TRADITIONS AND FAMILY FUN

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- DECEMBER 20, 2025

Christmas is a few days away. The positive spirit of this holiday makes it a perfect time for invoking traditions and fun for the entire family. 

A common tradition is gathering around a Christmas tree. There may be a reason this gives us a pleasant feeling. “Pine is one of those scents that can change a room, and your mood, in an instant. One whiff, and suddenly you’re transported to a world of woodsy snowscapes and twinkling lights. The scent feels soothing and joyful…but why? Turns out the answer has less to do with what’s inside the tree, and everything to do with what’s inside us.”

The validity of aroma therapy aside, researchers make a simple observation. “It’s not pharmacology: It’s psychology. Emotions are real, and they have real physiological consequences. If I have associated the smell of pine with relaxation, then it’s going to relax me.” (https://www.popsci.com/science/why-christmas-trees-smell-good/)

Christmas gifts piled under that tree is another common tradition. Gift giving dates back to the Nativity, but the “modern” practice was developed much later. “Stores began placing Christmas-themed ads in newspapers in 1820. Santa Claus, the increasingly popular bearer of gifts, started popping up in ads and stores twenty years later. By 1867, the Macy's department store in New York City stayed open until midnight on Christmas Eve.”

Today, Christmas shopping is big business. “The holidays — with their sales, decorations and Santas — now reign through nearly a quarter of the year.” (https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/christmas.htm) 

While you enjoy gathering around the tree, a traditional liquid treat is a favorite of all ages – hot chocolate. The Pioneer Woman website catalogs twenty-five recipes that are sure to please. “Whether it's a homemade hot cocoa mix that you can keep in the pantry or a slow cooker recipe that's great for serving a crowd, these hot chocolate ideas are perfect for any snowy day of the season.” 

The recipes include some decadent taste temptations: Salted Dark Chocolate Truffle and Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, Cinnamon Roll Hot Cocoa, and Red Velvet Hot Chocolate.” More at: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41653579/hot-chocolate-recipes/. 

Now that you're all relaxed, it might be a good time to determine who knows the most about Christmas. Luckily, there's a 108 question quiz that fits the bill. Some questions are easy: “Does Rudolph have antlers?” Other questions require more thought: “In 'Jingle Bell Rock' where is everyone is dancing and prancing?”  Take the quiz at: https://www.brownielocks.com/Quiz.html.

Once you've demonstrated that you are the most intelligent person in the room, it might be an opportunity for some high-tech silliness. The Elf Yourself website is perfect for this. You can upload up to five faces, create a video of everyone dancing, and download or email the video. It's goofy fun at: https://www.elfyourself.com/. 

Speaking of goofy, family Christmas gatherings are a fine time for some dad jokes. These are sure to elicit chuckles and groans in equal measure. Like these five dandies: 1) What do you call Santa when he takes a break? Santa Pause. 2) Why did the Elf go to school? To improve his elf-abet. 3) Why is everyone thirsty at the North Pole? No well. 4) How did the reindeer learn to play piano? He was elf-taught. 5) What do you call an old snowman? Water.” For 170 of these, go to: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/a35399/christmas-jokes/. 

The kidlings are (no doubt) looking forward to the big day. To be sure, they will want to know that Santa's reindeer are up to their big task on Christmas Eve. A reindeer cam is the way to do this at: https://reindeercam.com/web-free/#rdcvids. This live feed lets you watch in real time. 

Speaking of real time, Norad Tracks Santa goes live on December 24. This allows the kidlings to track Santa's flight around the world at: https://www.noradsanta.org/en/. If they would rather do the tracking on a phone, there are apps available. Included on all are also games and information. 

Finally, the Neff Zone Holidays page is at: https://www.neffzone.com/holidays/. It's my way of wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.