what is your odd Christmas tradition?

Well...judging by the traffic, it's normal to a lot of people in my hometown! We drive to a neighborhood called Lantern Park to see the lanterns that are put out on Christmas Eve. The whole neighborhood participates so it's a neat effect. Most of the houses are decorated too. My parents did it with me when I was a child and now I take my kids.

fireworks are a momentous tradition here in Dominican Republic. Children and adults love shooting off cohetes y petardos/ rockets and firecrackers of all types. Hospitals are especially busy mending burnt and mangled fingers of people that get a bit carried away with the fireworks. There are stands all over the country selling these festive and dangerous toys to light the sky or to make a big bang . In this way the season is celebrated with a bang!

Most businesses come to a close around 6 PM on Christmas Eve, some not opening at all on this day. This gives families time to get together for the big celebration of food and drink. In most tourist areas businesses are open, but I wouldn't count on it. It's best to have what you need before this day just to be on the safe side.

The main celebration happens on Noche Buena/ Christmas Eve (December 24th) This is when the big family dinners are held and people really get some substantial celebrating. Most people return to their home towns in order to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Not to mention, most Dominicans love their mothers or aunts cooking so the must return home to enjoy the feast that is prepared. This family gathering is the center of the holiday festivity. December 25th is just a day to recuperate

As a traditional token of Christmas cheer, most employees receive an extra months pay in December, and so have a little extra cash on hand. This is called Double Sueldo, a Christmas bonus Dominican style. It is about the same as a months pay and helps to make Christmas holidays a more lighthearted time

The more religious people usually go to church for the Christmas Eve service. This service called La Misa del Gall. It is a Midnight Mass traditional type service. There is also a mass on Christmas Day usually held at 12 noon for those who didn't make it to the Midnight mass or for those that like to go to both. This way one can get a little rest in between.

My extended family practices the Pagan ritual of Yule. Its held on the solstice, (the 21st) so it's a little too late now, but its always a good idea for another year. do a bit of research on it, its a bit like a new years resoultion, but different. Have fun and Merry Christmas.

We don't have a fire place for Santa to come down so every Christmas Eve before we go to bed my girls hang a key on the front porch so Santa can get in the house and leave their presents.

lol my family always has the train set under the tree and my parents would hide the rain cars around the house and me and my brother would have to look for them :)