What is your Christmas tradition?

Every year, family and friends gather during the holiday season, whether out of town or at home.

Each gathering or group of people celebrate differently.

For our family, the tradition is pretty simple, especially on Christmas Eve.

Every Christmas Eve night, we always pick a church service to attend in Fairhope. Once the church service is over, we go home, eat dinner and chill.

As I’ve said in this space before, Christmas Eve night is my favorite night of the year.

I don’t know how to explain it.

There’s something magical, yet mystic about the night that intrigues me.

Whether it’s the promise of Christmas Day or the fact that I’m about to get presents, Christmas Eve night is always a night that I look forward to each year.

Years back on Christmas Eve, we got home from church and typically we serve ourselves a cocktail.

On this one night, my father decided to have martinis.

He put some lemon-flavored vodka in the freezer earlier that day, and it was nice and cold for the drinks.

Just having that drink on that night was something I’ll never forget. I know it’s kind of campy, but hey, it always brings a smile to my face.

On Christmas Day, we typically sleep late. Once everybody is awake, we make breakfast and quickly open presents. A big lunch/dinner is usually served and afterward, we kind of relax with a movie or favorite TV show.

Whatever your Christmas tradition may be, we hope it’s a good one filled with laughter, love and hope.