What are you doing for Christmas Eve?
By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor
What do you do every year, without fail, on Christmas?
For many children, it's just the same as many of us remember from our childhoods - family gatherings, church, carols, the tree, food, games and, of course, presents.
Each year, The Compass asks children, in fifth grade and under, to take part in our "Just for Kids" Christmas essay project. In this 18th year of the project, we asked children to write about Christmas Eve traditions.
We heard from 307 children - both individuals and students in Catholic schools and religious education programs across the diocese - about Christmas Eve (and Day) in their families. A total of 27 classes took part in the essay project.
(Some spelling creativity was left in place for authenticity.)
For every Christmas we have a special supper. We have all kinds of cheeses. My family has oyster stew which is my dad's family tradition. We have shrimp chowder which is my mom's family tradition. The dining room is very festive. It's a special time because it's just my regular family. - Grace Jankowski, Neenah, age 8, St. Mary Parish, Greenville.
Christmas is a special time of year because of two important things: Jesus' birthday and family spending special time together attending Christmas Eve mass and later having a wonderful meal. Our meal ends with a special treat, a birthday cake for Jesus, the reason for this special time of year. - Dan Malcore, age 10, St. Francis/St. Mary Parish, Luxemburg.
At the beginning of Advent we have the stable up but it is empty. During Advent the Kings travel around the house. Closer to Christmas, the animals fill the stable. On Christmas Eve we put the Holy Family in. This is special because I can see the Christmas story happen. - Jessica Dickhut, age 10, St. Bernard Parish, Appleton
On Christmas Eve night, we go to mass. Afterwards we have cookies and egg nog and we sit by the fire place. We listen to Christmas carols. I go to bed. Santa brings me presents and we open presents in the morning. Christmas is important because you share things. - Sarah Angiulli, age 5, Appleton, Holy Spirit School
Hi, I am Emily. My family goes to Wausau on Christmas Eve. The next day is Christmas day. We celebrate the day when Jesus was born. - Emily Pingel, grade 2, Neenah, St. Gabriel
On Christmas Eve my family always goes to church; then we come home to have dinner, play Christmas charades and my sisters and I put on a dance for my parents. Before bed we put our baby Jesus' in their crib. Then all of us go to bed and hope for presents from Santa. - Catherine Schaupp, age 10, Resurrection Parish, Green Bay
On every Christmas Eve me and my three sisters put the four Baby Jesus in the stable cribs while we sing Silent Night. We put on a show for my grandmas, grandpas and parents. We always go to church and put the presents from the giving tree under the tree at church. - Caroline Schaupp, age 7, Resurrection Parish, Green Bay
On Christmas Eve my family has many traditions. One of them is that we always have our grandparents over and we make up a skit or do a dance to a song. We also put baby Jesus in the manger in our nativity sets. Those are our Christmas Eve traditions. - Elizabeth Schaupp, age 5, Resurrection Parish, Green Bay
Holy Rosary, New Holstein,
grade 1
Christmas Day is special because Jesus was born on that day. I also get to open my presents in the morning. Then we all go to grandma and grandpa's house for more presents. Grandma makes a big dinner with ice cream for dessert. Then we all go back home. - Lilly Feider
Christmas Eve is special for me because everyone is waiting for Santa to come. We get all dressed up and go to church. We celebrate Jesus's birthday. The next morning, after breakfast, we open all of our presents. After that, we go to grandma and grandpa's house for dinner. - Jacob Ramaker
Christmas Day is special to me because Jesus was born that day. It is also the day that Santa leaves lots of presents. Before breakfast we can open all our presents. - Mick Cash
Christmas Day is very special for me because I get to open my presents. Then Mom and Dad fix us a big breakfast. After that, we all go to church, because it is the day that Jesus was born. - Casey Schmitz
Christmas Day is very special to me. First thing in the morning, the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree. Each one of us has a pile of presents that Santa brought for us. Then we start ripping them open. After that, dad makes a big breakfast for everyone. During the afternoon, we go to grandpa and grandma's house for a delicious meal. - Trevin Nelson
On Christmas Eve my cousins and I play at grandma's house. We play on the swing set. Next we open all our presents. I want a baby named Cloe. Then we all have dinner. - Emily Williams
Christmas Eve is my favorite because my family goes to church. It is Jesus's birthday. My mom reads the bible to the family. After that we open our gifts from dad and mom. The next day we all go to grandma's house. - Zachary Schmitz
St. John, Little Chute,
grade 5, Mr. West
We go to church on Christmas Eve so we can spend Christmas Day with our family. On Christmas Day we open presents from Santa with Mom, Dad and brother. After breakfast we go to our cousin's house for dinner and to open up gifts. We go home and watch t.v. together. - Ryan Van Lankvelt
The first thing I do every Christmas morning is open up my presents that Santa brought for me. Then I go to church to celebrate what Christmas is really about, Jesus' birthday. After church I go to my Grandpa Jack's house for lunch. Next, I head to my Grandma and Grandpa Berghuis' house, where we eat again. I love Christmas! - Katie Kramer
On Christmas Eve I go to my Grandma's and eat, and then she gives us a present. On Christmas I go to my other Grandmas. My Grandma's brothers, my Dad and my brother play their guitars. Everyone sings and eats, and we always have a fun time!!!!! - Molly Schepp
On Christmas Eve, we go to Aunt Mary's house for a huge meal. Then, on Christmas morning, grandma and grandpa come over and watch us open presents. After church, we go home for awhile and then to grandma and grandpa's house for exchange gifts. Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday! - Matthew Maley
Every year for Christmas I go to my Grandmother's house. We have lots of fun. My cousins come to her house too. We play then eat and then open presents. My Grandmother always gives us expensive toys so we thank her a lot. Then the next day we eat breakfast there. - Chase Hawley
For Christmas my family gets together. When all the relatives get to my grandma's house we eat supper. When we are done eating, we open the presents we get from my grandma, my grandpa, my godfather, and my godmother. I like all the presents. - Troy Solberg
On Christmas we go to my grandparents house and have a great meal! Then, we open presents. Next, we visit my cousins and tell them what we got from Santa. Finally, we go tree hopping and get to see every ones Christmas tree and decorations. We have a GREAT time! - Jodi De Bruin
Every year we go to my cottage with my cousins. Last year my Aunt gave me and my brother paintball guns. My Grandma puts money in peanut shells that we crack open. We put pie pans on trees and shoot them with bb guns. - Sam Pynenberg
Every year we have a party at a different house. We play a "Gag" game. Everybody gets a gift to put in the middle. You have to be 14 years old to play. The highest card gets to pick first. It's fun!!!!!!! Last year my mom won a lava lamp. - Alex Delvaux
For Christmas I open my presents and then my family goes to my grandparent's house. All my cousins are there too. We have chicken and cookies to eat. My grandma makes the best cookies. They also give everyone a soda. Then we all go upstairs to open the presents my grandparents got us. My godparents also get me presents. I love them all. They are all the best people
I know. - Erika Romenesko
For Christmas I go to my grandma's house. There are nine kids on my mom's side. Each person gets presents from our grandma and their godparents. After we open presents we play with them if we can. There is a lot of food to eat. - Taylor Solberg
On Christmas we go to my Grandparents' house. Everybody is there, we open presents, have a scavenger hunt, and play games together. Everyone picks a name out of a bowl and we buy a present for whoever we pick and you can't tell anybody! - Alison Vander Loop
Every year for Christmas we celebrate on both sides of the family. On my mom's side we play grab-and-steal and open presents. On my dad's side we play with all our cousins. Christmas is special to me because the families are together to celebrate Jesus Christ. - Morgan Dercks
Every year Christmas morning, we go to my Grandma Kathy's and Grandpa Bob's house. We eat lunch, play games, talk and open Christmas gifts. My cousins and I usually play tag, hide-and-go-seek, and make paper airplanes. For lunch, we usually eat turkey, ham, potatoes and pie. - Tori Haupt
My family gets together to cut down our Christmas tree. Then my dad, my mom and my sister decorate the tree together. Then on Christmas I open presents with my family. On Christmas day we spend time with my relatives. - Alex Dollevoet
Every Christmas my family and I go to my Grandma Janine's house. When we get there we always wait for everyone before we open presents. Then when we open presents we go youngest to oldest. Finally we eat dinner and play with all our toys together and just visit together! - Olivia Vanevenhoven
St. John School, Little Chute,
grade 5, Sr. Christine Wochos
On Christmas Eve we go to church to celebrate Jesus' birth. After church we travel to my grandma's house for supper. Then we leave for home and go to bed. In the morning we begin tree hopping with the family. It is a special time for me because I get to spend time with my cousins. Later we go to my Grandma's house and have brunch!!! I love Christmas!!!! - Haley Hermus
