Have you ever wondered how people in other countries celebrate the holidays? Learn about other cultures and traditions together with your children this holiday season.

World traditions

Did you know that Argentines leave their clogs out for a visit from the Three Kings, while the Finnish visit the sauna, and Italian children wait until January 6 for their gifts to be delivered by an ugly witch named La Befana? Read on to find out more interesting tidbits about Christmas traditions around the world.

Alaska

Christmas festivities in Alaska begin shortly after Thanksgiving is over with families celebrating out in the streets caroling, dancing and enjoying the holiday spirit. Children carry traditional Christmas stars on poles in a procession through the streets as they go visiting from home to home. Once inside, the carolers are served Christmas goodies. Most popular are cookies, candy, maple-frosted doughnuts, smoked salmon and a fish pie called piruk. Holiday celebrations continue in Alaska until the Feast of Epiphany on January 6.

Argentina

In Argentina, Christmas occurs during summertime and no Christmas celebration is complete without a barbecue and fireworks. The extended family gathers on Christmas Eve for a big party that lasts all night long. At midnight, gifts are exchanged. Children also anticipate the coming of the Three Kings on January 6. They leave their clogs out beside their beds to be filled with candies and small toys.

Ethiopia

The Ethiopian celebration of Christmas, called Ganna and celebrated on January 7, is a solemn religious holiday with the primary activity being a long mass followed by a special feast. Gifts are not traditionally exchanged. During the church service, everyone receives a lighted candle that they carry around the church three times. Men and women stand apart and the service lasts up to three hours. Afterwards, the traditional Christmas meal is served with doro wat, a spicy stew, and injera, a sourdough pancake bread that is used in place of silverware in Ethiopian cuisine. The rest of the day is spent singing, dancing, playing games and feasting with family and friends.

Finland

On Christmas Eve, the Finnish visit relatives in the afternoon, followed by a trip to the cemetery to remember the dead. Candles are left burning on the gravestones of family members and ancestors. Finnish children can expect a personal visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, when a male relative or friend will dress up and bring gifts to the house. After Santa leaves, the Christmas feast is served with salted ham, potatoes, veggies and lots of homemade biscuits and buns. And no Finnish Christmas is complete without an after-dinner visit to the sauna.

Italy

The tradition of the Nativity scene hails from Italy, where artisans hand-carve these beautiful sets which people display in their homes. Churches also feature beautiful Nativity crèches throughout the holiday season, which people enjoy visiting especially on Christmas Eve. A strict fast is observed on the day before Christmas, and on Christmas Eve a traditional seven fish dinner is served. Children hang up their stockings on January 6 for a visit from La Befana, who according to legend, chose not to visit the Baby Jesus on the night of His birth. Regretting her choice, she has been looking for Him ever since. The Italian version of Father Christmas, La Befana travels the world on her broomstick leaving presents in the stockings of good children and coal for those who were naughty.

Sweden

In Sweden, it's not Saint Nick that kids are waiting for but Saint Lucia, the patron saint of light. The celebration begins with St. Lucia's Day on December 13, when the eldest daughter wakes early, puts on a white gown and serves her parents breakfast. In some places, there are also candlelight processions on Christmas Eve.

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Holiday traditions can make your family’s Christmas memorable and fun. Small or big, holiday traditions are about the memories you create and the anticipation of everyone's experiences.

Creating
holiday memories

Does your family have any special holiday traditions? If you need some ideas — or if you want to add a few — keep reading for fun holiday traditions from moms like you.

Holiday traditions don't have to be extravagant. In fact, sometimes the smallest or silliest of traditions make the biggest impact. Following are a few holiday traditions that make the holidays memorable for these families. Perhaps you can add one or two this year.

Dine at a "different" restaurant

You don't have to make reservations at a typical restaurant to create a holiday tradition and memorable meal. Try something different! Allison Friedrich, mom of three, shares her family's holiday tradition: "As a kid my family and I always ate at a Japanese steakhouse for Christmas Eve dinner, and that's something we've continued with our family. We only go the one day each year, so it's a special treat."

Looking for something more scaled down? Jill Cannup, mom of two, says her family always has a fun breakfast at the Waffle House on Christmas Eve. Out of the ordinary and silly, eating with your family somewhere "different" is a great holiday tradition that creates entertaining memories.

Wrap gifts in a unique way

Do you ever feel like you're wasting a massive amount of wrapping paper — and cash — when you wrap up all of your Christmas gifts? Why not create a holiday tradition that is fun and green? Find a new way to wrap gifts.

"About 10 years ago my mom sewed a whole slew of cloth gift bags — in lots of different sizes — and we use those from year to year to wrap our Christmas gifts to each other," shares Anne Winfrey, mom of one. Her family's holiday tradition is both special to them and environmentally sound. "We feel really good about the fact that we don't have a huge pile of wrapping paper to throw away after we are done opening gifts. We just fold up our cloth gift bags and put them away until next year!"

The Elf on the Shelf

This holiday tradition is becoming quite popular, but some people have never heard of it. Amy Martosewicz, mom of one, says that The Elf on the Shelf and the accompanying book is a must-do holiday tradition that she enjoys with her daughter every year. Choose an elf and place him on the shelf each holiday season. The kids aren't allowed to touch him, but he's very important! He watches everyone and reports back to Santa, helping keep the 'Naughty or Nice List' in order. Make it your own tradition by choosing an elf that represents your family, naming him and making him a part of your family during the holidays.

Remember: It's the little things

Don't forget to incorporate small and seemingly simple holiday traditions. Amy gives her daughter a special ornament with her name on it each year. Sarah Borst says that has been her favorite holiday tradition since childhood. "My mom has been giving my sister and I [sic] one with our names each year on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember," she says. "It's pretty cool because when you get to be as old as we are, you have enough for your own tree!"

Karen Wall, mom of two, shares that her family reads an Advent story by the Christmas tree each night. Sure, it's simple, but Karen is creating holiday traditions that will hopefully last for her grandchildren. Remember, it's the little things that often matter the most when creating holiday traditions with your kids.

