The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing cherished traditions? On this special episode of the Girl Camper podcast, Janine Pettit joins forces with Lesa McDermott as they invite guides from across the country to share their unique holiday customs.

Janine and her family embrace the joy of Christmas by gifting ornaments that capture the essence of each passing year, alongside cozy Christmas pajamas for the kids. Lesa, meanwhile, shares her tradition of thoughtful gift-giving, focusing on needs like “something to read” and “something to wear.”

From Wisconsin, Jess Nessler brings the whimsical tradition of hiding a Christmas pickle on the tree, offering a small gift to those who find it. Meanwhile, Shari Sullivan from Alabama can’t imagine Christmas without watching “White Christmas,” a movie that weaves magic into her holiday.

Theresa Leppert from Iowa recounts the clever effort parents go through to keep Santa’s mystery alive, while Carol Thompson traditions of opening pajamas on Christmas Eve always ensure picture-perfect mornings.

Traditions extend beyond family gatherings. Tracey Stieb from Michigan, embodies the spirit of giving by participating in Operation Good Cheer, delivering smiles to children in foster care. Then there’s Mary Byrnes from Nebraska, whose humor shines with a new twist: “Squatch on the Watch.”

Food plays a huge role in the holidays for Lisa Dempsey of Southeast Texas. She cherishes the legacy of delectable See’s chocolates. Larie Dowdy of Arizona wraps up with a summer tradition of Christmas in July, hiding a Sasquatch ornament in her tree.

Whether it’s hiding a pickle, unwrapping pajamas, or savoring sweet treats, it’s these traditions that warm our hearts and homes. From all of us at Girl Camper, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s make 2025 just as memorable—with campfires, holiday cheer, and shared traditions carried forward.

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Go RVing & Curt Manufacturing.

Looking to stay warm over the holidays? Check out tips from someone we dearly miss at Girl Camper, Catherine Goggia: Staying Dry & Warm In The New Year