On Christmas Eve we always go to church. Then when Mass is over we go to one of my aunts and uncles house and celebrate Christmas. Upon waking, my sister and I shout as loud as we can: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS." Then we celebrate Christmas with our family and open gifts. Finally, we go to Grandma and Grandpa's and celebrate the rest of the day. - Kelly Vander Loop
On Christmas day my family goes to my Grandparents home. We always buy gifts for each other. After we give everyone their gift we have breakfast. When we finish there we go over to my other grandparents home. There we like to go and give everyone their gift. It makes me feel good that I could give my family a nice gift. - Brandon Elrick
On Christmas Eve we go to my grandma's house for supper. Then we watch TV to see where Santa is so we can get home to sleep. After that we go home and climb into bed before Santa arrives. The next morning we share our gifts with each other and thank God for giving us life each day. I am so thankful for Christmas because we celebrate Jesus' birthday! - Marty
Le Noble
On Christmas Day I go to my grandma's and visit with relatives. Our family eats together after we go to Mass. I like giving gifts and seeing the looks on people's faces. Christmas isn't all about gifts. It's about thanking Jesus and sharing love with one another. - Mitchell Ciske
On Christmas Day in the morning my brothers, sister, and I get up early and go look at all the presents we have. When my parents get up we open presents and then the whole family makes breakfast together. Later in the day we go to my grandparents house and my grandpa makes a special ice cream drink. - Katelyn Berken
On Christmas Day I get to spend time with my aunts, uncles and cousins that don't live around here. I like spending time with my cousins because we do a lot of fun things together. Every year we celebrate Christmas at another relative's home. On Christmas we go to Mass. - Steph Van Handel
On Christmas Eve we go to church with some of my cousins. After mass we go to my grandma's house. We pray, eat, and then go home to sleep. The next day we open our gifts and talk with our parents. Later we go to my grandma's house again and celebrate Jesus' birthday. After that we go to my aunt and uncles' house to open more gifts. Next we give our thank you's,
hugs and kisses and then we eat. We talk and then we go home. We always have a VERY merry Christmas. - Ashley Minten
Every Christmas Eve we go to Mass. When we return home we eat a special Christmas meal in honor of Jesus. Then we open our presents. I love to give my family presents. Sometimes on Christmas we go to my cousins and give them gifts. The best part about Christmas is giving. I like to give because it makes me and others feel good. Have a very merry Christmas. -
Johanna Peskie
On Christmas Eve is a good time to celebrate our King, Jesus. My family usually sings and prays to God if we're going to have a good day. Usually on Christmas Eve my family has cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. We unwrap presents a while after that. We get really excited! We really want to thank God for this day! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!! - C.J. Olson
For my family Christmas isn't about all the presents you get. It's celebrating Jesus' birthday. My mom, dad, brother, sister and I always go to church on Christmas as a family. We get all our relatives together and have a nice meal. We pray before we eat and thank God for everything we have. My family loves celebrating Jesus' birthday with all my relatives. -
Jed Albers
On Christmas Eve I go to my mom's side of the family to exchange gifts and eat supper. On Christmas Day I attend mass and then go open presents. After that I travel to my dad's side of the family and give and receive gifts. We eat lunch there. After lunch I play with my cousins. - Rob Gloudemans
Christmas Eve is when we gather together as a family and celebrate the day Jesus Christ was born. It is a very merry time! I also like going with my family to my Grandma Lamers house and have good hot chocolate! Happy birthday Jesus our Savior! Merry Christmas to all! - Derek Dollevoet
On Christmas Eve we go over to my Grandma Jan's and eat supper and also catch up with what's going on in our lives. On Christmas Day my whole family runs downstairs and opens presents. We are very fortunate that we have the money to spend on presents. We also go to our grandparent's homes and enjoy one another. Christmas is my favorite holiday because it is like the whole world freezes. - Carly Vander Pas
Holy Cross, Kaukauna,
grade 5
Every year we only get three presents for Christmas because Jesus only got three presents on His birthday. I like this because I want to be more like Jesus. Another tradition is that we decorate the church on Christmas. This helps me get closer to Jesus. - Rebecca Bongers
Every Christmas my family goes to St. Mary's Church. After that we go to my grandma's house. That started when my first cousin was four months old. On my Christmas tree we have beautiful bulbs that my great great grandmother had. They make a tree full of memories. - Austin Simon
On Christmas Day we go to my dad's church. Then we go back to our house to open gifts. After that we go to our grandparents' houses and have a turkey feast! We get gifts there too! Our grandparents didn't always have a turkey feast. Now we do so we can get together and talk together. Good bye! Oh yeah, Merry Christmas!! - Aaron Frederickson
For Christmas my family goes to my Aunt Sally's house to eat turkey on buns and my grandma's famous potatoes. This is important to me because we do this every year. It is also very important because I get to see my cousins that I never get to see. We exchange presents. The kids exchange with kids, and the adults exchange with adults. We also go to Midnight Mass at St. Mary's. - Maddy Zwiers
On Christmas Eve we usually go to church in Oshkosh. After church we go to my Aunt Sarah's house and we have a party. Everyone on my dad's whole side of his family is invited. There is a lot of food there! When we are done eating we all go into the living room and play a game. For the game everyone brings a funny present. - Jennifer Sager
When Christmas comes we always have lasagna for dinner. On Christmas morning we travel to three different houses. We go because we like visiting with each other on Christmas. Every Christmas we go to our grandparents' house to decorate their Christmas tree. Then we eat dinner at my cousin's house and celebrate! - Amanda Peterson
Every year our family exchanges gifts to show that we care about each other. About the first of December we pick out of a hat and then we have the rest of the month to go get the gifts. On Christmas Eve we exchange them. That's our tradition during each holy Christmas season. - Nicole Van Zeeland
Every Christmas my whole family buys each other an ornament for the person we are assigned. On Christmas Day we go to St. Al's Church and to our grandma's house. We also do a gift exchange with all my cousins. I hope you enjoyed my story about my family's Christmas holiday. - Donny Bouressa
Does any one do what we do for Christmas? We go to my Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Santa comes. They put out the manger of Jesus. We sing Jingle Bells, and I play my flute. My cousins come from Arizona! We do this every year to see our family! - Allison Rumbuc
Every Christmas Eve my family goes to Holy Cross Church. Christmas morning we open our gifts. Christmas day we go tree hopping. Tree hopping is when you look at our families Christmas trees. After that we go to a Christmas party. At the party we exchange gifts. Then we go home and play with my new toys! - Aaron Hietpas
Every Christmas my family goes to church at Holy Cross for 4 pm mass. It is special because I get to see people I don't get to see often. Then I go to my grandparents' house to exchange gifts. It is fun! When we go home Santa has left gifts under the tree for us to open. - Joey Hartjes
My family goes to St. Francis Church on Christmas Eve, and I go to my grandparents' house to open my presents. We watch the Packer game too. I go to my other grandparents' house on Christmas Day and open presents. We have a very good turkey supper. I do this because our whole family gets together, and everybody is really happy! - Jon Vande Wettering
Every year our family goes to St. Al's Church, and then our family has a party. We get to see our family members. We also play a game where you can exchange gifts. It's important to me because it's a time when I can see family members who I don't see very often. - Alicia Welhouse
Every Christmas Eve my family goes to my Grandma's house. While we're there we eat a turkey dinner and exchange gifts. We talk to our aunts, uncles, and cousins who don't live near us. My family and my cousins and aunts and uncles always stay late. They eat Christmas chocolates, caramels, and other candies. - Jordan Haen
Every Christmas Eve my family and I go to Holy Cross Church. After church we all go to my grandma's house. She always has a party at her house. One of my older sisters has to go back to her mom's house after the party. Then after the party we go home and open our presents before my sister has to go home. Christmas is wonderful! - Jesse Coonen
We go "tree hopping" and we have fun at each other's house. We see what our friends got for Christmas. We exchange gifts with different people every year. We first go to Holy Cross Church, and then we go to their house. We have breakfast at one house, and lunch at another house. - Logan Hietpas
Every Christmas Eve we stay up as late as we can to watch for Santa. We pray at midnight to Jesus on His birthday. We also go to our grandparents' house to exchange gifts and eat as one big family. - Justin Uitenbrock
For Christmas, my family adopts a family. Also we donate food. We even bake candy for our neighbors. Every year we ring bells for the Salvation Army. We go to church on Christmas Eve. - Dexter Haen