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Reboot your holiday traditions tech style

You know how that old saying goes: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? This year, make everyone happy and modify some of your holiday traditions to make them a little more appealing to your tech-crazed kids.

Go geek for the holidays

You might want to consider updating some of your lovely holiday traditions and going with a more "user-friendly" approach so your kids won’t roll their eyes at you. .

Program Santa into your cell phone

This year, hand over your cell phone to your little one and let him take a free phone call from Santa Claus personalized with his name, courtesy of Dialmycalls.com. You simply choose from nine messages that your child can receive, pick the time, date and phone number you want the call sent to. Santa will do the rest!

How to break the news about the real Santa Claus>>

Your child's wish list goes digital

Bye bye pen and paper, hello app. Now your child can record, send and share his wish list with friends, family and even Santa himself, through email or Facebook. After he hits send, he'll receive a reply Santa Gram from Mr. Claus himself letting your child know that the list was received up at the North Pole. Free on iTunes.com.

Chestnuts roasting by an open app

If your home doesn't have a fireplace or you live in a warm climate, you can still have a fire. Well, a virtual fire, that is. Download Game Scorpion's Intimate Fireplace app to your iPad and enjoy the rich warm glow of the flames with none of the hassle of hauling in wood and cleaning up ash. The kids will love choosing between 10 different fireplaces that come complete with a soft, sizzling crackle and soothing music. Grab a board game and some hot cocoa and enjoy a relaxing night with the kids this holiday season. Barnes & Noble Nook App, 99 cents.

Track Santa through Facebook and Twitter

A high-tech way to count down the days to Santa's arrival, the NORAD Tracks Santa website provides up-to-the-minute info on Santa's journey. There are games, videos and even a Santa cam. On December 24, you and your little ones can follow along with a minute-by-minute report of Santa's progress on his website, Facebook or Twitter.

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Moms who love them

A self-proclaimed sucker for pajama fun, mom of two in Seattle, Dana, says that she absolutely gets matching pajamas for her kids — and for her husband and herself when she can find the same ones in adult sizes as well.

Tara, a Los Angeles mom to a 2-year-old, shares that even her mom and sister join in the matching pajama craziness. They've been busting out the matching Christmas pajamas for the past three years now.

Moms who just say no

On the other side of the matching pajama scene, Kelli tells SheKnows that her own mother has been making her wear matching Christmas pajamas since she was a child and even now, Kelli's mom insists on matching pajamas for the entire family on Christmas morning. Oh, and they have to pose for a family picture. As soon as that picture has been snapped, Kelli promptly changes her clothes.

Angie, a mom of three, agrees that matching pajamas for the entire family are just too much. And she adds, "If you're going to put your husband in pajamas with penguins on them, at least don't post them on Facebook for the world to see."

No matter what side of the matching family pajamas debate you're on, there's no denying that there are some hilarious matching family pajamas out there and, lucky for you, we've found some of the best for this holiday season.

For families who insist on footie pajamas

If your motto is to go big or go home when it comes to matching holiday pajamas, you must make sure that those pajamas have feet on them. Thankfully, Etsy comes through with this pattern for One Piece Family Pajamas with Booties and a Hood . Pick your favorite holiday fabric and create the perfect pair of PJs for everyone in the family.

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Unique wrapping paper

The wrapping will rival the gift inside when it’s made by sweet little hands.

These homemade wrapping papers are so special that you’ll want to frame and cherish them forever!

Use brown paper bags to make luminaries>>

Forget the paper

Instead of wrapping a gift in paper, repurpose something from around the house. Place the gift in a wicker basket, a metal bucket or a tote bag. The wrap itself becomes part of the gift — and your child gets a lesson in recycling!

Video: How to wrap a Christmas present>>

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Violet, Aiden and Raelene

Violet, Aiden and Ralene, children of Traci from New Jersey

This was last year’s picture of the "big" kids. As you can see Aiden got over his fear of Santa and now adores him, but Raelene on the other hand... not so much! She was totally stoked to go see him and talk to him up until the time I put her on his lap — it was all downhill from there. Violet, she just looked angry that she even had to be there, but eventually talked to him after the picture was taken.

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Graysen and Mason

Graysen and Mason, children of Nicole from Mississippi

This is a good example of all of our holiday character pictures. My daughter and niece talked a good game in the 30-minute line wait, but the minute they sat down, mass hysteria ensued.

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Carter and Alexa

Carter and Alexa, twins of Chantelle from Alberta

I knew going up that they might cry so I said to the lady, “Whatever happens, just take the photo.” She was like, “OK!” And this is how it turned out. My husband handed one child off and I handed off the other one. She asked if she could take another one if they settle down but I knew that was never going to happen.

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Emily

Emily, daughter of Stacy from Texas

We were so excited to take our 1-year-old baby girl to see Santa a few years ago. Sadly, all did not go as planned. She was upset, and Santa was less than amused.

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Maddie

Maddie, daughter of Angela from Missouri

I'd heard that there was a free photo with Santa at Walgreens, so I took the kids. The guy walks out with a beard as flat as a pancake, complete with a broken strap. His dark hair poked out. They were having technical difficulties with the backdrop, so there wasn't one. Maddie was as stiff as a board and wouldn't look in his direction.

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Summer and Meriel

Summer and Meriel, daughters of Carrie from Connecticut

No one was freaking out, but Meriel was scared out of her mind!

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Odin and Talina

Odin and Talina, children of Lindsay from Canada

Talina was 19 months old, and super excited about meeting Santa. Until she sat down.

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AJ and McKaelen

AJ and McKaelen, children of Stephanie from Arizona

It was McKaelen's second time visiting Santa — she was about 18 months old and AJ was a little over 3 years old. She definitely did not want to be there. The camera lady kept trying to make McKaelen smile and I just said, "Just take the darn picture!" I didn't care if she smiled or not, and every Christmas season I take this picture out and laugh and laugh remembering that day. The kids are now 15 and 13 and their younger brother Luke is 11. We still sometimes go and sit on Santa's lap!

