Ugly sweaters, chicken soup, treasure hunts: Lawmakers share their favorite Christmas traditions

The Graham family’s Christmas traditions are filled with joy and love, just like many families across the country. Executive vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Will Graham, recently shared some of the family’s favorite Christmas traditions during an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends.’

Christmas Day is a special time for Americans to spend with loved ones, and members of Congress are no exception. Far from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill, lawmakers opened up about their cherished Christmas traditions to Fox News Digital.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., shared his excitement for a Minnesota Christmas with his whole family under one roof. With four grandkids in tow, the Emmer family is set to enjoy the joy and noise of the holiday season. Their Christmas Village is all set up, and ugly sweaters are a must for the festive occasion.

In South Dakota, Senator Mike Rounds has a tradition of hosting over 100 family members for Christmas Eve dinner, where they indulge in homemade chicken noodle soup. Senator Rounds and his children also decorate the house with handmade Christmas art created by his late wife, Jean, who was skilled in cross stitch and needlework.

Representative Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., reminisced about her parents’ Christmas Eve treasure hunt tradition. The siblings had to decode clues that led them all around the house, eventually guiding them to their presents. The hunt made for a fun and challenging experience for the family before heading to a neighbor’s Christmas Eve party and midnight mass.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., enjoys skiing with her grandchildren in Star Valley, Wyoming, as her favorite Christmas tradition. Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., looks forward to Christmas Eve Mass at his childhood parish followed by a family dinner at his parents’ house. The larger family gathers after Christmas for an epic game of RISK, adding a competitive twist to the holiday festivities.

Christmas is a time for families to come together, create memories, and carry on traditions that bring them closer. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt, skiing, or a competitive board game, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the hearts of families like the Grahams and lawmakers across the country.