This story originally appeared at Little Things by Jess Catcher.

Every family has yuletide traditions they look forward to bringing back each year. In my house, that means playing board games on Christmas Eve and watching our favorite classic holiday film, A Christmas Story.

That said, there are some universal customs that we all look forward to as we count down to December 25. Whether it’s hitting the mall to visit Saint Nick himself or just enjoying the decor surrounding you on the streets, the world just feels a little cheerier around this time of year.

Unfortunately, some of the most beloved past times have become…well, things of the past as modern practices take their place. It’s a shame, considering most of these forgotten traditions revolve around spending more quality time with your family.

Take a look to see what you and your loved ones can do this year to embrace the charm from holidays of the past.

Did we miss your favorite tradition? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!

1. Chopping Down A Tree From Your Yard

Before neighborhoods became more clustered and crowded, folks could just hop in their backyard to find the perfect tree.

2. Sending A Family Newsletter

While some families still do this, we now mostly rely on our Facebook feeds to keep everyone updated year round.

3. Singing Carols To Neighbors

You might see chorus groups going around now and then, but what’s stopping us from gathering to spread the cheer ourselves?

4. Using Actual Stockings

Kids today obviously love giant stockings stuffed with extra presents, but using the real deal might help them be a bit less greedy.

5. Filling Them With Fruit And Chocolate Coins

Again, keeping it simple like folks from the old days can help youngsters really focus on the more important aspects of the holiday.

6. Putting On A Christmas Eve Pageant

Some churches still perform the annual show, but this used to be a tradition for families in their own living rooms.

7. Dad Dressing Up As Santa

After all, you can’t “see mommy kissi

ng Santa Claus?” without suiting up!

8. Running A Toy Train Around The Tree

This always added a delightful dash of holiday spirit to any tree skirt.

9. Stringing Popcorn And Cranberry Garlands

The process may be tedious, but it’s also one of the best opportunities to get cozy with your family and tackle the project together.

10. Making Homemade Gifts

There’s no denying we’re a more technologically obsessed culture these days, but that shouldn’t stop us from using our own two hands to create something extra special for our loved ones.

11. Getting Gussied Up

Even if it’s just throwing on your “good” pair of pajamas, dressing for the occasion always helped get everyone in a more festive mood.

Did we miss your favorite old-school tradition? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!