By Maddie Remund
Black Hills families share the traditions, recipes, movies, and moments that make the holidays feel like home.
Maybe you’ve celebrated Christmas the same way for years – gathering at Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve, having dinner, and opening presents one by one in the living room watching your younger brother beg to open another one as he waits impatiently. Oops, that’s probably just my family.
But that’s the magic of holiday traditions: they don’t look the same from one family to the next. Maybe yours involves a particular recipe that only makes an appearance in December, a Christmas movie that everyone can quote by heart, or a search for a new ornament to put on the tree each year. Whatever the tradition, there are the little things that make the holidays yours.
The Rickey Family
Favorite holiday tradition(s): Going out into the hills, finding a Christmas tree, and celebrating with hot mocha drinks and a picnic.
Favorite holiday goodie: Reindeer Chow. It’s puppy chow with the addition of holiday-themed treats, like tree-shaped pretzels or Christmas M&M’s.
Must-watch Christmas movie: It’s a Wonderful Life.
What makes the holiday season special to you and your family? Focusing on Jesus and keeping the reminder for everyone that He is the reason for the season. Also, being together with family.
The Dvoracek Family
Favorite holiday tradition(s): Making homemade hot cider, cutting down a Christmas tree in the hills, and riding the 1880 Train Holiday Express.
Favorite holiday goodie: Pecan cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, bonus points if they’re served with eggnog.
Must-watch Christmas movie(s): Elf, Christmas Vacation, and Jingle Jangle.
One piece of holiday advice for other families: Shut your phones off and enjoy the family.
The Schmalz Family
Favorite holiday tradition(s): Going Christmas tree hunting in the Black Hills and then letting each of the kids pick out an ornament at Christmas Village that represents the year they had.
Favorite holiday goodie: Reindeer Noses
Recipe: Pretzel rings with a Hershey’s Hug placed in the middle. Pop it in the oven for about 5 minutes and pull it out once it’s just barely melted. Push an M&M on top and let it cool in the fridge.
Must-watch Christmas movie(s): The Star, Elf, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
What is your family’s unofficial holiday rule? All the kids get something they need, something they want, something to read, and something to wear. Bonus if there is a shareable gift for everyone to enjoy!