While families are making Christmas memories this holiday season, many Butler County residents recall special events surrounding Christmas in the past.

Here is what some people remember as memorable Christmases.

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"I must have been about 12, and my parents said that there may not be many presents that year. But when I woke that morning, I got not just one Cabbage Patch Kid, but a Cabbage Patch Preemie, too.It's special knowing my mother stood in line at some ridiculous hour for however long to get those for us."

Molly Raraigh, Sarver ———

"My most memorable Christmas was the first year we had kids. It was just the joy of having the kids, and we were Santa Claus for the first real time."

Dawn Birchbichler, Butler———

"I had my baby five days before Christmas in 2003, and I came home the 23rd. She wasn't due until after Christmas, so she was an early Christmas present."

Michele Gonda, Butler———

"Four years ago around Christmas we lost our home after a fire. We spent a week at Days Inn and someone gave us an apartment to rent two weeks later.We went to my sister-in-law's place for Christmas and gave presents to just two people."

Catherine Cox, Prospect———

"The Christmases the way they used to be are the most memorable, with big family gatherings. The gathering of family at grandma's where there was a lot of love, Christmas spirit and great food. Everyone had a gift for everyone and no one was forgotten."

Butch Rocco, Meridian ———

"We celebrated with the traditional Italian feast of fish followed by Midnight Mass, and all of the adults would stay up late and open presents. We would all stay up and reminisce and wait for Santa."

Debbie Grecco, Butler———

"I loved Christmas caroling with my church, and one year, when my husband was not well, all of the carolers came to our home and sang for us. That was really special."

Edna Mae Rodgers,Saxonburg

"One year my son climbed into a dog's kennel and couldn't get out. We thought we would have to take it apart, but we just filmed him."

Kathy Miller, Valencia———

"When I was young and all the kids were together, those were the most memorable holidays. I have two brothers that have since passed away, but there were 10 of us children in the family, and having everyone together was something special."

Marianne Muller, Saxonburg———

"I was probably 7 at the time, and it's the first Christmas I remember. I came down the stairs on Christmas Eve, The tree was all lit up and there were presents underneath. Then my mother peeked out of her room and said, 'Lynn, go to bed!' I don't even remember opening presents the next day, just that feeling of seeing the tree and the presents. It was beautiful."

Lynn Barber, Butler

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"As a kid, I remember going to see the trains in Pittsburgh. It's something we did as a family for the holidays."

Karen Panetta, Cranberry Township———

"I always remember just enjoying spending time at Christmas time with my family."

Rachelle Sefton,Bowling Green, Ky.,formerly of Prospect———

"For Christmas, we as a family like to make an events calender for each day as a way to countdown to Christmas Day. Each of the events is something that reminds us of Christmas Day."

Toni Von Rintelen,Cranberry Township———

"Christmas is being with your family. Playing games, opening presents, just a lot of fun and laughter. That's what's great about the holiday."

Alice Wiesner,Cranberry Township———

"I remember when I was younger, going out with my church groups and going door-to-door singing Christmas carols. Just seeing the reaction on people's faces and being with friends having a good time. That was great."

Jon Crosson, Zelienople———

"Every year (younger brother Dustin) would wake me up, and I'm not ready to get up yet. I'd tell him the presents are still going to be there."

Casey Parrish, Mars———

"I am the kid who got the b.b. gun (in the movie "The Christmas Story"). My parents hid it behind the chair. It wasn't a Red Rider, it was a Daisy. That would've been about 1963."

Fred Schaeffer, Mars———

"I went in (the school bathroom), and there was Santa going to the bathroom. I was mortified. He just smiled at me."

John Watson,Adams Township,when he was in first grade