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8 Favorite Christmas traditions for men

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Theresa Civantos Barber - published on 12/10/22
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What are Catholic men's favorite Christmastime traditions? The answers are a little surprising and so very heartwarming!

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It’s refreshing to see something beloved and familiar from a different perspective, so this year, I wanted to find out what the men in my life love most about Christmas. 

I asked my husband, dad, brother, and my husband's friends what their favorite Christmas traditions are.

Their answers were a little surprising -- and very heartwarming!

Hiking through the woods to chop down a tree

You can’t beat the frosty woods and some hands-on work to bring home the perfect tree!

Decorating the tree with your family 

This occasion feels so festive, and it’s always sweet seeing handmade ornaments from Christmases gone by.

That moment when you turn on the outside lights for the first time

No one really loves putting up the outside Christmas lights. But that moment when you light up the finished display for the first time? Pure magic.

Driving around to look at Christmas lights

A Christmas lights drive is a simple tradition but feels so special! It gets dark so early this time of year that you can do this sweet tradition without keeping the kids up past bedtime.

Going to Vigil Mass

Yes, it’s a little wild taking little ones to Midnight Mass, but it's also really magical. After all, it’s only once a year, and it’s a memory that will stick with them, and with you. And with any luck, at least a few will fall asleep in the pew!

Assembling toys at 1 a.m.

I was surprised by this one, thinking that it doesn’t sound like a very fun tradition. But my dad says he’s nostalgic for those late Christmas Eve nights now that all his kids are grown up and out of the house. That really gives me a more appreciative perspective on all the Christmas prep!

Sledding and having hot chocolate afterwards

If you live somewhere cold and snowy, a special day sledding with the kids is such a fun way to make the most of the season.

Listening to Christmas music and reading Christmas books to the kids

‘Tis the season, after all, and there are so many beautiful books and songs to enjoy. 

Here’s to savoring every day of this special season!

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