A tradition in my family that goes back as far as I can remember is to gather on Christmas Eve and have a family dinner which is followed by a talent show in which everyone is given an opportunity to perform for everyone else. Given the musical inclination of my side of the family, this talent show has always very heavily tended toward being a little private Christmas concert. It doesn’t have to be that way, it just generally is.

The show has always been aimed at encouraging the children and young adults of the family to show the progress they’ve made on something during the year with everyone, or to just be a ham if they desire. The adults still get into the act, but it is not the same as when you are a kid. The question before the party was always, “What am I going to do this year?”

Some years I played bassoon, or did a duet on the pennywhistle with one of my brothers or father. Others played brass instruments. My dad always did something, like play on his electronic yamaha wind instrument, which he absolutely loved. Others read Christmas stories or poems. I remember my sister reading to everyone “The Grinch” one year.

We always have ended the evening by singing carols and then exchanging gifts.

This isn’t, of course, the only way it could be done, but is one way. You could even hold this kind of a party on New Years Eve or New Years Day, for those who’d rather spend those holidays with family than out on the town.

Other kinds of talents you could share, besides music:

• Dramatic reading from a book, play or poem.
• Juggling.
• Whistling.
• Memorized poem or speech.
• Sport or craft demonstration.
• Family history research.
• Anything you’re interested in!

Merry Christmas!