THE FAMILY

The Connollys: Peter, Dianne, Andrew, 6, and Erin, 2 1/2

THEIR HOMETOWN

Haverhill, Massachusetts

THE TRADITION

"My parents always had a Christmas Eve open house when I was growing up. It just wasn't Christmas without it," says Dianne, a former first-grade teacher. "When my son, Andrew, was born, I wanted to create a tradition like that for him. I also wanted him to realize there are kids who are less fortunate than he is. That's why giving to a charity is part of our celebration."

"Cookies with Santa," as the Connollys dub their party, is a three-hour-long open house for friends and neighbors, held the Sunday before Christmas. About 40 children, all under five-years-old, attended last year's event. Each family brings a tray of cookies to share and a wrapped gift for the nearby charity. (Dianne and Andrew deliver the bags of presents the next day.)

Guests arrive with their cookies, then head to the dining room, where tables are converted into workstations for simple art projects. Dianne sets out individual boxes packed with directions and supplies for easy crafts, such as cardboard frames to be decorated with glitter and stickers. Parents just pick up a box and start a craft with their kids as soon as they arrive.

After an hour, everyone moves to the living room for a chorus of holiday singing led by a local music teacher. The music stops when jingle bells are heard outside. The final hour belongs to the big man in red, who shares milk and cookies with all the kids.

Andrew and Erin are always the first ones by the window to watch for Santa. It's their job to greet him and guide him to his chair. "Andrew's chest puffs out when he's leading Santa into the house," says Dianne. "All he talks about for weeks before is how Santa is coming to his house."

Dianne admits that the afternoon is a little wild, but says that she wouldn't want it any other way. She swears any family could pull off the party by starting early and having fewer guests. She plans and prepares the craft projects a few weeks ahead and relies on her guests for the cookies. The Connollys hire the music teacher for a small fee, provide the art supplies and milk (no other beverages are served) and have connections with a certain Santa.