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Christopher

Christopher, son of Tara from North Carolina

This is Christopher at 17 months old, on the reindeer, because he hates Santa. Still does, except for the getting presents part.

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Aiden

Aiden, son of Traci from New Jersey

This was Aiden's second Christmas. He was about 16 months old here. He was totally stoked about going to visit Santa, until the little girl that was in front of us started screaming and crying when she had to sit on Santa’s lap. After Aiden witnessed her meltdown and saw Santa up close he wanted nothing to do with him.

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Austin

Austin, son of Cathy from Texas

Austin was only interested in Santa until he sat down, then he was ready to hop back off!

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Cooper and Aiden

Cooper and Aiden, sons of Jo from Oregon

Here are my boys in 2010 with their grandparents. They are so thrilled.

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Harper

Harper, daughter of Lisa from Illinois

Harper and Santa didn’t have a spectacular first meeting. A year later… still no joy for the Harps. And yes, I laughed again.

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Madison and Mikey

Madison and Mikey, children of Lisa from Ohio

Mikey had a nice chat about Rudolph with Santa. Madison had other thoughts.

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Hayden and Katelyn

Hayden and Katelyn, children of Alisha from Florida

The outfit Hayden has on was one I made because he begged for a Santa costume. He wore it almost every day that year. Hayden had to wear his costume and loved Santa; and poor Katelyn, well she hated it.

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SheKnows: Why did you feel the need to write Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success?

Dr. Madeline Levine: I’ve been a psychologist for 30 years and in general, I’m seeing that more kids today are feeling pressured to get into the best colleges, and the frenzy to try and give kids a leg up often means that kids are missing out on critical developmental tasks. School is now the No. 1 stressor in kids’ lives. My book takes a look at the problems — including an overemphasis on standardized testing scores and grades — and offers solutions. Research shows that emphasizing report cards and not paying attention to perseverance, grit and character results in kids being ill-prepared for the 21st century and their own lives.

Kids don't feel they have a life or time for friends. Many are taking AP courses over regular classes. They lack the time to deal with normal developmental issues. The developmental task of adolescence is to construct an identity so you go off to college with a sense of self. But many kids today are in distress which leads to high level of emotional problems. Kids are also lacking good coping skills — which come out of experiences of failures and mistakes. Parents who are terrified if kids get a “B” instead of an “A” and get the kids a tutor are getting in the way of things kids need to learn.

There are escalating rates today of anxiety, depression, cutting, eating disorders and drug and alcohol abuse due to the pressure to measure up today.

A select few

SK: What do you feel parents are doing wrong today?

ML: Parents are all doing the best they can. I think with good intentions they’ve bought into ideas that have no basis in data. There’s a mythology out there that’s promoted by huge businesses like tutoring companies, colleges and college testing companies. Parents have become so fearful that if their kids don’t work to get ahead with AP courses and tutoring, for example, their kids will be disadvantaged. Many parents believe getting into a top college is their child’s only chance of being successful. But the data shows it’s not. Is the reward of getting into that college worth giving up adolescence and childhood?

A tiny percentage of kids make it into the select schools. The population’s increasing and they aren’t building any new Harvards. When kids are just worried about getting in to top schools they neglect other important things. Top companies today are worried that they’re getting graduates with great grades but no coping skills or grit. Kids today are dependent on other people solving their problems. Business leaders say having a good work ethic and being a good collaborator are mandatory for the 21st century.

SK: Can you give some examples of how to parent for authentic success?

ML: Parents are feeling lost about what it means to raise successful children. But there are things you can do.

1. Make sure your kid gets enough sleep — in general 9 hours and 15 minutes for optimal brain development. Kids are sleep-deprived because of too much homework. Parents need to collaborate with schools so homework demands allow for a reasonable amount of sleep.
2. Parents need to step back and get a clear view of who their kids are. Not every kid belongs at Harvard.
3. It’s a myth that you have to be good at everything. In adulthood you really need to be good at a couple of things. The straight “A” mentality is not the way the world works. You need to be really good at two things to rise in a company.
4. Look at your child’s activities and rank them in order of what’s most important and keep two or three. Kids need play time, down time and family time.

Parental peer pressure

SK: What kind of peer pressure do you feel parents face?

ML: Parents feel very much under the gun. They’re trying to keep up with their neighbors in a more toxic form than ever before. They think they’re doing a good job as a parent if their kid gets into a top school like a Harvard, and not a community college. Parents judge the outcome of their parenting by how well their kids do. We are incredibly competitive especially within the affluent community. Many parents feel bad if their neighbor goes to a private school and their child doesn’t, even if a private school isn’t right for their child.

You used to be able to talk to your neighbor about trouble the kids are having, but we no longer collaborate. It’s tragic that parents compete with each other and think it’s the only way to get ahead. Companies say the only way to get ahead is through collaboration. The irony is the parents think they’re doing the right thing.

No one knows what their kids’ jobs are going to be in the future. The jobs don’t likely exist yet. It’s important to think more broadly and pay more attention to the whole child. I think the most important thing is to teach your kids self-control. You also want kids to have a moral compass and know how to overcome adversity.

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Create the perfect gift ideas with online photo websites, like Snapfish or Shutterfly, which offer personalized photo gifts from aprons to coffee mugs to jewelry boxes displaying photos of your youngsters.

You can also hook grandpa up with a photo keychain or money clip featuring his favorite grandkids that gives him easy access to his bragging rights.

Jewelry photo gifts from photo mugs to photo jewelry make the perfect gifts for grandparents from grandkids young and old. "Many of my customers order Personalized Photo Earrings, 1" Square and 1" Circle Photo Charm Necklaces as grandma gifts because it not only serves as a great keepsake, but gives grandma a way to showoff how adorable her grandkids are," says Brooke Sides, BSidesMetal.

