My sister and I would eagerly await the Christmas Parade at the Wood County Courthouse. Santa would give us a bag with an apple, an orange and the biggest Three Musketeers bar you had ever seen. The gifts would be delivered from the back of a bright red fire truck. It was just a little something to get us ready for the big presents to come the next day. One of our newer traditions has been to eat tamales for lunch on Christmas day.
Many countries also have traditions that are unique to their culture.
Some of the traditions include potato cakes from Israel, Swedish Christmas sausage, and mushroom pockets from Poland. Recipes from each country can be found at this site. Another fun tradition comes from Mexico. Children leave their shoes outside, filled with straw. The straw is for the camels and the Kings leave presents in return.