My grandmother started another tradition that our family has. When her 7 kids started getting married and had their own families at the holidays - she established the Sunday before Christmas as the day that everybody would gather at her house to have the holiday meal. They would also give out gifts. There are so many people now, its obviously a buffet style meal. They have a two-bedroom house with not much room! This way each family can spend the actual holiday with each (or wherever else) and not feel guilty about not coming over.

Over the years it has been neat to see things change around. First, it was her kids with their little ones. Then the older kids started bringing their boy/girlfriends, and then it was their spouses and now full circle we are bringing our own little kids. It is a very much loved, and cherished family tradition. My grandfather passed away this year so I am not sure if we will still have it. I sure hope so!