Handmade holiday gifts kids can make>>

Gift ideas that feature birthstones, like necklaces, watches, broaches or rings are a great way to tip your hat to all the members of your family as far back as you choose, especially when it comes to gifts for grandma.

Customized family tree art featuring the names of all your family members also make a great grandparent gift idea, where the names form the shape of the tree or the names are featured on leaves of an artistic tree.

Current family members can add their thumb prints and label them on a ceramic serving dish or bowl adorned with the family surname for grandparent gifts from the family.

Creative wrapping paper children can make>>

You can order gifts featuring the nickname your kids call their grandparents, such as a Grammy and Pappy cookie jar .

Or find gifts that celebrate the humor of being a grandparent when browsing the internet or your local card shop, like a personalized doormat from Coco Mats 'N More.

And stick figure family members are just as popular as ever, adoring tote bags, t-shirts, and even the back of grandma and grandpa's car window.

Before running out and buying something for the grandparents in your life, gift ideas that your kids can create themselves mean more to grandparents than any gifts from a store. So, grab some paint, your kid's creative hands, and a blank t-shirt, apron or wooden photo frame to create gifts for grandma and grandpa that celebrate their love year round!

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A lesson in contentment

Make it a season of giving

When it comes to the holidays, most children have certain expectations and a sense of entitlement when it comes to receiving gifts. However by instilling contentment within children and teaching them about the importance of giving, parents can change the way their kids think about the holidays.

Contributed by Rachel Cruze

As much fun as Christmas can be for adults, it’s magical for kids. I remember waking up bright and early on many Christmas mornings, eager to see what was waiting for me under the tree. It really was one of the most exciting days of the year.

The trick for parents at Christmas — something my parents were great at — is making sure the kids don’t think the holiday season is all about them.

It's not all about you

If you don’t tell them that the heart of Christmas is about giving, who will? It certainly won’t be Macy’s or Toys "R" Us or Apple. They are ready and willing to take all the money you and your kid want to give them.

So the question is: How can you help your kids be more in tune with giving at Christmas? The answer is simple. Let them give... a lot!

Make giving a habit

I’m not talking about buying them a present to give to their teacher or handing them a dollar in the parking lot to put in the offering plate at church.

If you really want them to learn what it means to give, then they need to give their own money. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Ten percent is a great place to start.

And this isn’t something you start trying to do during Christmas. Talk about giving all year long, encouraging them to save their money and look for opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life.

Reach out to someone else

During the Christmas season, it’s not hard to find organizations that allow you to “adopt” a family or another child and provide gifts for them. Take your child shopping and let them pick out specific things based on the needs you’ve been given.

Even better, visit the family or child who will receive the gifts. What a great way to impact someone else! When I was a child, this was something my family did every year. It’s amazing how those memories have stayed with me decades later.

A lot of kids will naturally focus on themselves — that’s just how we’re wired as humans. So it’s your job as a parent to help them understand why we celebrate Christmas and what it really means.

The presents and the food and the days off from school are nice, but in the end, Christmas is about reaching out to those in need and providing them with hope.

Successful people are givers

As I’ve traveled across the country the last few years speaking to thousands of teens and young adults, I’m convinced that the next generation can change our country if they truly get this message.

Because, really, giving at Christmas is awesome, but giving throughout the year — and throughout your life — is even better. By teaching your kids the importance of giving, you’re equipping them for a lifetime of success.

About the Author

Growing up as Dave Ramsey's kid, Rachel Cruze learned the basic principles of money at an early age. She travels across the country teaching those same principles, in a personal and passionate message of money and hope, to teens and young adults. Rachel’s also the host of Generation Change, a course that teaches teens about money and empowers them with the skills they need to become financially responsible adults. To find out more about Rachel, visit daveramsey.com/speakers or follow her on Twitter at @RachelCruze.

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School is out and the holidays are in full gear. Your teen may have visions of being lazy dancing in his head, but isn’t there something more productive he could do?

How teens can help out in your community

The holidays are a time when local agencies can use an extra set of hands, and many are more than happy to have teens help out. Who can you help in your area?

Teens often have a lot of time on their hands over the holiday break from school. Catching up on sleep is great, but what about a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Teens are capable of doing so many things, yet we often forget about involving them in volunteer work. Not only are these opportunities great to have on their list of skills, but they give your teen a big confidence boost.

Feed someone

It may seem like the traditional recommendation for volunteering, but there’s a big need. From those who simply don’t have enough money to put food on their tables to those who don’t even own a table, people in your community are hungry. Local churches often provide sit-down meals for holidays and can always use a few extra hands. Your teen can also check with local food banks, which hand out bags of food or deliver them year-round. Food banks have a need for people to package the food, unload deliveries, make phone calls and even deliver bags.

Helping others who aren’t as fortunate as your teen is a valuable lesson in compassion and gratitude. Something as simple as the food on his plate is often taken for granted. Teens can seem self-centered and overly self-involved, but engage a teen in an activity where he is valued and making a difference and you will be amazed.

Lend a hand

Sometimes volunteering is needed in the most unexpected places. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor who could use help clearing away leaves or organizing the garage. Helping neighbors doesn’t have the recognition of a larger scale volunteer opportunity, but your teen can make a big difference in someone’s life. Making these connections with people he already knows can show him a sense of community he may have missed before.

Does your church, school or community sponsor any special holiday events like parades or concerts? Teens love to volunteer for these events because many times they have attended them as a younger child. Being involved behind the scenes makes this gig extra hip.

Make volunteering cool

Volunteering doesn’t have to be all about helping old ladies and handing out food. Teens today are more involved in the big picture of our planet than possibly any generation prior. They think big thoughts, have some big ideas and often wonder how just one person can make a difference. Is your teen interested in the environment? Maybe she wonders how to help other teens in town that are homeless or going through tough times. Check out DoSomething.org, a great site for teens who are looking for ways to make a difference in lots of different categories. According to their site, they “harness that awesome energy and unleash it on causes teens care about.” They launch a new national campaign almost every week, and teens can follow them on Facebook or add an app to their phone to follow the latest campaigns.

