Traditions are a special way to connect ourselves to one another, whether it be with family or friends. We all have special little things that we do weekly, monthly, and more commonly annually. However, there is one time of the year that tends to come with a little more baggage in the traditions category, and that is, of course, Christmas. Here are my top five Christmas traditions:

• Elf on the Shelf

Starting off pretty basic, I absolutely adore the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. The pure serotonin release I used to feel waking up early in the morning to make sure I was the first one to find our elf is unmatched. Our elf first came to our family in the year 2015. As a family, we all wrote down a name and put it in a hat. We ended up choosing the name that I picked, “Twinkle,” and she’s been a part of my family ever since. Now that I’m older, I still enjoy being able to be a part of the magic of moving her around and letting the rest of my family find Twinkle’s hiding spot of the day.

• Shallotte Christmas Parade

Another common Christmas tradition, which I speak on in an article I helped write called “Christmas Traditions: The Shallotte Christmas Parade,” is always an exciting get-together for the whole family. People line themselves up and down Main Street, while others actually participate in the parade. I have attended the Shallotte Christmas Parade my entire life; whether from the sidelines or in the parade itself, I’ve seen it all. It’s something that people look forward to every year, and I believe it really shows a spirit of not only Christmas but community.

• Myrtle Beach Stay

This is one tradition that is specific to my family, that we have been doing for the last three years. It’s not necessarily Christmas-related, but it always happens right near the holiday, so I think it counts. For the last couple of years, my sister, mom, aunt, baby cousin, and myself have rented a hotel room in Myrtle Beach, typically waterfront, and we stay one night. We all get to choose whatever restaurant we want food from and make trips to all of the restaurants to pick up our to-go orders to bring back to the hotel room. For the rest of the night, we watch movies and build gingerbread houses. Even more exciting is the fact that this year we have two more babies that we get to start the tradition with.

• Secret Santa

Believe it or not, this year has been the first time that I’ve ever participated in a secret Santa, and I managed to be a part of three separate ones this year. I think Secret Santa is such a fun Christmas tradition for anybody to be a part of. The budget makes it possible for most people to participate, and it gives you a chance to give your friend a thoughtful gift in a spiced-up secret way or even get to know people that you may not talk to as much, just a little bit better.

• Christmas Eve Gift

This has been a tradition in my family for years, and as I’ve grown up, I’ve realized there are several other families that also partake in this tradition. Everyone gets excited and anxious as they see the presents piling up under the Christmas tree, and the best part is the guessing game, based on height, weight, and “shake-ability.” So every year, along with others who celebrate Christmas, I always try to guess what it is that’s in the anonymously wrapped gifts under the tree. The solution? Allowing myself, along with the rest of the children in my family, to open one gift on Christmas eve. Whatever gift has intrigued us the most as they have piled up. Some years you really do open something interesting, or others you may just open a safe. (true story), but despite what it is you pick up, it’s always a fun tradition.

No matter what tradition it is that you celebrate, take a step back and remember its importance. Not just the things that someone gives you, but the memories and laughs that come with them. Traditions don’t become long-standing because someone gave you twenty dollars worth of candy, but because of the community and joy that come from it.