On Christmas Day I always go to my grandparents' house for lunch. Everyone is there. All my cousins are there, and the food is so good! Later in the afternoon I go to my other grandparents' house to eat supper. I have so much fun opening presents and eating at my grandparents. That's my Christmas Day. - Andy Lamers
Every year my family and I go up north to cut down the perfect Christmas tree to bring home. My mom puts on the lights, and after that we all put on the ornaments. My mom and I put out her snowman collection. She has about 53 snowmen or more. - Daniel Williamson
I go to church on Christmas Eve, and I go to my grandparents' house to celebrate. We go to my other grandparents' house for lunch, and to see my relatives. We also exchange gifts. My mom and I ring bells for the Salvation Army. - Hanna Merckx
What we do for Christmas is we go to Holy Cross on Christmas Eve. We also make cookies for my friends and family. We put a special ornament on the tree because I made it in Kindergarten. My brother made one too. We pick names of relatives and we give gifts. - Drew Tschimperle
Every Christmas my family comes to visit. We play games and have fun. We make ginger bread houses and cookies. My niece and I build forts and sleep in them. We go to any kind of church. That's what I do with my family on Christmas. - Michael Mann
On Christmas Eve my family goes to church at Holy Cross Church. When that's over we go to my grandma's house. We all go inside to exchange presents. On Christmas Day we go to my other grandma's house and have dinner with that side of the family. My dad brings us to my other grandma's house and exchange presents again. That's what I do for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. - Olivia Hartzheim
My family goes to my grandma's house for lunch and exchange gifts. She started this a couple years ago. Then we go to my other grandma's for supper. I don't know when she started it. Before this we go to church. Then we watch the Packer game. We always eat a lot of food. My grandma and I put a ribbon on the tree. We always pray before we eat. - Matt Doering
Sacred Heart Parish, Appleton,
grade 4
My sisters and I decide on a project and make it as a gift for other family members. In the past we have made pipe cleaner ornaments, candles, bracelets, glass ornaments, and picture frames. We also make cookies. We make the frosting out of whipped cream and food coloring. The whole family frosts them and decorates them with sprinkles. My relatives come and have Christmas at my house. On Christmas morning, we open our presents as soon as everyone is up. We already went to church the night before, so we eat our breakfast and admire our presents after. In the afternoon, we go to my Nana's house to open presents. - Nicole Kitten
On Christmas Eve, we go to my grandma's house and have a party and open gifts. Till 11 or 12 pm, then we go home, get our stockings ready and go to bed. The next morning we get up, open even more presents from my mom and dad. After that we go to church and my other grandma comes over to my house and we all have dinner together that's what we do every Christmas. - Courtney Cowan
We go to my grandma and grandpa's house. When we are there we have a feast and celebrate and then on Christmas Day we go open our presents, then we go to our uncles. - Melanie Weisse
On Christmas Eve, we go to mass. Then go to a family member's house. Watch football, open presents, say a prayer. Then eat turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies. Then have dessert. The kids play with toys they get. And the adults play cards. - Melissa Werth
Every Christmas we go to one of my grandma's house. We open our presents there. My family goes with one of my grandma's about a week from Christmas than the others on Christmas Day. - Allie Broeniman
My Christmas tradition is, every year my family will buy or make gifts for each other. Then we will wrap them, and put them under the tree. On Christmas Eve, we go either to my cousins house or they come to ours. When we get there or they get here, we open our presents. On Christmas Day we open the presents from Santa and our family, then we drive to Fond du
Lac and have Christmas dinner. After dinner we get to open presents from my grandma and grandpa and aunts, uncles and cousins. - Maddie King
St. Anthony, Oconto Falls,
grade 5
Every Christmas Day we go to my Grandma's house, Aunt Bobbie's house or our house. Whoever is having the party decorates their house extra special. My grandma puts out her village if we go there. My mom puts up garland in the kitchen if they come to our house. - Jacklyn Belongia
The day before Christmas Eve we travel to Chicago. We live the farthest away. We travel for 3½ hours with one or two rest stops. When we get there we say hi and unload. On Christmas Eve I see my cousins and relatives. I love when we attack the gifts. - Sarah Reis
The day of Christmas Eve we invite everyone to our house. Then we eat and talk. We watch football games. Then at the end we open presents. My dog too. It's a ball. I wish they could stay longer. - Erin Gilligan
When it's past Thanksgiving, we pick names of who we will buy something for. Our limit is $20. On Christmas our family gets together and exchanges gifts. My Grandma and Grandpa come over with my cousins. First we eat dinner. Then we change gifts with each other. - Jessica Belongia
Every Christmas my mom hides a little figure of baby Jesus in a crib. When my brother and I wake up Christmas Day, we see if we can find Baby Jesus. If we find Baby Jesus first, we get to open one of our presents. Then we read a Christmas book. - Amanda Boulanger
My family and I exchange gifts. It's so cool. And my Grandma always cooks a big supper for my aunts, uncles, my mom and me. The youngest gets to open presents first. So that means I get to open presents first. And then everyone else gets to open presents. - Seri Meyer
Every Christmas Eve my family and I watch The Christmas Story. I even have a Red Rider BB gun. My mom hates the show after the first 3 or 4 times. My dad, brother and I watch it all day and night. - Shawn McDonald
Every Christmas Eve my Uncle Aaron sleeps over. We wake up between 12 midnight and 3 AM. We're too excited to sleep. We get up and play video games until my little sister gets up. When she wakes up we open presents. - Brett Bursa
On Christmas Eve our family does a tree hop. We go house to house to see our relative's Christmas trees. We stay about an hour. At the houses we exchange gifts. We put all our gifts in a pile. Then everyone gets to pick a gift. - Austin Ryczek
Every Christmas Eve my whole family and I get together at my aunt's house. We go to Ponderosa and eat. Then we go back to my aunt's house and give our gifts to the person we exchange with. Then we read each other Christmas stories. That's our Christmas Eve Tradition. - Jordan Blaser
Catholic Central, Appleton,
grade 2
At Christmas, my family sets up a small glass stable. There are wise men. There is a manger with baby Jesus. There are a few shepherds and their sheep. Mary and Joseph are in it too. I think there is one angel too. - Mickey Parks
Every night before Santa comes, we put out cookies and milk for Santa. We put out carrots for the reindeer. When we wake up most of it is gone. Then we go and open presents. We get to look in our stockings too. - Grace Woolley
We always put up our manger and a basket full of straw. We put in a straw every time we do something nice. When we have done fifty nice things, we put in Jesus. - Nicholas Pajek
The reason Christmas is my favorite holiday is because Christmas is Jesus birthday! My family has a manger with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the three Wise Men and an angel. - John Ralph
My mom and I put up things about Santa. Instead of a star, we put on an angel. We have an inflatable Santa. We like to decorate the tree. We like to open presents. - Carlos Martinez
We put up Mary and Joseph and Jesus. We all put up a manger too. We put up straw when we can get it. Everytime we do something good, we can put another straw in the manger. - Lauren Schuh
We wake up except my mom. I would have to go get my mom. But she won't wake up. So we beg my mom to open our presents. She won't let us. But we beg. - Tea' Harris
Before Christmas all my cousins write their name on a piece of paper. Then each cousin picks a paper. Then they buy a present for that person. Then on Christmas Eve we exchange presents. - Madelyn Hartjes
We pick names for Christmas. Then we go to my cousin's house. Then we wait awhile. Then we show our talents. Then we can open presents. I love Christmas. - Ben Grow
Before Christmas we play in the snow. Then put the decorations on the tree. Next we decorate the house. Then we go to bed. I wake up first. Then I wake up Andrew. Then we go downstairs. - Hope Simon
First we put milk and cookies out. Then we put up the manger. Then we put up the Christmas tree. Then decorate the Christmas tree! Then we put the star on top of the tree. - Will Hansen
We sleep in so we are not too tired to open presents. But before we do that, we pray to Jesus because it's his birthday and we love him very much. I don't want a lot of gifts. - Levi Ready
Every year we put up a village on a table with lights in the buildings. We put up the Christmas tree. We put out cookies and milk for Santa and sugar for the reindeer every year. We open presents. - Sarah Walsh
My special Christmas tradition is leaving a key by the door. If Santa does not use the chimney, he can use the door. The key is gray. The key is not real. - Gavin Salvia
Every Christmas Eve my sister, Payton puts up her manger set with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Her set even has a manger! She made it out of a box and empty toilet paper rolls. Payton made things for their heads out of sheets and rubber bands. She even made faces on them. I like it. - Brooke Bayer
Every Christmas our family puts up a Christmas tree. We decorate our tree with sparkly lights! We also take a basket of hay and every time we do something good, we put a piece of hay in the basket. - Lauren Koenen
