A Christmas Eve Tradition: 35 Years of Family, Pizza, and Togetherness

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when family gathers—especially when it’s a tradition that’s been lovingly upheld for more than three decades. For our family, Christmas Eve isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a promise. A promise that, no matter how busy life gets, we’ll come together, laugh, share stories, and make memories that last long after the last cookie crumb has disappeared.

It all started with my mom. Over 35 years ago, she decided that Christmas Eve would be our family’s sacred night. No matter where we were or what was happening in our lives, we’d set aside this evening for each other. The menu? Pizza—simple, delicious, and universally loved. There’s something delightfully un-fussy about gathering around boxes of pizza as everyone settles in for a night of connection.

The kitchen transforms into a cookie-decorating workshop. Sprinkles fly, icing gets everywhere, and creativity takes over. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely perfect. The cookies might not always look picture-perfect, but the laughter and camaraderie make them taste better than any bakery treat.

Once the cookies are decorated and the last slice of pizza has vanished, we settle in to share stories. Some are new, some are old favorites, and all are sprinkled with nostalgia and love. It’s these moments—listening to everyone recall Christmases past, hearing younger relatives chime in with their own memories—that feel like the true gifts of the season.

In 2010, we lost my mom. The first Christmas Eve without her was unimaginably hard, but we knew she would want the tradition to continue. So, with heavy hearts but determined spirits, we gathered as always—honoring her memory by keeping the tradition alive. Each year since, we feel her presence in every laugh, every story, and every batch of cookies. Her love is woven into the fabric of our celebration, reminding us that the bonds she created are unbreakable.

Through the years, our Christmas Eve tradition has grown. New family members join, little ones become storytellers, and the circle of love gets wider. But the heart of the tradition remains unchanged: this is our night to be together. No distractions, no rush—just us, savoring the joy of family.

If you’re reading this and searching for a way to make the holidays more meaningful, consider starting a tradition of your own. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a simple meal, a shared activity, or just setting aside time to be together can become the most cherished part of the season. After all, it’s not about what’s on the table, but who’s around it.