Hearing the sounds of bells jingling or seeing a favorite Christmas movie on TV usually reminds people of their annual Christmas traditions. Be it with family or friends the holiday season brings about many ways to embrace the season.

My husband Pete and I got engaged on December 18, 2003 at the Alabama Theatre before seeing It’s A Wonderful Life, now it’s one of our traditions to see the movie every year at the Alabama.

Local musician and Springville resident Jeff Otwell and his family are incorporating a new tradition into this year’s holiday season. “We’re doing all the family gatherings before Christmas, we plan to  stay at home and not go anywhere on Christmas day. We just want to relax and enjoy the day without rushing around everywhere,” Otwell said.

Iola Roberts Elementary School Counselor Jennifer Donaldson and her husband Clay started their tradition in 2009. “Clay gave me an ornament where a snowman was proposing to a snow girl. Last year we bought our first year married ornament which featured a wedding cake with our names and wedding date on it.” This year the Donaldson’s agreed to make it an annual tradition by giving each other an ornament that symbolizes something significant that’s happened over the past year. “I think it’s sweet that he started the tradition. I am excited we decided to do it every year,” said Donaldson.

LAH Realtor Dana Ellison makes a point to give back. “I always try to give to those in need because that is way more meaningful than receiving gifts.”

Pell City Center Director Kathy McCoy’s family is spread out over five states, which leads her to start planning for the holidays by summer.

Traveling and an evolving dinner menus is tradition for their family. “Last year we were on train to Los Angeles to visit my oldest son. The year before everyone was in Pell City. This year we are traveling to News Orleans with some of our children and then swinging over to Florida to have a family get together in Navarre Beach at my youngest son’s house.” Chuckling about their varied menu, McCoy said, “We never know what we are having for Christmas dinner, it could be enchiladas, red beans and rice or turkey.”

Whatever your Christmas/holiday traditions may be, these St. Clair County citizens have incorporated their love for family into another reason to celebrate the season.