Hey Mom and Dad: What Holiday Traditions Did You Start With Your Kids?

Welcome to Hey Mom and Dad—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

Each family has their own special and unique holiday traditions—some have been passed down for generations, others have started in recent years.

What new holiday family traditions have you started with your kids?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

Erica Esquivel: Putting the Christmas tree up after Thanksgiving. —on Chicago Heights Patch Facebook

Fredric Mitchell: Having the kids take old toys and clothes to salvation army on 'Black' Friday instead of jumping into the consuming frenzy with the horde. Trying to get them to undertand the importance of giving back, not just asking for more. —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook

Amanda Mercer Zickuhr: We do a Santa Box for a 5-day count down. Just a little treat or prize inside each of their bedside small boxes with a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 card inside. It's nothing big, but enhances the fun of seeing their anticipation. —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook

Lisa Jacob Leicht: Yes. The Christmas elf leaves a bag at the front door on Christmas Eve. Inside the bag are new Christmas pajamas and slippers for the kids. The kids put on their new pajamas that night. It also looks cute for Christmas photos in the morning, as they unwrap their presents from Santa. —on Orland Park Patch Facebook

Brian Koehler: Elf on the shelf. It's hysterical. It's the highlight of each morning cause she looks for him to see what trouble he got into —on Oak Forest Patch Facebook

David Michalski Jr.: Our new holiday family tradition is wish everyone a MEERY CHRISTMAS —on Oak Forest Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.