My family and I go to my mom's cousins house. We put a manger on the fireplace. Then my cousins and I go to bed. Then we get up we open presents. Then I pray to Jesus. I think the manger is pretty. - Kathleen Schreiber
Every Christmas we put up our Jesus set. It has sheep and camels. It also has Mary and Joseph and the three kings! It has an angel that hangs from the barn! It's special. - Megan Hickinbotham
First we pray to God. Second we put up the tree. Third we change. Fourth I put up the star. Fifth we put on the fire. Sixth we set up the table. Seventh call people. Last we have fun. - Dennis Kim
First, we wait for everybody to wake up. Then, we open presents. Then, we have breakfast. I always have waffles. Then, we go to church. Then we go to our cousin's house and open the presents that everybody brings. - John Rekoske
I like Christmas. One time I put out so much candy and cookies that Santa did not eat all of it! I put out a wood stable with glass people. - Abbey Greeneway
The day before Christmas we go to my cousin's house and pray. Then we put up the Christmas tree. In the morning we go to my grandma's house and we celebrate. - Diana Cano
Holy Family, Brillion,
Rel. Education grade 1
I sang in the Christmas Choir at church with my brother Ben on Christmas Eve. After that Grandma and Grandpa Fischer ate supper at my house. We had Jesus' Birthday cake for dessert. Then I went to bed. In the middle of the night Santa came and gave us presents. - Nathan Fischer
We set up a stable for Baby Jesus. We put the three Kings somewhere far away. Every day we move the three Kings a little closer to the stable. They find Baby Jesus in the stable on Christmas Day - His Birthday! - Andy Spatchek
Holy Family, Reedsville,
grade 2
One tradition the Zahn Family has is we go up north. Up north, we have to find an ornament on the tree. The first person who finds the ornament gets money. We also go for walks up north to find golf balls. - Mariah Zahn
One tradition the Mangin Family has is every year we go tree hopping. I like going tree hopping because I get to go to a lot of my cousin's houses. It is very fun playing with my cousins at their houses. It is very fun. - Kimberly Mangin
We get a piano book of Christmas songs and we get to play the songs we get from the book. It makes my family happy. - Cecilia Petrie
One tradition the Cops and Bloagh families have is singing. When everyone is here at my home, Sarah, my sister and I play the piano and sing Christmas songs. It takes a lot of energy to sing and play the piano. - Meghan Cops
One tradition the Christel Family has is to put up the statue of the Holy Family, with four candles. We light up all the candles and we put the statue by a window. - Ashlyn Snape
The Stanick Family goes to Grandma and Grandpa Stanick's house. Then we go to the other grandma and grandpa's house. I play with all my cousins. - Jordan Stanick
St. Francis & St. Mary Parish, Brussels,
grade 4
Christmas Eve the Johnson family gets together at grandmas house. We open presents, go to church and drink. My favorite part is church. My favorite song is "Can you see what I see." My favorite part is the harmony. Christmas is always my favorite time ever. - Cal Thomas McCarty
For Christmas me and my family get together. We also eat a big meal with each other. It is a special day. It is a special day because I get to see relatives I never get to see, other than on holidays. It is a very special day to me! - Kelly DeJardin
Every year I celebrate Christmas by going to church. After church, we go to my grandparents house. We eat lunch and open presents. We go to my other grandparents to eat dinner. We open our other presents and visit with my family. Then my cousins and I play with our new presents and have a good time. That's why I enjoy Christmas! - Nicollette Ullman
Every year at Christmas I get together with my family and relatives. We eat, play and open presents. It's important to me because we do it every year and we have fun. It's one of four or five get-togethers we celebrate. We celebrate it every year on Christmas. - Michaela Thiry
We get up early and open presents, then get ready for church. After that, at noon, we go to my cousins house for lunch and open more presents. This is special because it gives me a chance to see my family. - Adam Monfils
My relatives gather and we celebrate the happy holiday called Christmas. It is important to me because I get to see my relatives again. - Nicole Stegmann
I go to my Grandma and talk, play sheep-head and open gifts. Then at the end of the day we go to our field and sled down. Some times we race to the bottom or do jumps that we make. Then we go in and undress and go to bed. I like it because I meet family members. - Jacob Englebert
I stay home in my pj's until 12, then we go to my grandma next door. Then we go to church for 1:00 mass, then when we are home and I play my video games and watch t.v. - Matthew Danz
Every year we go and celebrate the important Holidays like Christmas. - Theresa Letter
On Christmas I go to my grandmas house to celebrate. It is special to my family because we're celebrating with relatives. - Amanda Kinnard
Every year when we celebrate Christmas, we get together with my family and every year we open present and have supper with each other. This is important to me because I get to see my family and get to celabrate with them. I love my family. - Courtney Van Hout
Going to my grammas is special, because I can get lots of toys. - Dakota Rouer
My families traditions are going to my grandmas houses for Christmas. It is special because I can see all my families. - Jordan Englebert
St. Francis de Sales, Manitowoc,
grade 2
I like getting presents on Christmas night. I like to decorate our Christmas tree each year. I think it's extra fun at Christmas because my birthday is near Christmas. My mom doesn't want to have Christmas at our house because she always gets stuck with the clean up. I like building a snowman. - Alyssa De Zeeuw
My sister Anne's birthday is on the 30th of December. My sisters and I are very anxious. Our uncle Bob Ziegelbauer gives us clothes and gets help from his friend Luanne. I love Christmas. - Julia Platteter
My Dad and Mom always give me presents! My Mom gives me hot chocolate to drink. - Emily Klein
Christmas is fun. My family likes Christmas. I drink hot coco on Christmas. Everybody plays at Christmas. - Erik Raboine
I like opening presents on Christmas eve. I enjoy seeing Santa and getting a picture with him. I enjoy eating at the supper table. - Maria Pozorski
My family prays before everybody goes to sleep. I get to put the angel on the top of the tree. I love Christmas, well Jesus too. - Beth Check
My family takes out our nativity set. We put it in our t.v. room. My whole family decorates our Christmas tree together. I make presents for my family. - Emma Dramm
Everybody comes to birthday on Saint Nick Day. Everybody comes to my grandma's house for giving presents. Everybody comes to make a snowman. - Grace Gretz
My family goes to a lot of parties. My family puts up a lot of ornaments. My sisters and I get a lot of presents. The town is happy on Christmas. My family gets our Christmas tree early. - Lauren Solkowski
Every year we go get a Christmas tree. I help my mom put on decorations. I like opening presents. - Ted Fox
My mom, dad, sister and I look around our town. We look at the Christmas decorations on people's houses. - Christian Diaz
I open presents with my family. I'm getting my sister a c.d. I'm getting my Dad a bike. I'm not sure what I'm getting for my mom. I like presents and Christmas. Do you like Christmas and presents? - Courtney Mahaney
On Christmas half of my family comes to my house to open presents. Every year we bye an ornament to decorate the Christmas tree a little bit more. Every year my mom tells me to put the people in the stable, or called a Nativity Set. Every year me and my mom try to make snowmen in the snow! - Alexandria Cliff
Every Christmas my family and I put up a Nativity set under our Christmas tree. We also have a party. Christmas is fun! - Hunter Harding
Every year we decorate the tree. Every winter my family has a snowball fight. My brother and I make a fort. I love winter. - Jovannie Arzate
We get a Christmas tree. My family gets together. My family puts up the nativity set. We decorate the tree with ornaments. There is fun t.v. shows on. Near Christmas time we build a snowman. Christmas is fun! - Olivia Wagner
We go to a party every year. We put up the stable. We put up the Christmas stuff. We open our presents. We say our prayers. - Sonya Benzmiller
We put our stockings up. We go and find a big Christmas tree. We get a lot of presents. We celebrate my birthday on the 5th. My cousin's birthday is on the 1st. - Nicholas Hoffman
My family puts up our Christmas tree. We put up decorations. My family hides a pickle and one of us has to try to find it. We eat at my Grandma's home. We open presents. - Andrew Deets
Every year my family gets to go get a Christmas tree. Every Christmas my family gets to open presents. When I go to bed I hear the hoofs of the reindeer on the roof. - Ryan Richter
St. James, Denmark,
Rel. Education
I leave food out for the reindeer. We read "Twas the night before Christmas." And we pray for other people on Christmas Eve. I like this because we do this together! - Devan Siebert, grade 1
Something special I do is go to the Christmas Eve mass. It is important because I like hearing the story of Jesus' birth. I also love being in the children's choir. It is a good way to express and listen to other people express their spirits and feelings. - Morgan Smeester, grade 5
On Christmas Eve, our family gets dressed up for the children's mass. I sing for the choir and enjoy the play about Jesus' birth. On Christmas Day we enjoy playing, opening gifts, and eating good food with my relatives. Christmas is a special time to be with my family and to celebrate Jesus' birthday. - Elizabeth Bekkers, grade 1
