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Celebrating the holidays — you may think that everyone does things pretty much the same way, but, you’d be in for a surprise. Here are some great ideas on how some families celebrate the holidays.

HALLOWEEN: It used to be that trick-or-treating door to door was the only rule. Today, however, you will see families attending Halloween parties with their children, purchasing children’s costumes and slipping in for a trick-or-treat experience at the mall or even enjoying a trunk-or-treat evening at their local church or school. Families with older children, too old for trick-or-treating, may even opt in for costuming up and going out to eat at the family’s favorite restaurant.

THANKSGIVING: Eating turkey and stuffing is the typical fare, but some families plan a family talent show and each member of their family gives thanks for what they are grateful for. As a family, try writing down what you are thankful for this year and saving it to hand out at next year’s Thanksgiving dinner.

CHRISTMAS: Why not enjoy what your children have received from Santa by getting up with them on Christmas morning? Some families wake their children up; the children must stay in bed until their parents come for them. Other families spend time serving by giving someone in need their favorite gift or preparing a Christmas meal to take out to a homeless shelter or a park.

Because each holiday demands traditions that outlive the ages of the children, many families add to well-established traditions as their children grow, keeping things balanced as well as exciting.