11 Christmas Traditions You’ll Only Understand If You’re From Texas

We're big on tradition here in Texas. Our roots run deep and we aren't afraid to embrace them during the holiday season. Although we develop customs within our own families, there are several statewide Christmas traditions that most of us adhere to (or at least know someone who does). Here are just 11 of the best Texas Christmas traditions.

1. Picking your own tree (pine or cedar, of course)

My mom grew up in Kirbyville, and her family used to cut down their own pine tree from the nearby forest. That's how real Texans do it, y'all.

2. Planting poinsettias

This tradition might have come from Mexico, but these Christmas flowers can be found outside plenty of homes in Texas during the holiday season.

3. Hanging barbed wire wreaths

Everyone else can keep their lush green wreaths studded with ribbon and pine cones. We'll keep repping our cowboy roots.

4. Fruitcake

Even though most of the country despises this holiday treat, it's an age-old tradition here. Cooks on the frontier used to spend days drying out fruit to the perfect consistency for the hardworking cowboys to enjoy after a hard day's work.

5. Excess

The saying, "Everything's bigger in Texas" definitely applies to Christmas. We have to have the most lights, the biggest celebrations, the most grandiose parades, and gluttonous amounts of food - and we wouldn't change any of it for the world.

6. Tamales

Some people have a Thanksgiving do-over during Christmastime, but we like to do things a little different. Tamales didn't originate in Texas, but we're more than happy to adopt the tradition.

7. Luminarias

These elegant Christmas lanterns are also a Mexican custom that we've made our own over the years. Seeing them practically floating in the night is a magical sight indeed.

8. Smoked turkey

We BBQ-obsessed Texans can't give up our kryptonite for even a day. You'll find smoked meat of some sort on all of our holiday tables.

9. Visiting the River Walk

It's not Christmas in Texas without a stroll down the most decorated street in the state: the San Antonio River Walk. The already vibrant Mexican culture of the town comes alive even more during the holiday season, and the trees adorned with lights from head to toe are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

10. Watching football

When Christmas falls on a Sunday, you bet your bottom dollar that most Texans will be parked in front of the TV to watch the game. And if it's not on a Sunday, we're probably watching highlights from the last game.

11. Fried turkey

Our Cajun roots definitely shine through with this traditional dish. There's nothing quite like biting into the crunchy outer skin of the bird that gives way to its tender, juicy meat.

How many of these Christmas traditions in Texas does your family practice? Are there any major Christmas customs in Texas that I left off? Let us know in the comments!

If you are searching for another Christmas tradition in Texas that the entire family will enjoy, take a road trip to the best Christmas lights in the state. Check out this itinerary to help you get started.