Set the example

Teens are more likely to volunteer for a cause or an event if they see their parents doing volunteer work too. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, but find a cause that’s important to you this holiday season and give a bit of your time — or volunteer as a family. Start your teen on the right foot to give back during the holidays.

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Multicultural families are becoming more and more common — and that's something to celebrate! Don't let cultural diversity cause stress this holiday season.

Happy holidays for multicultural families

Take the opportunity to honor and celebrate traditions from each culture represented in your multicultural family. Read our expert advice to ensure happy holidays for multicultural families this year!

Recognize each holiday

When Mom and Dad come from different faiths, it doesn't mean that one faith has to be left behind. Instead, a lot of families choose to educate their kids in the traditions and beliefs of both faiths, allowing the kids to learn about both and form their own decisions on faith.

For Jewish and Christian families, there is the opportunity to bring together favorite traditions from each of the winter holiday celebrations since they fall so close together, says Ellen Zimmerman of Jewish Holidays in a Box, LLC.

"A great way to weave together various traditions is to plan a cookie-baking afternoon where people bake a mix of Hanukkah and Christmas cookies. In families where there are young children, choose recipes that work well for little hands," says Zimmerman. "For instance, little ones can roll balls for Danish wedding cookies for Christmas — or sprinkle colored sugar on Hanukkah cookies. At the same time, older children can create stained glass paintings for both holidays. Set all the cookies together on a big platter — and enjoy!"

There may also be tradition differences in celebrating the holiday when families come from different cultures. For instance, an Italian family may always have the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve while a French family may traditionally have 13 desserts on Christmas Eve. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be either/or — you can do both and create a rich new tradition for your family.

Feast your eyes on these decadent holiday cookie recipes>>

Recognize cultural etiquette

Beyond religious differences, there may also be cultural differences to consider as well. For instance, touching people is taboo in some cultures. International trainer, coach, speaker and author Laurie Brown suggests these tips:

• Don't assume everyone wants to be greeted with a firm handshake, a broad smile and direct eye contact. While we seem to assume everyone wants that in America, it is not necessarily true for people outside of America.
• Touching some people, in any way, can be extremely offensive.
• Simply shaking hands or touching the shoulder of traditional Middle Eastern or Japanese women can be the equivalent of assault in their country.
• It is important to let the other person take the lead.
• Some people will hug you and kiss you on both cheeks, which is why it is always important to let them take the lead.
• Be aware that personal space varies among different cultures. Some people bow, shake hands and then take a step back. Other cultures may prefer to stand even closer than Americans.
• Smiles convey different meanings as well. In America, we view it as friendly. In other countries, a smile can be used to cover grief or to hide embarrassment.
• Direct eye contact is considered rude and intrusive in some cultures.

In all cases, it is best to let the person of a different culture take the lead.

Read up on 10 holiday etiquette don'ts>>

Recognize the lesson

Holidays present the perfect opportunity to help kids understand the importance of different cultures and their traditions and beliefs. Talk to your children about the various cultural celebrations that your family recognizes.

You can also help them learn about diverse cultures via lessons such as the Alphabet Kids series, a set of six books created by EMMY award-winning producer Patrice Samara and Allegra Joyce Kassin. The books follow a group of six kids — each from different backgrounds — on fun adventures, and at the end of each story, the characters learn something about a different culture's beliefs and traditions via music, food, language or behavior. The series is designed to teach kids tolerance and promote a more understanding generation, and it can be a great tool when helping your multicultural family understand one another's beliefs and traditions.

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Christmas around the world
Small holiday traditions that make a big impact

Head to Netflix or Redbox, or scour your cable TV guide to find these fun holiday movies to watch with your family.

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Easy Christmas crafts for kids
3 Fun holiday traditions to introduce this year

Bellissimo!

Choosing an Italian name is a lovely way to pay homage to your roots. Whether it's a unique take on a popular American name or a name that oozes with romance, Italian names are a great way to go.

Italian names
girls and boys

Looking for a beautiful Italian name for your baby girl or boy? Look no further. Running the gamut from the traditional to the unusual, there are many beautiful Italian names to choose from.

If you are searching for a baby name that will just scream Bellissimo! and appeal to your Mediterranean roots, then these Italian baby names might just be perfect for you.

To best use this selection of names, get out a pad and paper and write down the names that appeal to you while you read through the lists. Have your baby's father do the same. Then, pare the lists down and compare notes.

There are many reasons for choosing a baby name. Perhaps it's one that has always struck a chord with you. Perhaps it's a family name. Or maybe it's a name that honors your heritage. Whatever the case, you want to think carefully when choosing a name for your little one. Does this name flow well with your last name? Will it be appropriate when the baby is 2, and also when your child is 52?

Italian Names with English Equivalents

Sometimes, words just sound better in a different language. These Italian names are the equivalent of common English-language names, but they sound and look a little different.

Boy Names

Girl Names

Romantic Italian baby names

The Italian language falls under the umbrella of romance languages, so there are many wonderful romantic names to choose from. These are a few of our favorites.

Click here for more Italian boy names >>

Famous Italian names

There are so many famous Italian folks out there working in entertainment, the food industry, fashion and more. So it should come as no surprise that there are many Italian names that can be traced to famous folks and characters. While not everyone on the list is actually Italian, their names have that exotic Italian sound. Here are a few notable ones.

Love celebrity baby names?Check out our pick of the Top 25 weird celebrity baby names >>

For more baby name ideas

Exotic baby names and meanings
Irish baby names: The hottest name trend
French baby names: Exotic and beautiful

Josiah, Mia, Caleb, Daniel and Isabelle

Josiah, Mia, Caleb, Daniel and Isabelle, children of Rebecca from Colorado

“We do ‘Nana's in pajamas’ every year! On Christmas Eve morning, everyone wears PJs to my mom's house to exchange presents. There are seven kids and 11 grandkids so it's super fun! It wouldn't be Christmas if we were dressed properly!”

