As college students, we need to make the most of our holiday break. The time we spend with our friends and family, which we might not get during the semester, is priceless. In the spirit of savoring the time spent with loved ones during the Christmas season, I suggest picking up, or at least trying, a new Christmas tradition.

There are countless Christmas traditions that people observe, and the following are just a few lesser-known traditions that can make someone more conscious and appreciative of the value of the holiday season.

One odd tradition, and a personal favorite of mine, is the Christmas pickle. Someone places an ornament shaped like a pickle on the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it gets to open the first present. It is unknown why the ornament is a pickle rather than a carrot or a squash, for instance, but the choice of produce nonetheless makes it a memorable piece of the season.

In the town of Oaxaca, Mexico, locals gather for a unique competition involving another vegetable. Contestants compete to carve images using radishes, which they then display for the town to see. Although initially starting by carving simple nativity scenes on large radishes, many participants have gone on to create more extravagant designs using hundreds of radishes at once. It’s similar to painting eggs for Easter or carving pumpkins for Halloween. I recommend keeping it small, though, and competing among your family and friends for a distinctive experience.

People in Sweden typically recognize a goat as the representative animal of Christmas. The Yule Goat is a symbol believed to ward off evil spirits during the holiday, and people usually craft them using straw or wood. Swedish families make goats in varying sizes, from ornaments for Christmas trees to large versions that people display in front of their homes. It’s another unique take on how different cultures interpret the Christmas season.

These traditions are simple customs that make the holiday season more savory for those who keep them going, but perhaps none of these interests you as a potential candidate for a new Christmas tradition. Consider starting one that is more unique and personal to you and your family’s experiences; that way, it will establish a stronger foothold, and you might be more passionate about keeping it going. Traditions can help that valuable time with loved ones last that much longer and mean that much more.