Have you ever wondered if your family celebrates the holidays like others across the state? Of course, every Kansas family will have their own traditions about food, events, and when exactly you open your gifts, but here are nine Christmas traditions from across Kansas that we can really get behind as a state.
1. Putting up the tree after Thanksgiving dinner.
I don't know whether this is just a way to celebrate the holidays while your family is already together, but I don't know too many people that wait much longer than Thanksgiving to put up their tree. Of course, what's wrong with enjoying it for the whole month?
2. Stringing popcorn around the tree.
Plenty of finger-pokes and broken snacks later, you have a beautiful (and edible) garland to decorate your tree with.
3. A Christmas Pickle
Whoever finds the Christmas Pickle gets a special gift left by St. Nick, or good fortune for the year to come.
4. Adding small presents IN the tree instead of underneath.
Ornaments used to all be handmade, and candles used to light the tree instead of electric lights. However, for some families, the tradition of adding little presents to the tree has remained throughout the years, adding the fun of a present hunt to the celebration.
5. The Fairy Princess
For the Kansas living up by Kansas City, the Fairy Princess is a tradition dating back to 1936, when it was first started in Kline's as a secular alternative to Santa Claus. Of course, it's now one of the most sought-after events during the holiday season, and tickets sell out insanely fast.
6. White Elephant family exchanges.
When big families get together for Christmas, it's hard on your mind and your wallet to get something for everyone. Instead, many Kansas families take a different route and opt for a gift exchange, where everyone picks at random, and gets something they would have never thought of.
7. Going a little nuts with the lights.
Some organizations string up over a million holiday lights for charity or just plain show. Of course, it's not like we're complaining, but we do get a little crazy about them.
8. Saint Lucia's Day (Lindsborg)
This town's settlers established a whole community of Swedish traditions, including the festival of St. Lucia, the emblem of light. Women are adorned with a wreath topped with candles, in honor of St. Lucia, a woman who brought food and supplies to Christians hiding in catacombs, her crown lighting the way and leaving both hands free to carry as much as possible.
9. The Early Gift
For some families, opening one of your presents on Christmas Eve night has become a common event. Some take it further and gift Christmas Pajamas the night before, so they have something special to wear while they sleep in preparation for Santa's arrival and Christmas morning.
If you're looking for more to do with your family and friends this season, why not check out one of these Christmas Towns we have all over the state?
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