How Outlier contributors are celebrating the holidays

We recently sent out a short form to get to know our Outlier community a little better and to learn how contributors around the world celebrate the holiday season. We invited people to share photos, traditions, and everyday moments from their lives. What came back was warm, personal, and wonderfully diverse. Here’s what contributors shared, in their own words.

Home, trees, and the start of the season

For many contributors, the holidays begin with putting up the tree. The size and style varied, but the meaning was consistent.

“Putting up the Christmas tree has always been one of my favourite things since I was a little kid,” one contributor shared. “This Christmas is extra special because I became a mom this year.”

Others embraced simplicity. “I put that tree up every year! Nice and small for easy storage!” one person wrote, while another shared, “I have relocated from a lake house to a small city apartment. This is my little tree on my patio outside. Blessings to all!”

Some traditions are deeply rooted. “Four weeks before Christmas, Fraser fir is up straight from the farm, complete with red and white trim,” one contributor noted. Another added, “Our family always has a Christmas tree and we wait until Christmas Eve to open presents.”

Pets as part of the celebration

Pets made frequent appearances in both photos and stories, often stealing the spotlight.

“The dog thinks the Christmas tree skirt is her personal bed. If you can’t find her… look under the Christmas tree,” Danielle E joked.

Others leaned fully into the chaos. “My tradition every year is making sure I get the funniest photos for our holiday cards,” Nicole C. said, featuring their dog Kona. Another shared, “Wrapping things up for the ones who mean the most… with my quality control supervisor of almost 18 years, Pnut.”

Mercedes M. even extended the celebrations beyond the house. “This is my horse, Lacey. Every year I like to decorate my barn (and the horses in it) to take pictures for the other horse owners here and spread the holiday spirit.”

Food, tables, and time together

Food and shared meals were at the heart of many holiday traditions, whether elaborate or simple.

“For Christmas, we always have a big breakfast and then for dinner either a homemade stew or soup,” Sheree C. shared. “I love a good Crockpot dish!”

Others highlighted traditions tied to culture and faith. “As a Hispanic individual, one of the most important traditions is Christmas Eve, also known as Nochebuena,” a Christy I. wrote. “We spend the entire day and evening with family, celebrating the birth of Jesus and sharing a traditional dinner together.”

Some traditions stood out for their simplicity. “Our Christmas meal is spaghetti,” contributor Jamie D. shared. “I don't have room for a tree, so I made a ceramic tree in art class which I proudly plant on my kitchen island and declare I’ve decorated for Christmas.”

Creativity and making it your own

Many contributors emphasized creativity, especially when space, time, or circumstances were limited.

“We made DIY nutcrackers using laundry baskets and poster paper,” Callie T. shared.

Crafting also played a role in healing and reflection. “I recently rediscovered my crafting creativity during cancer treatment,” one contributor shared. “I made this yule log for the first time. I struggled with it a lot, but I like it now.”

Reflection, gratitude, and quiet moments

Not every celebration was loud or busy. Many contributors shared quieter reflections on what the season means to them.

“For me, Christmas represents love, hope, and new beginnings,” Lancer F. wrote. “It’s a time to appreciate the people around us and celebrate the simple joys that make life special.”

A shared season, lived differently

Across countries, cultures, and traditions, one theme connected every response: connection.

“Christmas is all about spending quality time with family, creating memories, and slowing down from the busy routine of everyday life,” Ramsha I. shared.

However the holidays look this year — big or small, busy or quiet — the Outlier community shows there is no single right way to celebrate. What matters most is honoring what brings meaning, comfort, and joy to your life, and carrying that forward into the year ahead.