate or mug and prepare Santa a treat that will give him energy to continue on his Christmas route. Let your kids choose exactly what foods are Santa-worthy and allow them to set up his snack on a special table or other designated spot in your home. They will love the tradition, and Santa will appreciate it, too. Fun Idea: Visit a paint-your-own-pottery studio to create a one-of-a-kind plate that is specifically for Santa’s snacks.

Faithful Following: Religious events and special church services take place throughout the holiday season. From handbell concerts to holiday pageants and live nativities, there are spiritual activities for families of all faiths. Local Opportunity: Christmas Concert at Auburn United Methodist Church (aumc.net) and Wetumpka’s Progressive Nativity and Luminaria (wetumpkachamber.com). Also, an Eclectic Christmas offers a walking tour with live outdoor drama to help you experience Christ this season. Visit www.fbceclectic.org/#/eclectic-christmas for more information.

Tree Trimmings: Crank up the Christmas music, make hot chocolate and get busy trimming the tree! Choose a time when all family members can participate. Pull the tree out of storage, or choose a fresh fir, and decorate together. Fun Idea: Decorate the tree on the same day each year. As you hang ornaments, talk about what each one means to you.

Oodles of Lights: Christmas lights make the season sparkle. Visit the same display each year or find new locations to light up your holiday. Local Opportunity: The Montgomery Zoo’s 20th Annual Christmas Light Festival (montgomeryal.gov) and Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens (callaway.com).

Group Gift Wrap: Don’t let gift-wrapping duties overwhelm you this year. Instead, gather your family, divvy up responsibilities and get busy. Even toddlers can participate. Fun Idea: Let the little ones operate the tape dispenser, stick bows on boxes and arrange wrapped gifts under the tree. Ask older kids to write names on gift cards and place items in boxes and bags.

See Stars: Darkness falls early in December, offering a great opportunity to view the night sky without wreaking havoc on bedtime. Find a dark spot on a clear night and snuggle down for an impressive view. Local Opportunity: For a warmer experience, try “Tis The Season” presented at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium (montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium).

Movie Moments: Escape from the constant demands of the holidays with a bowl of popcorn in your lap and a Christmas classic on the television. From The Christmas Story to The Polar Express there is an option for everyone. Fun Idea: Get into your warm winter jammies, make a giant pallet in the floor and snuggle up for some uninterrupted family time.

Routine Readings: Create a lasting tradition by reading together. Gather the family around for a single picture book, or enjoy a chapter book that will provide a daily activity. Fun Idea: Read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol during the month of December or choose Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore for a Christmas Eve treat.

Julie Steed lives in Prattville and enjoys many of the Christmas traditions mentioned in this article.