One tradition is sitting by the Christmas tree and reading the book called Twas the Night Before Christmas. Another is going to the childrens mass on Christmas Eve. I have sung in this mass for the last few years. - Brittney Bekkers, grade 5
First, on Christmas Eve we go to church. Next, my Grandpa comes over. We spend a lot of time with him. Then, on Christmas morning, we open presents together. I like Christmas because I get to spend quality time with my family. - Mitchell Honkanen, grade 4
Dad, mom, my brother, his girlfriend, grandma and uncle go to church, singing Christmas songs and seeing baby Jesus. We spend time outside looking at stars enjoying the peace. Sitting in a circle around our tree, Daddy reads the Christmas story. I give out presents. We are happy together! - Andrew Goodpaster, grade 1
Trinity Catholic, Green Bay,
grade 4
I like to make gingerbread and eat it. We stand around the fire singing. It means a lot to me, to make gingerbread. I like the smell. I like to decorate it! It means a lot to me to stand around and sing. - Nathan DeBauche
On Christmas Eve my family goes to mass. Going to mass on Christmas Eve is special to me because every year I go I learn more and more about Jesus. Going to mass on Christmas Eve I am happy because my family is all together. - Gwen Simonet
On Christmas Eve my family and I look at our tree and find a pickle. If I find the pickle I get a prize. It is special because my family and I have a nice dinner for Christmas Eve. - Brandon Spreeman
On Christmas Day I go to my Grandma's house and open all my presents from my Grandma and Grandpa, my aunts, and my uncles. It's special to me because I'm with my family, and I have a big lunch at my Grandma's house. - - Seth Holshuer
My favorite thing I do on Christmas Day is my family goes to my grandma's house and we sit in a circle and we open presents with all my cousins. It is so special because I get a lot of presents. - Brian Hogan
On Christmas Day we open presents at grandma's house. It is special for me because I spend time with my grandma. On Christmas Day it is going to be fun with my family. - Catie Murphy
Each year my family hides a pickle ornament on the tree. What makes it so special is that everybody does a part, we all take turns hiding and finding it on Christmas Eve and Day. - Senja
Each Christmas Day my family goes to my Grandpa's to open presents, then eat, then aunts and cousins come to my house and open gifts from Santa and each other. It's special because I like seeing grandpa on Christmas and opening gifts from Santa, my mom and aunts with everybody. - Tamara Wolf
My family comes over Christmas morning to open presents. I like it when they come over. My grandpa helps me open gifts. I like it when I get to go over to my grandpa & grandma's. We wait until my brother gets there. We open more gifts. Then we go home. - Joseph Caelwarts
Every Christmas Eve my family and I go to my Grandma's house to open my brother Curtis's presents and my presents. This is special to me because I feel that it's important to have the whole family together for a great holy day. - Shi Johnson
On Christmas Eve my family gathers around the table and prays to Mary for the greatness of the birth of Jesus Christ. It's special because my family cares about the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. My family and I love Jesus a lot and we trust in Jesus Christ too. - Khon Xiong
What I do for Christmas is I go to grandpa and grandma's house and I also have Christmas at my house too. The reason I like Christmas at my grandpa and grandma's house is I like seeing my cousins. Then at my house I like eating my mom's desserts. - Zach Devroy
I go over to my dad's house for Christmas Eve and return to my mom's house for Christmas Day. Later I go over to my family members' house. Why is it so special for me? It is special because I love it! - Katelyn Bluel
Christmas Eve night my mom buys us new pj's. Christmas morning we open presents. Then we get into good clothes and we go to my grandma and grandpa's house. Then we open presents. After that we eat my cousin's birthday cake. Then we play bingo. We do that every year. - Allison Van
What my family does on Christmas Day is go outside and play for a while, then we open our presents. It is special for me because our family gets together and we get new stuff. We also get desserts. Our cousins come over from Minnesota. We always have a smile. - Veng Thao
St. Mary, Algoma,
grade 5
On Christmas Eve we go to visit my dad's family. After that mom, dad, Brandon, and I go to mass. Then on Christmas day we go to my mom's family. Where we eat supper and open gifts. Then we talk or play games. This is special because I get to spend time with my family. - Brianna Bennett
The week before Christmas my mom, brother and I go to my grandma's and make special cookies called pfefferneuse! This is special, because I get to spend time with my family. The Christmas holiday is also a special time because I get to spend time with my grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins. - McKenzie Mueller
On Christmas Eve my family goes to my Grandma and Grandpa Stevens house, my Grandpa makes delicious oyster soup. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! We also go to my Granny and Grandpa Tenor's house on Christmas Eve. There we open TONS of presents. Then on Christmas day we go to
both of my grandparents houses again when all of my relatives are there. Christmas is my favorite holiday. - Halie Tenor
My family meets and has a party at my house. Then we eat together and go to church. Also we open presents and tell stories. The thing I like the most is that I can see my family. On my mom's side we exchange presents and eat. I play with my cousins and I have a great time, too. - Travis Kostichka
My Grandma has a very small house, so my Grandma's house has a very small Christmas tree. She lives in our basement. Almost every Christmas she gets hard candy that has a filling. - Noah Tomcheck
At Christmas I always go to my great grandma's. At my grandma's everyone gets to sing whatever we want. This year I am playing my trombone for her. When we eat we always have mashed potato. All my aunts and uncles are there. We all have fun. - Renee LeBotte
On Christmas my family goes to church. When the mass is over we go to my grandparents or my house to eat dinner. Then on Christmas Day, my Mom, Dad, my brother Dylan and me go downstairs to see what presents we got from Santa Claus. - Taylor Daul
My family's tradition is having Christmas at my Grandma's house. This is special because everybody in the family is together and celebrating Christmas. My favorite part is when we get a family picture taken. When I look at that picture later I remember the good time we had. - Danielle Fulwiler
Every Christmas all our relatives go to our cousins. We make food and we also play lots of games like RISK, hide and seek, and snowball fights. Then we eat and the parents talk while the kids watch a movie. After that we open presents; and last we have a bonfire. Then it is late and we have to go. - Noah Simmons
The Stangel Christmas begins when my family, my cousins and I get together on Christmas Eve. We have a big dinner and open presents. We all get really cool gifts. The giving is the most important part for our family. Some of us attend church. Each year our family is a little bigger. - Cara Stangel
We go to church on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we sleep in late. I wake my parents and my sister up. We all open one present at our house later. (My dad's family.) Then we go to see my grandma in Algoma. We stay at the place she lives for a while. We all have fun. - Ryan Helges
My family always goes to my Grandma and Grandpa's house, on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We go to church, open presents, and eat supper. I think this is important because my whole family gets to get together and pray. So I can believe that my family believes in Jesus. Even though some of my family isn't Catholic. WE BELIEVE! - Jacob Wiese
Holy Cross, Mishicot,
grade 3 & 4
We always have a Christmas party. We always put up our tree four weeks before Christmas Eve. We always open presents on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, Santa brings me presents. It's usually 10 or less, for mom and dad usually one or none. - Blaine Rezach
Santa hides a pickle and on Christmas Day someone finds the pickle. They get to open their present first. It's a tradition that we do every year so we're not fighting to open their present first. - Elizabeth Lensmire
We have the youngest child put baby Jesus in his crib. This is special to me because we celebrate Jesus when he was born in the stable. Everybody comes to celebrate it on Christmas Day. - Nicole Trost
Every Christmas Eve, my family eats crab legs with melted butter. They are really good. Mom and Dad always tell us to get to bed before Santa comes. On Christmas Day, my family opens all the presents. It is important to me because it is our tradition - Ana Konopacki
We go to afternoon Mass. Then we go to my grandma's house. She says you can't go in the gift room. Once everyone is done eating, we get to open our gifts. The reason I like Christmas is I always feel happy. But I don't know why. - Emily Garber
On Christmas Eve we go to Mass. On Christmas Day we have to wait to open our presents. On Christmas Eve we go to our grandma's house. I feel happy at Mass. I feel mad to wait to open the present. - Justin Lieder
I go to Mass because it is a tradition. My family is there, and that is special. - Alex Polzin
I think going to my grandma's and grandpa's house on Christmas Eve is special because I barely get to see them. They live three hours away from my house. It's special because I get to see some of my cousins. When I get there all my cousins are all happy. - Tiffany Abts
Every Christmas Eve, the youngest person puts Jesus in our manger. It's special because last year I got to do it. This year my sister gets to put Jesus in the manger. - Jacob Bohman
