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Community Corner

Parent Talk: St. Michael-Albertville Holiday Traditions

Tomorrow brings about December, and with that a month long celebration of traditions.

Christmastime is here, so our kids are shouting as we drive by and look at the decorated, lit homes and tress throughout the community.

In our family, traditions are a big part of our Christmas season. Whether that's decorating the tree, or going downtown to the Macy's display, there are things we do each year.

Late nights of wrapping gifts ranks high as one of our most and least favorite holiday activities. I'm not quite sure how that works!

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Here's some suggested Christmas traditions everyone can enjoy:

1. Advent calendar: There's still time as most calendars start on Dec. 1. You can make one to use each year or you can find an inexpensive one for as low as $1 that has a chocolate for each day.

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2. Santa. Choose a place to go visit Santa and have photos done each Christmas. Make it a day.

3. Holiday lights. What kid (or adult) doesn't like holiday light displays and in St. Michael-Albertville, there are some good ones. Pack your pajama-clad kids in the car for an evening drive around town to admire the lights.

4. Baking. Everyone can bake something even if it's buying the kind of cookies you just stick on the pan and bake. Others can bake from scratch and leave a trace of sugar, flour and sprinkles throughout the kitchen. A warm kitchen and the smell of sweets baking is definitely a tradition worth keeping up.

5. Gifts. Find something special you can purchase or make each year as a tradition. Maybe it's pajamas on Christmas Eve or a special ornament commemorating each year.

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