Scared of Santa
“My son, Miller and his wife, Annie, took their children, Vera and Duke, to see Santa around in Tampa, Florida. I think Santa feels the same way as Vera and Duke!” These are the best-ever Christmas songs, ranked.
Look what I found
“At Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church, an eager almost-two-year-old stole the show during the Nativity portrayal. When the young shepherd, Landyn, saw his grandmother, who was dressed as Mary holding the baby Jesus doll, he ran straight to her. He put his arms out for the baby, which she gave to him, and then ran as fast as he could to show his granddad!” says Lander Bethel of Sherman, Texas.
Stitched together
“We started our stocking tradition in 1990. Every time a new family member was born, I would cross-stitch a Christmas stocking as a gift for the baby. At Christmas we enjoy hanging all of the socks together. This photo showcases nearly 30 years of stockings,” says Normalee Isern of Ellinwood, Kansas.
Let’s go sledding
Barbara Kaminska shared this picture of husband, Bill, herself, and their two daughters at their home on Christmas. She says, “Bill gave our family a new 8-foot toboggan, so everyone could fit on it. Unfortunately, Dec. 25 was as green as could be! We had to test out our new gift in the living room!”
Milk and cookies
“Our little Lee woke Christmas morning to find Santa’s treats eaten,” writes Jennifer Alberti Atwood of Dracut, Massachusetts. Those adorable Grinch pajamas say humbug, but that face says Santa is real! Discover the history behind your favorite Christmas traditions.
Horsey holidays
“The horses don’t sing along, but the neighbors and small businesses love it when my friends and I come caroling,” says Sharyn McCormick of York Haven, Pennsylvania. Don’t miss these heartwarming stories of Christmas kindness.
Toddlers and trees
“This is a picture of my son, Declan. He just started pulling himself up and loves to look at the tree,” says Allison Kaisner of Fairbury, Illinois. “We had to make a ‘fence’ with our dining room chairs, so he wouldn’t pull ornaments off. He likes to get as close as he can to the twinkling lights.”
Put a bow on it
“After my granddaughter Brianna opened her gift, she stuck the wrapping on her head. This is my favorite Christmas photo of all time. It reminds me that our greatest gifts are our children,” says Bonnie Taylor of Kirbyville, Texas. Learn the real reason why Christmas colors are red and green.
Trial and error
“This is my daughter and her family,” says Debbie Stafford of Knoxville, Pennsylvania. “You can never snap a photo with young children where they’re all looking or making a nice smile. This is how our Christmas photos always turn out.” Check out what Christmas looked like 100 years ago.
Down the chimney
“Karoline and Karson Kettles make sure the chimney is all clear for Santa’s arrival,” says Wanda Thompson Scarsboro of Swainsboro, Georgia.
Baby makes six
“Every year since my oldest nephew was born, my mother-in-law has used a photo of her grandchildren for her Christmas card photo. Do you realize how hard it is to photograph six children ranging from 5 months to 14 years of age? As I scrolled through my camera, I came across this perfectly imperfect shot. Much to our surprise and enjoyment, this photo actually made it to the Christmas card this year,” says Mitzi Bumbarner of Taylorsville, North Carolina.
Just like daddy
“This year my 19-month-old son Michael got a toy chainsaw just like Daddy’s from his Aunt Ellie. All the other toys were abandoned and ignored as he contemplated how to cut down the Christmas tree just like he had seen Daddy do a few weeks before,” says Tawny Nelson of North Plains, Oregon.
Is that beard real?
For me, this photo symbolizes the magic of Christmas as seen from a child’s eyes,” says Michelle Jacobs. “This was my son’s first time ever sitting on Santa’s lap alone. He was so captivated and went right for his beard.” This is how much money mall Santas actually make.
Great minds think alike
“Their surprise was obvious as my daughter and her fiancé exchanged the same gifts—a homemade checkerboard with playing pieces—his crafted with wood and paint, and hers lovingly sewn with fabric scraps. I love this picture because their joy was captured perfectly!” says Barbara Masterson of Turlock, California.
Lean your ear this way
Bette Shute of Walla Walla, Washington, helps a very merry Santa ring bells for the Salvation Army. Looks like she’s also getting a word in his ear about what she wants for Christmas!
Charlie Brown Christmas
“My son, Silas, gave us the cutest Charlie Brown Christmas his first year,” says Leslie Jeannet of Slidell, Louisiana. We ranked the best Christmas movies of all time.
The joy of giving
“You receive the gift of seeing pure happiness when you give someone a truly meaningful gift. Putting just a bit of thought and love into a gift can revitalize someone’s holiday spirit,” says Samantha Sumner of Maryville, Tennessee. Everyone will love these Secret Santa gift ideas.
Frosty the snowgirl
“Each year I get creative with our family’s Christmas card. With the help of a few craft items around the house and part of a snowman decorating kit, my daughter was transformed into a Snow Lady,” says Dianne Craswell. Follow these tips to build the perfect snowman.