Every Christmas, we have somebody in our family play Santa. It is special because it will teach the lesson of sharing and giving. - Jeff Stueck
On Christmas Eve, we always go to our grandma's house to have dinner. I always play with my cousin Joe and go down stairs and play with the toy tractors and watch the train. I have lots of fun. - Bradley Garber
Christmas Eve, before we sleep, we put Jesus in a cradle and put the three kings around Jesus and sing some Christmas songs. It's special because we never get to put Jesus in his cradle and put the three kings around him any holiday but Christmas. - Bobby Wautier
On Christmas eve, my whole family comes to my house. We eat supper, play games, share time together and open a few gifts. We go to church, some go to 4:00 Mass and some go to midnight mass. Later on we go to my grandpa and grandma's and spend time with them. - Abigail Butler
We go to my grandma's house and find a pickle in a tree. It's special because my grandma and grandpa on my dad's side are German and it's a German tradition. But I'm not German because I'm adopted! - Heidi Meyer
I get a Christmas tree every year because I like the tree. Why? You need a tree for presents. - Jared
On Christmas Eve we make cookies. We make a cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. We go to Granny and Gramps to open presents and go to church. Christmas morning, my sisters and I open presents. We go to Oostburg and open more presents with my family there. - Alison Schramm
I go to my Grandma's house because we have a big dinner and open presents. On Christmas Day I open presents with my Mom, Dad, my sister and my brother. My family goes together to mass we celebrate Jesus birthday. - Alexis Ayotte
St. Francis De Sales, Manitowoc,
grade 2-B
On Christmas Day my family goes on a horse pulled sleigh ride with my cousins and friends. We arrive at a bonfire for hot chocolate and snacks. It was really fun. We got seconds of hot chocolate and smores too. We got to play after we were done eating and drinking our hot chocolate. - Raven Behringer
My favorite thing to do at Christmas is to go to my Grandma's house and have dinner. It is so much fun. It gets better every year. - Ethan Peters
My family and I make cookies and we frost them! We go to my Grandmas home to have lunch and to open the Christmas presents! And we go to my other Grandmas home to do a game to be the Santa! One time I got to be it. - Jonathan Wild
On Dec. 12, we put up the Christmas tree. I like to decorate the Christmas tree. My family makes the Christmas tree. There's a picture of me on the Christmas tree and my two sisters and my Mom and Dad too. I like my picture the best. - Jake Wagner
My favorite thing on Christmas is that we go to Ski Brule in Michigan. You can go skiing at Ski Brule. You can have a sleigh ride at Ski Brule. You can eat at Ski Brule. You can take hikes at Ski Brule. - Ian Herzog
At my Grandma's house our family plays games to open presents. My cousin wins a lot. Grandma lets us pick one. We always go sledding. My other grandpa is there too. - Jonathan Gallenberger
My favorite family special tradition is putting the Christmas decorations on the tree. Every year at Christmas Eve my family watches Rudolf. That is the best movie. Instead of putting a star on the tree we put an angel on the tree. - Dylan Grenier
On Christmas Eve my family goes to my grandma's house. We say the whole rosary before we open presents. My cousins come over, too. This year I get to buy my brother Matty a present too. - Zachary LeVene
Every year my Mom cries because Santa doesn't give her a present on Christmas. So my sister and I give her a present. My Mom stops crying. Then she opens the present and we give her a squishy ball. - Mason Hrudka
Each Christmas we go sledding. I go with my Dad and my older sister. We go really fast. I went 15 times. On my last one I jumped off. I fell on my head. - Hannah Goonan
The week before Christmas my Grandma Joann comes over. We make Christmas cookies. My favorite part is when I get to roll the dough. When we are waiting for the cookies in the oven, we decorate our Christmas tree. My favorite ornament is my mom's Wilson cheer leader one. It looks just like her. I love Christmas! - Riley Wetenkamp
I put a fake pickle on my tree. We play games with the pickle. We go in a circle. Some one goes in the middle. We close our eyes. The person puts the pickle in some other person's hand. Then we are trying to guess who it is. Who goes next. - Abby Welnetz
Every Christmas my sisters Hannah and Jennifer and my little brother Christopher and me always decorate the Christmas tree. We always put a star on the Christmas tree or we put on an angel on my tree. - Elizabeth Pitroski
My favorite thing is decorating my Christmas tree. I have a special ornament that I use for every Christmas Eve. It is my ornament that I got for my birthday from my Grama. It is a dog ornament and I love it. - Catie Dvorachek
Each Christmas my Grandma gives me a bell to put it on my tree. Before Christmas, my cousins and I go sledding. My parents and I get a tree. Before Christmas I help my Grandma decorate. - Isobel Dupor
Every year my family decorates the Christmas tree the same way. After that my Mom and I bake cookies and then we will play games! Then we watch movies like Frosty The Snowman, Santa Claus 2 or 1! After that we go and sing Christmas carols! - Kendall Danby
On Christmas Eve we light a candle for each grandchild. This year I get to light the 8 candle wicks. The grandchild who lights the candles reads the Christmas story from the Bible. Then we all sing Silent Night. I love Christmas! - Madeline Salutz
My favorite thing to do at Christmas is go to Christmas Eve mass with Jim and Sue and my family. Then we go home and open up presents! - Mallory Dixon
Sacred Heart School, Shawano,
grade 4
My favorite family Christmas tradition is when my family first wakes up. We open our presents. After all open our presents we eat a dinner. We all go outside to play in the snow. We all go inside and drink hot coffee. - Frankie-Lee Fawler
Secret Santas are when you pick a name from a hat. It's a name of a family member or a friend, but we don't tell anyone. You buy a present for whoever it is and give it to them on Christmas. - Caitlin Raether
Going to my Grandparents' house on Christmas day after Church. When people arrive at my Grandparents' house, they put their presents under the tree. When everyone is there, we eat. Then we all go to the living room to open presents, to talk, and to have fun. - Courtney Baumann
When all of my dad's side of the family goes to a hotel. We always go swimming, play games, and sit by the fire. The next day we do the same thing. Then at night we open gifts. It's my favorite time of the year. I can't wait till it comes! It's going to be great. My little sister can't wait either. - Mikayla Danke
Cutting down a Christmas tree. We always go to our land. We go into the woods. We look for a tree. Sometimes we see deer and some times we see birds, like blue jays, robins, and cardinals. We see rabbits and ducks. - Mike Meisner
Everyone goes to Grandma's house. After we have Christmas at my Grandma's, we go to Minnesota to visit my Step Dad family. We all go to a hotel. We go swimming with my cousins, Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandma and Grandpa. Then we all came home. - Mercedes Bayless
Going to Canada and going ice fishing. I also go to Grama and Grampa's. I get to open presents. My Mom and Dad do too. My Mom likes to get nice stuff. I get nice stuff for my Mom and Dad. I love Christmas as a holiday. Happy New Year. - Nic Matz
Every year my Mom, my Dad and I buy each other an ornament. I like to take a regular ornament and decorate it. Sometimes I put glue and glitter on it and sometimes I open the top and put something inside of it. - Bella Gonzalez
Drinking hot cocoa by the fire while watching a movie. Sometimes if you look outside, you can see deer. - Jacob Forrest
My family plays games together and seems they're having fun. Most of the time we all make cookies at Christmas time. We all have fun playing together. We play games like snowball fights, and snow fort's. We have fun eating and my Mom's birthday am the 26th of Dec. - Shania Escalante
Going to my Grandma's house and having dinner. We also open presents. We go sledding down a big hill. When we get back, we have hot cocoa. Then we sit down and watch T.V. Then it'll start to get dark and we go to bed. - Mitch Herbel
Every Christmas we get a tree, we bring it home. Then we put lights on it. We make sure to water it. By that time it's night. In the morning, we wake and open gifts. We go to Christmas Mass together. - Frank Skarlupka
Opening one Christmas present on Christmas eve. We read the story, The Night Before Christmas on Christmas eve. We make Christmas cookies every week in December. We put up a lighted reindeer on the roof of the house. We have to stay in our rooms until my Mom and Dad tell us to come downstairs. They always tease us telling us there are a ton of presents
under the tree and it gets us so excited. I love Christmas! - Ashley Debes
Cutting down a Christmas tree. Then we go back home and set it up in our living room. A few nights before Christmas we decorate it. I like to put the bulbs on the tree. Then after Christmas, we take the tree down and wait till next year. - Lee Hennigan
Christmas morning when we are waking up, we jump into Mom and Dad's bed. Then my sisters and I start pushing Mom and Dad out of bed. Then we go downstairs. We put baby Jesus in his bed. Finally we all look at our presents and what's in our stockings. - Lindsey McFarlane
When we get together in the truck and we go into the woods. We try to find a tree. We always find one we like the best. Then we decorate this tree with ornaments. - Nicole Miller
Trinity Catholic School, Green Bay,
grade 3