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Violet, Aiden, Raelene, Scarlett and Veronica

Violet, Aiden, Raelene, Scarlett and Veronica, kids of Traci from New Jersey

“On Christmas Eve we watch the movie The Polar Express with the kids, John reads The Night Before Christmas , then all of the kids get to open one present. We hang up their stockings before bed and the kids put out a small plate of cookies and milk for Santa and a few carrots for the reindeer.”

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Armenie and Hanna

Armenie and Hanna, children of Syx and Taryn from British Columbia

“My mom always used to let us open one present the night before Christmas and it was always a new pair of pajamas. We're doing the same with our girls.”

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Scarlette and Lenore

Scarlette and Lenore, children of Rachael from Wisconsin

“We had bought our oldest Lenore a pair of two-piece PJs for Christmas. At another store, we ran into a matching one-piece, perfect for our youngest, Scarlette. When the little one was big enough to fill them out, matching PJ photos definitely needed to happen. We plan on keeping the PJs for Christmas tradition, and who could resist matching?”

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Audrey and Molly

Audrey and her mom Molly from Ontario

“We bought these to wear on Christmas Eve because my daughter insisted that matching was awesome and I would be, ‘So, so, so cozy!’”

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Tessa and Chloe

Tessa and Chloe, daughters of Jolene from California

"Growing up, my mom always bought coordinating PJs for me and my siblings. We opened them on Christmas Eve so we were super cute on Christmas morning. I have continued this tradition with my kids. Especially now that I have two little girls, I think matching PJs are adorable. "

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Beckett and Caleigh

Beckett and Caleigh, children of Cammie from Florida

“My son's name is Beckett and my daughter is Caleigh. It was his first Christmas last year, but I plan on doing matching or coordinating Christmas pajamas every year and taking a picture on Christmas Eve. This year they will have Minnie and Mickey Christmas PJs and will open them on Christmas Eve and put them on while they sleep and wait for Santa.”

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Wade, Arley, Carson, Alexis and Myles

Wade, Arley, Carson, Alexis and Myles, children of Cindy from Missouri

“Every year we get matching pajamas for the kids on Christmas Eve. That is the one gift they always get to open. They look forward to it every year.”

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Little Lady, Mr. Boy and Baby Barney

Little Lady, Mr. Boy and Baby Barney, children of Rachel from Texas

Call her sentimental, but Rachel from Following in my Shoes is all about family traditions in her Texas home and she is always trying to create new memories with her three young children . Christmas Jammies are no exception — in addition to matching pajamas for the holiday season, this mama also makes a special set for Christmas Eve. Pajamas that get the kids involved to make them extra special.

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Kyle and Olivia

Kyle and Olivia, children of Kim

“My kids love everything to do with Christmas time, so wearing holiday jammies is extra fun for them. Most often I can't find exactly what I want in the stores, so I opt to make them myself, and they always end up just right. They are totally unique and made to fit my kids perfectly. Nothing is sweeter than your kids in soft comfortable jammies on Christmas morning, and when I look back at the photos as they get older I can always remember that they were wearing pajamas made by me with lots of love.”

Check out her blog at A Spotted Pony.

More on holiday family fun

Matching Christmas pajamas for the entire family
Family Christmas movies to bring the holiday spirit
Holiday gifts the whole family will love

What you'll need:

What you'll do:

1. Trace your child's hand on the card stock. Cut out the handprint shape with scissors.
2. Turn the handprint upside down. Glue the pom pom at the tip of the thumb to form the nose, then glue the eyes on the thumb closer to the palm.
3. Cut the brown pipe cleaners into six 2-inch segments. Grab one of the pipe cleaner pieces, and wrap two of the other pieces around it to form the antler.
4. Repeat for the second antler, then glue the antlers in place on the card stock.
5. Use your hole punch to make a small hole toward the base of the palm.
6. Cut a length of ribbon and feed it through the hole to create a hanger.

What you'll need:

What you'll do:

1. Coat your child's hand in glue and press it against the ornament.
2. Sprinkle glitter over the glue, then set the ornament aside to allow it to dry.
3. Once the glue has dried, shake off any excess glitter.
4. Remove the top of the ornament, then fill the inside of the ornament with brightly colored tinsel.

What you'll need:

What you'll do:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the salt.
2. Add the water to the bowl and use your hands to knead the ingredients until a dough is formed. Keep kneading until the dough is a uniform consistency.
3. Take a small chunk of dough and roll it out on a floured surface to form an oval that is slightly larger than the size of your child's hand.
4. Press your child's hand into the salt dough, then use the drinking straw to create a small hole near the edge of the palm of the hand for hanging.
5. Allow the salt dough to dry for 2-3 days. Once completely dry, color the palm of the hand red to form Santa's hat, and outline the fingers to create the beard. Draw a face in the center.
6. Thread the ribbon through the hole for hanging.

What you'll need:

What you'll do:

1. Dip your child's hand in white paint, then press her hand against the ornament.
2. Let the ornament dry completely.
3. Once the paint has dried, transform the fingers into snowmen by drawing faces, hats and scarves onto the snowmen.
4. Spray the ornament with the acrylic sealer to protect the paint, then allow it to dry before hanging it on the tree.

More holiday crafts

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Edible Christmas crafts

Moms are powerful. And social moms? They yield great influence. How are moms in the social space using their pull to give back in their communities online and at home?

Give back this holiday season — and always

Blogging moms today have so much power between their strong readership and large followings on social media. Some moms are engaging their social networks to do good. Find out how two blogging moms are doing it.

