15 Holiday Traditions Scott McGillivray Never Misses

Cutting down the tree has been a tradition for me since I was 12 years old. I used to do it with my parents and siblings and now I do it with my wife and daughters. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and the kids really love it.

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I don’t know why standing out in the freezing cold watching floats go by became such a tradition, but it did! Every year we bundle up the girls, pack up some hot chocolate and stand out in the cold to watch the Santa Claus parade. We freeze our butts off but it’s worth it to see how much the kids enjoy it.

We work hard, but we also play hard and I can always count on my team to keep things festive! Whether it’s on set or in the office, we always find the time to let loose and celebrate.

Sure, you have to stand in line at the mall for hours, but getting a family photo with Santa is just something we McGillivrays have to do – even if the kids don’t always seem that into it.

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Travelling for work right before Christmas isn’t my favourite thing, but it has kind of become a tradition. On the plus side, I get to see sights like this. This giant tree was in the lobby of the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui. I think it’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen indoors.

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When I was about 12 years old, I started making these reindeer for our neighbours at the cottage. It’s what first got me interested in carpentry. I still like to bring them out and put them on the lawn at Christmas. I wonder if all the old neighbours still have theirs?

The first time we took the girls to meet Santa Claus, Layla was afraid of him, but the following year Santa was a little afraid of Layla! But come on, how cute does she look in that great big chair?

If you have young kids you know how it is having tons of decorations on the bottom half of the tree and not so many on the top. I let Myah go as far as the second rung of the step ladder and after she went to bed, mom and dad made a few subtle adjustments.

One of the really fun things about the holiday season is getting all dolled up for parties. I spend a lot of my days on renovation sites and Sabrina spends her’s in a kindergarten classroom, so getting dressed up for a night on the town is always a welcome change.

Some things never get old. Milk, cookies and carrots for our Christmas Eve visitors. #Classic

When I was a kid I thought there was nothing better than opening presents. Now that I’m an adult I know that giving is far better than receiving and watching my girls open their gifts on Christmas morning couldn’t be more fun. While we try to keep our kids grounded and grateful for everything they have, it’s the one time of year we forget all the rules and just enjoy the excitement and magic through our kids’ eyes.

Every year as soon as Christmas is over, we head down to our house in Florida for a little rest and relaxation. There’s nothing better than leaving a snowy airport and just a few hours later landing in the sunshine. Hopping into the pool with the kids is always first on the to-do list.

On New Year’s Eve I like to make sure that all the McGillivrays have a great time – not just the ones who are legal age. We get out the noisemakers and the hats nice and early and make sure the girls get to take part in the festivities.

After the kids have gone to bed, the real party starts! Sabrina and I love having our close friends and family to the house for an all out New Year’s bash. We hang out in the hot tub, make a little noise and have a blast. There’s no better way to set the tone for the year ahead!

The one tradition that outweighs all the others is just spending time with the whole family. My brother, sister and I have always been close and seeing our kids play together is the best gift any of us could ever get.

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