I like decorating my house because I like welcoming Jesus' birthday. I also like taking time getting ready for Jesus' birthday. I get to put bulbs on the Christmas tree. After we're done we shut off all the lights in the house and turn the Christmas tree. It is fun. - Kassie Vannieuwenhoven
We put up a lot of decorations. We cut down the trees in our yard and load it with ornaments. Every year I get to unwrap and put out the Nativity scene. I like this tradition because I like to put up ornaments. - Matthew Willems
I like Rhett, my dog, to wake me up so I can get ready. And I would be the only one up. Grandma would come every Christmas. Isabella is part of my family. And she'll help me open my boxes. I'm just lucky to be here. - Audri Anna Murphy
We have a Christmas dinner. We go to Grandpa's house to exchange gifts, and say prayers. We open Christmas presents together and I play Christmas carols on the piano. Then we get dressed up and go to church. We buy a tree at the tree farm. We sometimes go to grandma's house and cut out cookies. - Nicolas Jacques
My family hangs a star on top of our tree to remind us about the Bethlehem star. Christmas is fun because one it's Jesus birthday, then it's fun to be around my family on Christmas Day. Some people think that Christmas is all about toys. They'er dead wrong. Jesus' birth is way more important than toys. - Connor Yakel
The Boy Scouts go to Festival Foods and ring the Salvation Army. We will be in blue uniforms. It makes me feel good to bring families back together. - Cole Lamkin
I hope every body likes Christmas time. It is a very exciting day to open presents and have a great day on Christmas. - Richard Xiong
I get to spend time with my family. I always think of Jesus, and I always go to Mass. I like to go to Mass because I always sing Christmas songs. - Kalina Bathke
My family goes to my Grandma's and Grandpa's house. It is special because we gather together. Christmas makes me think of Mary and Jesus and God. My favorite food at Christmas is the cookies. My favorite part of Christmas is Jesus birth. - Sarah Heuvelmans
Going to my Grandma's house on Christmas Eve and opening presents. Another tradition is baking cookies and frosting them. I like baking cookies because we get to eat them after. I like going to my Grandma's house because it's special time with family. I love Christmas. - Samantha Leonhard
Resurrection School, Green Bay,
grade 4
My family makes Night Before Christmas Mice cookies for Santa. They taste so good. I can't help tasting them. While we're waiting for them to cool, we dig up this old thing for Santa's cookies to sit on. We leave cheese for the reindeer. - Lexie Brada
My family goes to church. We always pray that our family has a safe Christmas. Then we go home and play with our presents. Christmas is not all about presents. Christmas is all about being with your family. - Emily Schuh
My aunts and uncles and some cousins come to my house and exchange presents together. The true meaning is I get to see some cousins that I normally don't see. At midnight, my mom puts the pickle on the tree so in the morning we try to find it. - Elle Kegel
We make cookies and diliver them to our friends. On Christmas eve we all put down what we are doing and have a nice meal. This means a lot to me because we all sit together. When we are done I like to gaze at all we have and be thankful. - Mackenzie Timmer
My family takes us coming down the stairs to open presents. Then we get ski tickets from our stockings. After that we play with all our presents and eat candy. We never share our presents unless we trade. We also like to put the bows from the wrappers on our heads. - Chandler Purcell
My family always goes to my grandparent's house to open presents on Christmas Eve. My family always goes to other grandparent's house with all my relatives. It really means a lot to me. My brother Andrew Charles (11) has a birthday on Christmas day. I love Christmas and hope my brother has a good Birthday! - Jack Charles
Our family gathers at my house. My grandma and grandpa come from two hours away. Also, my aunts, uncle and cousins come over. We eat a big meal and then watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music. Then we exchange gifts. It is fun. - Matt Kopperud
On Christmas Day I wait for my family to get up. If they don't get up, I wake them up. I do it so we can open presents and eat breakfast together. Its important to me because I'm with my friends and family. - Aaron Sincoular
We go to my grandma's house and the cousins come up to give presents to each other. Next we sit down to a dinner. Then we open and play with a couple of toys. This is important to me because I get to see my cousins who live 3 hours away. - Anthony Lent
My family goes to my cousins house. My sisters Ariana and Katarina and I play together while the grown ups exchange gifts. After that we eat theres tons of food. Then we go home I go to sleep and wait for Saint Nick to come! - Annika Kussow
We all wait for everybody to wake up. When everyone is up all the kids attack the presents. We all love the presents we got. Next we usually play with our toys. Later we get ready to go to my grandma and Grandpa's house. We have a blast. Merry Christmas every one. - Ashley Schneider
Waking up and looking under the Christmas tree and seeing presents under the tree. And then I wait until my mom and dad wake up and then I rip the presents open and play with them. After I open my presents my family goes to church. After church I play with my toys even more. - Ryan Clabots
I go to my grandma's house with my cousins and we exchange presents. Then we go home and I play with Legos until 10:35 and we go to bed. When we wake up we open presents. Then my cousins come over and see our presents. Merry! Christmas! - John Strutt
I usually fight with my brother on whose going to get the bigger candy cane. I usually get the bigger candy cane. Like every kid just before Christmas I could not sleep; neither could my brother or my sister. We were all waiting for fantastic presents and the colorful candy canes. Then Christmas comes and my whole family thinks it's the best time of the year. - Ian Danison
Most Precious Blood School, New London,
grade 5
We go to Grandma's house and open lots of presents. Before we open presents we have a great big feast. After the presents are open, we would play with all our toys and all the rest of our presents for two hours. - Jared Thebo
I go to Grandma's house and we open presents there. It is special because we hardly get to see all my cousins at the same time. We hardly get to see some of them anyway. Then we come home and we open presents. Finally, we all go to sleep and wait for Christmas Day. - Seth Scherer
Christmas Eve, we go to grandma's house for supper. We eat at 9 o'clock. Then later on, we open presents, youngest to oldest. During present time, Santa Claus comes and gives us presents. After Santa leaves, we finish opening presents. When the kids are done opening presents, the adults start to open their presents. After everyone is done opening presents, the adults put everything away while the kids play games till it's time to leave. - Courtney Peterson
We wake up Mom and Dad. After we do that, we rush downstairs and start to open our presents, one by one. Our presents are small, big, colorful, bright, pretty, weird and most of all fun! When we are done opening our presents, then we open up the toys from their plastic boxes. - Julia Huested
I go to my cousins house. We go around 3. Then we eat supper. We stay there to about 11 p.m. After that, we go home and open presents downstairs. Then we play with what ever toys we get until 3 a.m. Then we go to bed and wake up at 8 a.m. That's when we show all of our clothes to everybody. - Stephanie Bult
Our family goes to my Aunt Jackies house most of the time. Normally, we eat supper an hour before we open presents. There are about four to six people that hand out presents, and it still takes about half an hour to hand presents. Christmas day is very fun every year. - Mark Locy
When we were decorating our tree, we would watch T.V. and my mom would hide this Christmas ornament that is shaped like a pickle on the Christmas tree. Whoever found it first won a treat. I think I won once, but all I know is that it's a tradition. - Kelsey Pflum
We have a race to see how many toys you can find. There are 20 toys in all. Then we have lunch with cake and ice cream and chips and a lot of meat. We play a lot of games. Then we go home - Mitchell Vanden Boogard
Most Precious Blood School, New London,
grade 3
I go to my Grandma's house. We have a very good dinner! We look at pictures of family members. We decorate the tree also. We exchange gifts. Our family sends cards and we get cards back. - Kim Schuh
We get a gingerbread house from my grandpa and grandma. We eat it on Christmas Day. - Parker Anderson
My family exchanges gifts because we like to pick names out of a hat. Then we have to go get a gift for the person you picked. On Christmas we exchange gifts. - Ty Barrington
My family and I pick names and exchange gifts. We pick their names and whoever we pick, we have to give the present too. Some times we give them more then one present, but the grownup's can only pick the kids. - Lane Hanadel
We always open the presents at the same time, not one person opening the presents, and I open smallest to biggest. - Tyler Waldvogel
We always get a tree from somewhere. We bring the tree to the car to put it on the roof. Then we drive home and set up the tree somewhere in the living room. - Dennis Christensen
Five days before Christmas my family and I go for a tree. When we get it we decorate it. After we decorate it we put gifts under the tree. - Aleck Krueger
My family will go to my Grandma's house and I play a football game with my cousins. Then we watch a football game. Next we open presents from (Uncle & Aunt) Grandma or Grandpa. But the best, most important, what Christmas is all about, go to mass. - Brody Calnin
I go to my Grandmas house to eat and sometimes we help Grandma and Grandpa set up the decorations for their Christmas tree. - Tyler Besaw.