Inspiring others to get involved

Helping women get involved in their communities led Nicole Bouchard Boles to blogging. "In 2007, I started a blog, The Frugal Philanthropist, as a way to inspire other moms to create positive change through low or no-cost activities," says Boles, author of How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist , a book that includes hundreds of different ideas on how to make a difference. "I began looking for easy, cash-free, and time-flexible ways that ordinary people could help. I volunteered as a baby-snuggler at my local hospital. I started doing ’click to donate’ campaigns on various websites, recycling for charity, collecting coupons or soup can labels for charitable organizations and more. By the time my daughter was born, I had located more than a hundred charities that could benefit from my brand of philanthropy," says Boles.

Her commitment to giving back is something she lives daily. "I show readers that there are ways to weave service and compassion into the things we’re already doing every day, such as shopping, working and spending time with our families. Not everyone can donate right now, but not every situation calls for money," says Boles. "Maybe you’ve been meaning to volunteer, but just haven’t found the time — and that’s OK! I blog a plethora of ways for anyone to make a difference, from donating clothing to using search engines that donate money with every click. And I believe, that no matter how big or small, what’s most important is that you’re doing your part!"

A new adventure

When Jacki started her blog, HJ Underway, it was to chronicle living abroad in France with her family. But after meeting another writer at BlogHer '12 in New York this summer, she found herself thinking more about social responsibility — and doing something big. "I knew I wanted to do something big, something that would make a huge impact. So I registered for the 2013 Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania, which might not be a huge deal to some but at the time I had never run a mile in my life," says Jacki.

That decision spurred Jacki to action, raising money and training for her race. "I started running in September, literally doing a walk/run to start using Couch to 5K. I since then have advanced to a half marathon training program that's actually going really well. I couldn't even run a mile in September and I am happy to report that I can run almost six miles straight! I'm doing a charity Christmas 10K run next Sunday outside of Paris, which will be my first proper race," says Jacki.

Now she showcases the nonprofits she chose every Monday on her blog. "They include U.S. charities and global charities that specifically help women and children: Born Just Right, The Fistula Foundation, Every Mother Counts, East Meets West, Cradles to Crayons, The National Ovarian Cancer Collation, The Fisher House, as well as many small, grass-roots organizations such as the Ishahayi Beach School Foundation and the Kanga Project. My goal is to raise $500 for each of the 13 charities," says Jacki.

"In addition to blogging each Monday about each of the 13 charities, I'm also using Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to link up my posts and tag photos of training under the hashtag #13for13. My readers and fellow bloggers have been supportive and retweeting and sharing posts," says Vicki.

How do you give back?

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What is it about installing a 20-foot tall inflatable Santa in your front yard that relates to the birth of Jesus? When did Jesus, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Three Wise Men become homeboys and begin hanging out in the manger together? And why does going into credit card debt to buy your children the latest Wii gaming console signify true love and the Christmas spirit?

Don't let materialism and holiday stress get you down. Christmas does not need to have an expensive price tag to be memorable or special. You can still enjoy the holiday spirit by developing meaningful family traditions that focus on sharing and caring, instead of shopping and consumerism.

More homemade Christmas gifts

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Make your own Christmas ornament
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Customized Christmas cards are a fabulous way to share season's greetings with all of your family and friends. Even if you are skipping the pro photographer and taking pictures yourself, you can capture the perfect photo.

Create personalized photo Christmas cards

You can head to a local photo studio to get your family Christmas photos taken, or shoot the pictures yourself to create personalized photo Christmas cards.

Keep the card style in mind

Before you start clicking away, keep in mind the Christmas card style you are going to use. Will it be a basic two-fold card with the photo on the front, postcard style with several poses featured, or some other card style? Many online retailers such as Mixbook, Shutterfly and Vistaprint offer beautiful holiday card options. You simply upload your photos online, customize your card and place your order. If you aren't going to print your own cards at home, check out a few card websites to get an idea about your options.

Choose a location

A posed photo in front of the Christmas tree or fireplace is a common choice. However, consider getting a little more creative. Take a series of candid shots of your kids doing festive activities, such as decorating the tree, building a snowman or baking cookies. Candid photographs can better depict the personalities and relationships among your children.

Clever and creative family photo tips>>

Adjust your camera settings

Even an amateur photographer can capture beautiful pictures. If you are using a DSLR camera, get familiar with your camera's settings. Try to use as much natural light as possible. Experiment with the shutter speed , as well as the aperture setting and ISO level.

The aperture setting controls the area over which light can pass through your camera lens and determines a photo's depth of field. To get a photo with a softly blurred background with focus on your subject, select the highest aperture your lens has. The ISO level determines how sensitive the camera is to incoming light. A low ISO level results in low image noise or film grain.

Find the best beginning DSLR cameras for moms>>

Coordinate but don't match

You don't need to dress your entire family in matching outfits for your Christmas card photo. Instead, have everyone wear clothing in coordinating colors or similar tones. Also consider the color of the background you are using. You don't want a blue shirt to blend into the blue sky.

Double-check the background

Though you want your child's hair and clothing to be just right, don't forget about the background. A stray piece of trash, an electrical cord or any other out-of-place object can ruin the perfect Christmas card photo. Check and double-check to make sure there's nothing in the background that is going to blemish your shot.

Take plenty of shots

To get the perfect Christmas card photo, take as many shots as possible. Everything is digital these days, so you don't have to worry about wasting film. Zoom in and take close-ups and zoom out for panoramic shots. Snap on different lenses, if you have them, for different looks. Try shooting from various angles. Get down low with your kids or experiment with angles from up above. The more pictures you take, the more choices you will have when picking the perfect picture.

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Christmas craft: Homemade Christmas cards
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”The new registry provides an important resource to individuals with Down syndrome and their families,” said Yvonne T. Maddox of NIH, in a press release. Maddox is deputy director of the NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , which is funding the registry. ”The registry links those seeking volunteers for their research studies with those who most stand to benefit from the research,” she said.

“This is a very exciting development,” said Sara Weir, vice president, Advocacy & Affiliate Relations for the National Down Syndrome Society .

