Keeping old traditions and making new memories for the holidays

December is a busy month for our family, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

In addition to attending holiday parties, school music programs and claymation Christmas movies, we also need to squeeze in our family’s favorite seasonal traditions. Here are a few:

CUTTING DOWN A CHRISTMAS TREE

I grew up in a timber town. My dad was a logger when I was a little girl, and my husband worked in forestry for several years. Some might say a fresh Christmas tree is as much about our family’s Northwest heritage as it is about holiday traditions.

I admit: I’m intrigued by artificial trees, which can stay up longer, are more economical in the long run and aren’t as messy.

Plus, I think we could probably trust our dog, Hunter, to not lift his leg on a fake tree.

But I love the look and smell of a real tree, and like that it supports local agriculture.

I sort of enjoy going through the process of getting one, too, even though it usually ends with the children cold and whining while my husband and I argue over the “perfect” tree.

MAKING HOMEMADE TREATS

My husband’s late grandmother and I used to make candy and cookies every year for Christmas baskets. We weren’t afraid to experiment – in fact, our chocolate-covered Ruffles potato chips were fairly well received by family members.

One of my prized possessions is a handwritten copy of Grams’ Peanut Butter Bonbons recipe.

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without those to snack on while we’re playing cards or visiting with family.

Over the years, the kids and I have added our own favorite recipes to the holiday season, including homemade taffy, chocolate-dipped pretzels and frosted sugar cookies.

We usually buy gingerbread house kits, but one of these days I’d love to try baking and designing a one-of-a-kind gingerbread creation.

CHECKING OUT DISPLAYS OF LIGHTS

We always drive through neighborhoods and check out other people’s holiday decorations on our way to various events.

But we’ve found that you can’t beat the wow factor at Pierce County Parks & Recreation’s Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park.

Featuring more than 300 elaborate displays, the two-mile scene is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit.

The park is open 5:30-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1.

For more information, including admission rates, go to co.pierce. wa.us.

GIVING GIFTS WITH A TWIST

Ever since we got married, my husband and I have tried to adopt some type of theme each year for our Christmas gifts.

One year, we gave all of our family members and friends board games and puzzles.

Another year, we celebrated Christmas with locally bought presents, which forced us to put some extra thought into each item because there were no big-box retailers where we lived.

A few years ago, after dozens of our daughter’s toys – including her new Dora the Explorer doll house – were recalled because they contained lead paint, we boycotted items that were made in China. (It turned out to be a lot of work, but we discovered several quality toymakers that year.)

Last year, our goal was simple: Stay in a reasonable budget, shop for sale items and avoid using credit cards.

Our tree had a meager number of presents compared with previous years. Even Santa Claus got the message and only left one big present and a stocking full of goodies for each kiddo.

But the gift of staying out of debt in this economy? That alone was a gift to treasure.

This year, we’re changing things up.

It wasn’t easy, but we skipped the door-buster temptations of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Instead, we’ve been picking up items at bazaars since October, and working on some crafts of our own. The majority of our gifts this year will have a homemade flavor.

We’ve also decided to pick up our store-bought gifts, such as the kids’ toys, at independent, mom-and-pop shops.

It’s not an easy challenge, especially with young kids, but we’re hoping that our strategy will make things a little less stressful and a little more memorable for everybody.

Lisa Pemberton covers education for The Olympian while raising three children. Tell her about your favorite holiday traditions at 360-754-5433 or lpemberton@theolympian.com.