St. Joseph Parish, Phlox,
grades 4 & 5
On Christmas my family always goes to my grandpas house, but not on Christmas morning. The day after Christmas. My whole family on my mom's side of my family goes there. Its special to me because I get to see all my family eat a lot of good food and we each get a card from each other I love Christmas - Samantha Resch
On Christmas I am with my grandma, grampa, mom, my dog Dimond, and my cat Sylvester. We gather around the Christmas tree. We open presents and then after we spend half the day at my Grandmas house. I go to my Dads house and spend Christmas with my dogs too. After we are done there we go to my other grandmas house & spend Christmas with my other part of the
other family. - Crystal Widder
Every year we put up our Christmas tree on Christmas Eve unlike most of my classmates. Two days before Christmas Eve my dad, my sister and me go out in the woods to try to find the perfect Christmas tree. It stays in our garage until Christmas Eve. One day before Christmas Eve all of the ornaments come in a box from the Christ child. We as a family decorate the
tree.
We have a special meal. We have ham or turkey, German cake and pop. On Christmas Eve we also go to church and pray. When we come home my dad, my sister and me go upstairs to play games. When the bell rings we can go downstairs. There the tree is lit with real candles. The tree looks beautiful! Then we unwrap our presents and if we are good the Christ child
tells Santa Claus to give us a little something for the next morning. - Jamie Spychalla
We gather around at one of my aunts house. I have a fun time. What I like the best is I get to see all my cousins. We have delicious food like molé, hot beans (Spanish dishes) & horchata (Spanish drink). The other thing is the fun I have with my family. - Joselyn Chavez
When everybody comes to celibrate Christmas time. I also like the food, and the very, pretty, presents under the beautiful, sparkled Christmas tree. Every year my family puts up our Christmas tree, and eats wonderful food. And all of my family comes to my house. - Tiffany DeBroux
Putting all the presents under the tree. Also I get together for a Christmas party. Sometimes we sing around the Christmas tree. Everyday is a special day. - Jessica Koeppel
I have dinner down at my Grandmas, and open presents and play with what I get and usely I get games and last year got a Nintendo D. And I got the game Spiderman 2 and my brother got Super Mario DS. - Heath Fuller
I like to cellabrate Christmas by giving gifts to other people who need them. We like to eat a specil meals which is turkey, ham, gravey. My parents like to get presents under the tree on Christmas eve. - Joelle Nelson
Go to my relatives howes. I go tons of places. When I go home I am always very full. We have to go to every place on Christmas. Last of all I pray to the Lord and go to bed. - Tyler Beyer
I first put the tree up and decorate it and wait for Santa Claus and I try to be very good and try to leave milk and cookies and get to have candy and try for cars. - Andrew Parmer
We like to eat stake. We take a pine tree. We mak it pretty. My brother Emmett and I play games like Packer Checkers. We eat ice cream and put the lights on we talk and have a good time. We eat candy and go to bed. - Garrett Jone
We go to Gamas houses on Christmis. We have games. We eat food, pies, cakes. We watch t.v. and meet people. - Quentin Rondeau
On Christmas day I go to my Grandma Smith's house. On Christmas eve I go to my Grandma Schroeder' house. On Christmas eve my dads side of my family comes and on Christmas day my mom's side of the family comes. - Sean Ingrame
Having Cristmas for 3 days. Open presents for 3 days-gift extange. Giving gifts. Have happy memory. Giving happy memory. Saying Merry Cristmas. Saying happy Hawnica. Being happy. Decorating the tree. Saying please and thank you. Staying good for every day. No fighting. Do your prayers. Not being greedy. - Aaron Teal
We always make whole made ravolli. I like to eat the dough but my mom says not to eat it. I like to eat the meat to because it is nice and tender. I couldn't handle just sitting there staring. It looked juicie. My mouth was watering. I couldn't wait until it was done. When we eat it we have everybody over that made it. The kids usesually eat first. Before we eat we say our prayers. After we are done I'm so stuffed. - Mikayla Nelson
I think having Christmas is special at my Grandma's and Grandpa's because all of my aunts and uncles are happy and I never get to see them. Most of my aunts and uncles bring a dish to pass. My Grandma makes a tako salad and I love it. We also play games with cousins. I love Christmas at my grandma's. - Alicia Lex
I wake up and of course I had to wake every one like always. So when I woke up I woke every body. And when they were woke up we opened presents. I was shocked cause I got a princess post & a princess pencil & a princess doll. - Tori Wilhelm
St. Bernard School, Green Bay,
grade 4
Every year before we open our presents we always read this story about Jesus' birth. It is very special because it reminds my family what Christmas is really about. People sometimes forget that Christmas is not just about the presents but it's about when Jesus was born. - Katherine Nixon
On Christmas Eve our whole family goes to our grandparents. They have a Christmas tree already setup. Then we all put our gifts around the tree. When everybody is gathered, the youngest cousin gets to open his gift first. Then older and older until every cousin gets his turn. It's special to me because I see my family. - Claire Hoslet
We go to my grandma's house. My Aunts and Uncles and cousins go too. Then we exchange gifts. After that we go upstairs in the kitchen. We have a cake for Jesus. We light the cake and the kids blow it out. Then we eat the cake. The best part is being with my family and celebrating Jesus' birthday. - Shaelyn McGabe
We open our presents. We then go to my Grandma and Grandpa's house. All my relatives come. Then we go to my other Grandma and Grandpa's. It's my favorite holiday because I can hear the bells and I see my family. - Jacob Rifleman
We set up a scene of Jesus' stable. We put little Christmas tree lights on the window sill and put spun glass over it. We only put Jesus in on Christmas Day. I think it's really cool to help my family put it up. I love them! - Malorri Walczyk
On Christmas day my parents and I go to my grandmother's house. Then our whole family comes and we exchange gifts. After we exchange gifts, we have a party. Last year I was a bartender!! Later we play the game Shoemaker. The best part is being with my family. - Ashley Eucke
My family always puts bags out all over the curb. We put kitty litter in it, because we put candles in it so it holds them in place. Most of the people in our neighborhood put them out so it looks really pretty. The reason I like this because our family drives around the neighborhood looking at them. - T.J. LeMoire
When I first wake up on Christmas morning, I rub my eyes get out of bed, then wake my mom and dad, but I can't wake my brothers because they'll get really mad. When my brothers get upstairs I give them their presents on the couch. Then if we get a game we start to play it. If we get a book we start to read it. After that we look in our stockings above the fireplace. We eat our homemade pancakes or waffles. We enjoy our Christmas together! - Rachel Wallace
On Christmas Eve I go to my grandpa's. We eat supper and then we go down stairs to open presents. When we go home, my sister and I play Christmas music on the piano. When we wake up we open our presents. My sister and I play piano again. It is special to me because I get to see my family. - Conner O'Neil
Every Christmas we put up a Nativity Set with 3 kings, Joseph, Mary, 3 sheep, a camel with lots of jewels on it, and a donkey carrying lots of stuff and Jesus when he was a baby in a cradle. I think it especially looks cool with a light shining on it. - Madeline Wienkers
We wake up really early, open our presents, and listen to Christmas songs. Then we go to our Grandpa and Grandma's house. All of our relatives will come and we'll all open presents. Then later we go to our other Grandpa and Grandma's house. Then when we go to their house we open even more presents. - Jared Piontek
One little thing we do in our whole family is we exchange gifts. We pick a cousin's name out of a bowl. We have to buy a present for them. But the secret is we do not tell our cousin. This is very special to me because we get to see all of our cousins. That is so much fun. - Allie Le Claire
Every other year most of my family comes to my house for Christmas. It's always so much fun! Ever year we play music on (the radio). Then when my cousins come over we exchange gifts. That's the best part! After opening presents we look at all the gorgeous house lights and it's always, always so much fun!! - Blaine Schmid
My dad and I always get a tree. We then go home and decorate it. It's fun being with my family. On Christmas morning I am the first one up. I get everyone up to open all the gifts. That's how we spend Christmas. - Jennifer Gapinski
My mom, dad, 3 brothers and my sisters go to my Uncle Luis's house. We celebrate my bother Miguel's birthday and my grandma's from Mexico. We play with my cousins and then we sing Happy Birthday in Spanish. It is so fun! - Fabiola Haro
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