Weir said a primary benefit to establishing the registry will be patients’ access to research and clinical trials. “We often hear from drug companies and academics [who are] interested in researching Down syndrome but it’s hard to find a patient,” she said.

How it works

People with Ds, or their family members, will be able to enter contact information and health history in an online, secure, confidential database, NIH said. Registry participants may customize their profile, update it online and choose which information to display, including reminders about their own medical care. They also will be able to compare their own medical information with that of other registrants in a confidential and anonymous manner.

“Collecting detailed disease history directly from Down syndrome families will allow researchers and drug companies to better understand Down syndrome from the patient perspective,” said PatientCrossroads CEO Kyle Brown, who founded the company in 2004.

“Portions of the collected data will be shared with the NIH Global Rare Diseases Registry database in hopes of discovering non-obvious links between Down syndrome and rare diseases.”

If a participant gives permission to be contacted, clinicians and researchers who are authorized to access the database will be able to contact these individuals to see if they are interested in participating in a research study.

Beyond a cure

“Research isn’t just about finding a cure but very much working for new therapies to help [people with Ds],” Weir said. “Some of our younger families are very interested in research and… [for example] the latest therapy that will help [their children] learn to read quicker.”

Development of a patient registry was a leading recommendation in the 2007 NIH Down Syndrome Research Plan, which sets goals and objectives for the Down syndrome research field.

“More and more, we’re learning the scientific links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s,” Weir said. “The Down syndrome registry will enable some scientific advances in Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome.”

Teamwork on Capitol Hill

Demonstrating the bipartisan support for the registry, Weir said members of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus were instrumental in advocating for the funding, in particular: Congresswoman McMorris Rodger , Congressman Van Hollen , Congressman Pete Sessions and Delegate Holmes Norton

According to Rodger’s website, the CDSC exists to educate members of Congress and their staff about Down syndrome. “The Caucus will support legislative activities that would improve Down syndrome research, education and treatment and promote public policies that would enhance the quality of life for those with Down syndrome,” the site says.

Much needed funding

In October 2012, the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation provided an update on Ds research and noted disproportionate federal funding compared with other major diseases and conditions.

NIH's announcement will fund $300,000 toward the registry's first year.

About PatientCrossroads

PatientCrossroads’ contract, which will support the creation of the registry through September 2013, received $300,000 in funding from NIH for its first year.

“This project is an important step to realizing the PatientCrossroads’ vision of openly accessible, patient-provided data to accelerate discoveries in neglected disease,” said PatientCrossroads’ CEO Brown.

“[PatientCrossroads] has a phenomenal track record of working with other conditions and diseases to get their registries off the ground,” said Weir of NDSS. “We’re pleased NIH is providing this initial funding and will involve organizations like NDSS through the National Down Syndrome Consortium.”

The registry is expected to launch in 2013.

Read more about Down syndrome

How to talk to your child's peers about Down syndrome
The truth about my child with Down syndrome
Having a sibling with Down syndrome

Winning, losing and being mom

LisaRaye McCoy has done so many things.

The actress, who stars in VH1's Single Ladies as Keisha, is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, mother and a former First Lady. Yep, you read that right. She was married to the Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands .

Changing motherhood

McCoy is mom to 23-year-old Kai, who starred with her in a reality show for awhile. These days, McCoy says that Kai is heading off on her own to a new apartment. "I am ready for her to move on and out — and it’s happening as we speak," McCoy said. "It’s time for her to spread her wings."

McCoy says that it's important that her daughter stand on her own two feet to learn responsibility. "I am guilty of handicapping her so now I have to administer that tough love so that she can learn how to survive. It’s the hard lessons of life that she has to get out on the streets now and through her experiences," says McCoy.

That means jobs, rent and paying bills. "It’s fine. She’s learning and she will adjust. She is my child… She is strong," says McCoy.

Staying young

McCoy, who hardly looks old enough to have a 20-something daughter attributes her youthful looks to using sunblock, moisturizer and drinking water. "I actually stay in the sun because I love the outdoor beach weather," says McCoy.

As for white, her signature color, she says that she's among the lucky women who can pull off head-to-toe white. "White makes me feel good, it makes me feel light, it makes me feel clean... It’s just so vibrant — it’s just my color of choice," says McCoy.

McCoy has also been doing a 90-day fitness challenge with Visalis. "I am learning so much about me and my body," says McCoy. Through the program she has been adapting her eating habits — adding in protein shakes and enjoying balanced meals. She also works with a trainer who has been pushing her to work harder and build stamina. "I’m jogging now for hours. I am doing now the UCLA stairs. He’s showing me that I am able to be pushed and stay focused," says McCoy.

She's sharing her progress at LisaRayeChallenge.com. "Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad," she admits.

Life as First Lady

McCoy called her life as a First Lady "fascinating," and says it was filled with privilege. While First Lady, she started a film festival in the country and worked to put Turks and Caicos on the proverbial map — for tourism. "It’s an hour and 20 minute flight from Miami. It was the best kept secret," says McCoy.

And her efforts paid off. "I raised tourism 41 percent while I was there. That in [and] of itself was a huge accomplishment," says McCoy.

Though she's no longer there, she says she still loves the beautiful country.

Single Ladies

McCoy will start filming on the third season of Single Ladies soon but she's not spilling about what's up for the girls this time around. "I never know what’s going to happen because we don’t get the scripts until four days before we film," says McCoy. The show films six months of the year, and this season will see a new writing staff and new show runner which will inevitably mean some changes.

"It has to be full of drama. It has to be full of love. It has to be a bond of these three characters," says McCoy. Those are a given.

McCoy says that she shares some traits with Keisha. "Keisha is very sassy, very opinionated and so is LisaRaye," says McCoy. "Keisha doesn’t allow anyone to change her mind when she is gung ho about something and [neither] does LisaRaye."

"There is a little bit of sass in every woman. We are unapologetically us and when you are learning who that is in you the exploring of that is so exciting," says McCoy.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

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