Help a Mom: Favorite Triangle holiday traditions

Posted: November 13, 2012

Two of my family's very favorite holiday traditions are coming up this weekend: the Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday morning and the lighting of the North Hills Christmas tree on Saturday evening.

At my house, we start Christmas pretty late compared to many families around here. The Christmas tree doesn't go up until about a week before Dec. 25. The actual shopping doesn't take place until December rolls around.

But these early holiday celebrations are a must for my family. What are your family's favorite Triangle holiday events, venues and traditions?

Please share favorites in the comments box below. (If you don't see the comments box below, you'll need to log in or sign up for a WRAL account. You can do that by going to the top of the page and clicking on either "log in" or "register").

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It is so refreshing to hear that someone else waits to put up the tree! Growing up, we always put the tree up on the first day of winter...usually Dec. 21st. Would have loved to have kept that tradition, but my daughter's birthday is Dec. 17th so we moved the tree decorating to the Sunday of the second weekend of December. This year it will be Dec. 9th.

pulstar40
November 14, 2012 8:51 a.m.

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We also tend to put our tree up about the second week of December. Now that my kids are older, (12 and 9) we have been focusing more on giving than receiving during Christmas. A big part of our Christmas is selecting a family from the Angel Tree and shopping for them. Since losing both of my parents and a subsequent divorce, it has forced us to come up with new traditions for our new family. Last year a big part of Christmas was going through 5 generations of Christmas decorations and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. We all love my mom and grandma's Annalee dolls and put those up, as well as my grandmother's silver ornaments. My mother made gorgeous felt ornaments during the 1970's, complete with sequins, beading and real fur. Now my kids are enjoying putting them on our tree. They also love getting their stockings on Christmas morning. They often have more fun with the little treats and goodies that go in there than their Santa presents.

moppie
November 14, 2012 9:57 a.m.

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There's so many area events to choose from, it's great! There's the Santa train at Durham's Life & Science, A Christmas Carol play, Disney on Ice, Scandinavian Christmas Fair in Raleigh, Holiday Fun Fest Durham, pictures with the mall santa, oh my! :)

worldtvlr7
November 14, 2012 10:02 a.m.

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When I was growing up we never put up our real Christmas tree until December 24. It was our tradition. But as an adult I like to put my tree up around the first Sat in December so I will have time to enjoy the smell of a fresh cut Frasier tree. I lost my family by the time I was 23 and the holidays are a pretty depressing time. But I'm trying to get in the spirit for my five year old grandson's sake. I am taking my daughter and grandson to see A Christmas Carol, we are going to the Christmas parade and I want to go see the Tanglewood Festival of Lights this year. I hear it is fantastic. We also select two names from the Angel Tree and last year I took my grandson with me so he can learn the meaning of giving. I feel like everyone forgets the true meaning of Christmas. I also do the shoeboxes for the children.

jcook2
November 14, 2012 10:21 a.m.

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For what ages is "A Christmas Carol" appropriate? I've always wanted to go, but I wonder how my 11 year old would do with it.

We enjoyed the "Meadow Lights" near Benson last year. We also had a great time at the Mount Olive Pickle Drop on New Year's Eve. And, Morehead Planetarium has a holiday concert series under the planetarium dome - last year, we went to the acapella show featuring the UNC Clef Hangers and Loreleis.

lori6
November 14, 2012 4:30 p.m.

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The 5th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market of Saints Cyril and Methodius parish in Cary is fun for the family and brings back lots of memories of Christmas past. Lots of home made goodies from Poland, Slovakia, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, and Scandinavia. There is also a fun exhibit on the life of the real St. Nicholas and they have fresh Christmas trees and The Little German Band. Great place to get unique ornaments, gifts, and decorations. www.saintnicholasmarket.com

etss3
November 15, 2012 2:57 p.m.

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Help a Mom: Favorite Triangle holiday traditions

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