I think many people have forgotten about traditions. As I have gotten older I look forward to those items that we do every year at Christmas. When I was a teenager I thought those things were hokey or uncool, but now having my own kids, I look back that the family traditions we had, and realize it was about spending time together.
With the changes in life it is very important to establish traditions, even though I am sure in a few years my kids will think they are uncool or hokey.
Every year we go to Edaville as a family, we always drive around looking for Christmas lights, and we watch family movies, just like we did when I was a kid. We cook special items that were of family importance of celebrating the holidays.
We have also started our own traditions like lighting up the house. My 5 year old couldn't wait to help me this year, and my 2 year old is in love with the lights on the house. That makes it all worth while.
If you want to see our family tradition you can on this youtube link:
our drive by at 86 Rainbow Ave East Falmouth, MA