Christmas traditions can span from Chinese takeout to roast dinners, finding pickles in trees to Elves on Shelves, going to church or a light show or “The Nutcracker” ballet with your family, and so much more.

One tradition I will personally never tire of is finding a time to relax beside the Christmas tree. I will read an entire book next to it on Christmas Day.

Whether you choose a good movie or a cozy cup of cocoa, it never fails that the tree adds to the enjoyment of the holiday. It is always lit if I’m home, so it can be seen from the street.

I’ve opted for an nontraditional tree this year: bright pink with girly ornaments all over it. Bows, sparkles, Barbie — you name it, this tree’s got it.

My family room’s Christmas tree is overtly traditional in color and shape. Red garland, white lights, glass ornaments — classic and proud, a theme Clark Griswold would be proud of.

However you choose to decorate — theme or not — most people let the tree define the feel of the whole house. With our abundance of homemade ornaments, my sister’s paper chains and snowflakes complement well. Each adornment is a memory of a person or time, and boosts the nostalgia of the season.

I’d encourage you to take this last weekend before “the big show” to relax in your home. Sit by the tree before the floor around it is littered with chaos. However, if you must get out, Butler County has plenty to do.

Bring your pet to Alameda Park office, 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township, starting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, to get a photo with Santa. This event is free but registration is required at bcpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

See Santa at the Corner of North Main Street and Grandview Avenue in Zelienople from 6 to 8 p.m. from now until Dec. 23. Families can enter the “Santa House” and tell the big man their Christmas wishes. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Alameda Park’s free holiday light display is back on every day from 6 to 9 p.m. until Christmas. Drive through the 0.3-mile loop at 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township and tune into 94.5 FM or 98.9 FM to listen to music. The speed limit is 5 mph through the loop. This display has no flashing lights. No registration is required, but donations are accepted at bcpr.recdesk.com.

“The Nutcracker: New Game – A Holiday Reboot” is Hobnob Theatre Company’s latest original work, which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater in Butler Township. You won’t want to miss this funny and heartwarming rendition of a holiday tradition. For tickets and more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.

Run Run Rudolph to the Reindeer Race in Zelienople Community Park, 330 E. Beaver St., at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Participate in a 5K, one-mile or half-mile for $25 to $30 when you register on getfitfamilies.com/reindeer-race. Packet pick up is half an hour before the first race and parking will be available nearby. Prepare for the fun by wearing a festive costume.

The Knoch Music Booster’s Cookie Walk lasts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company building, 155 Pittsburgh St. Cookies are $10 a dozen, and there are over 30 to choose from! Come for the treats and cocoa, too. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Get your free pictures with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Clearview Mall, 101 Clearview Circle in Center Township. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

KidsMas at the Butler YMCA is four days of holiday fun for children who are off school. The first event is at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Each event requires individual registration and payment. This event is for children ages 5 and up. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. See the list of activities at the registration link bcfymca.org/events/kidsmas-4-days-fun.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.