We asked kids what was most important about the holidays. Here's what they had to say: 

Kayleigh, 14, likes singing Christmas carols with her family in the car. "It is funny because we all muck about and make up new words to all of the carols."

Ramnpreet, 9, likes singing with the family and giving gifts to other people. "It makes me feel happy."

Ashley, 7, likes playing dreidel and winning Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins). She also likes lighting the menorah. "I'm proud to be Jewish."

Shauntavius, 9, likes helping to cook big dinners. "Everyone is together and it's fun."

Jenna, 13, is Austrian and says they celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. "We get to play all kinds of Austrian Christmas games."

Nicole, 13, likes getting together with family and giving to the needy. "I like to make people happy."

Tiffany, 12, likes seeing family at holiday time. "You can see people that are related to you and you did not see them for so long."

Daisy, 11, likes Christmas sharing and being together. "It brings good memories back."

Erika, 11, likes going to Puerto Rico to visit family. She likes watching fireworks there on New Year's Eve.

Alia, 11, enjoys Ramadan (a time of fasting) "because I am Muslim and it shows that I am strong and brave." As part of the holiday, Alia helps others by donating money to charities. "It makes your feel good inside, like a warm feeling, and at the same time, you're doing something nice and making another person feel happy."

Jacob, 11, likes playing holiday games and eating with his family.

Ashley, 14, likes opening presents and being with family.

Rachel, 11, likes spending time with her family and donates food to the needy. "It helps to feed people who don't have food."

Tayla, 10, donates to a children's charity. "It helps other kids that don't have anything."

Maria, 6, likes when her mom makes cookies.

Betty, 15, likes having a family reunion at holiday time. "Seeing my family is a very special thing."

Ranesia, 12, says her family helps others by giving away things they don't need.

Steven, 12, likes putting up the tree and giving presents. "It's nice."

Killian, 9, likes decorating the tree. "It's easy and fun."

George, 12, likes giving gifts and donating money to the needy. He likes the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve.

Katie, 10, says it's fun to be with her family. She helps others by visiting the nursing home.

Elizabeth, 7, likes singing and dancing to Christmas songs with her mother.

Matilda, 6, prays for people and sponsors children at holiday time. She also likes it when everyone takes turns opening one gift at a time. "I see what everyone gets."

Elizabeth, 9, says this year her school is asking kids to clean out their closets and give away clothes they don't need. She also likes giving presents. "I love giving because I like seeing somebody happy and they might remember it for life."

Ian, 9, likes putting up the tree with his sisters Molly and Theresa. (See Molly's comments below!) Ian also likes donating presents because "it's a good thing to do."

Molly, 11, likes putting up the Christmas lights and decorating the house. "It makes me feel happy inside and out!"

Whitney, 10, likes having a snowball fight, helping her mom cook, and getting to spend one night sleeping near the Christmas tree.

Dani-Lynn, 10 1/2, likes lighting the menorah for Hanukkah. "It's nice and it may bring peace to the world."

Stephanie, 11, likes that her stepmother makes delicious foods like pumpkin pie with whipped cream. "Her food is good - like you buy from a store, but better. More good tasting."

Chuntay, 13, says her favorite holiday activity is giving to the poor "because they will feel happy."

Jeremy, 9, likes sledding. He and his family help others by donating to Goodwill.

Chessie, 12, likes eating cake and going to the theater at holiday time.

Ellie, 9, likes having big family meals with all her cousins. She likes making placecards for the table. "I love crafts."

Mrinse, 13, likes lighting the Hanukkah candles, getting presents, and eating latkes (potato pancakes) at her grandma's house. She also gives coats to the needy. "It makes me feel good because I'm helping people."

Manjinder, 13, likes when his family has a special dinner with close friends. "Everyone gathers around and has fun!"

Rosetta, 11, likes opening presents.

Jordyn, 8, likes spending time with family and giving food to the needy. "I'm being nice."

Courtney, 10, says her family sends a Christmas present to a child they're sponsoring in Bolivia. "Deep inside my heart I just know that we're doing things for people that really need more help than we do."

Michael, 13, likes putting up lights and getting a Christmas tree on his Dad's birthday in early December.

Gabby, 13, likes putting up the tree with her family. "They turn on the music and we scream the words!"

Danielle, 12, likes picking out presents for her family and friends. She also likes visiting her great-grandma. "She is really cool."

Sarah, 7, likes putting up the Christmas tree.

Diamond, 11, likes celebrating Christmas.

Tom, 13, helps people at holiday time by giving donations.

Stephanie, 13, puts donated presents under a wishing tree for the less fortunate. She also likes going Christmas caroling by candlelight. "You get to sing with family and friends."

Tanya, 8, helps others by donating food.

Dayna, 13, gives gifts to the needy at holiday time.

Michaila, 9, goes to a light show at Christmas time with her grandmother. She also reads from the Bible.

Sara, 11, likes making pictures for people at holiday time. "It is fun and it makes people happy."

Katherine, 7, likes spending time with her family at Christmas.

Laura, 11, likes giving to charity at holiday time

Salena, 12, likes playing in the snow. She helps the needy because "I would want someone to help me out."

Cornilias, 12, likes eating, giving presents, and playing games on Christmas.

Jessica, 14, likes eating food and donating food at holiday time.

Corina, 10, likes opening presents and helping others at holiday time. "People need help because they don't have enough money to buy their kids presents."

Christina, 12, likes using cookie cutters to make cookies. She also gives money to the needy. "That makes me all happy inside."

Julie, 9, likes making cookies and eating Christmas dinner because "I'm with my family."

Travis, 10, likes having candy, cake, and punch. He also likes giving gifts to others. "It shows that you care."

Courtney, 11, likes lighting the menorah and getting presents. She also donates old toys to needy kids.

Lisa, 11, likes decorating the tree and cooking. "I love to cook."

Tyson, 11, likes giving presents. "It's really fun."

Asunta, 7, says her family makes special foods together. "I like spending time with my family." They also give food to the needy.

Jada, 10, likes being together with her family at the holidays. "You're never alone."

Lisa, 9, likes shopping, wrapping gifts, and sledding with her sister. They also like designing their own cookies.

Diana, 11, likes buying gifts and baking at holiday time. She also donates toys and money to the needy. "Sometimes, I see poor people on the streets and feel sorry for them."

Skyelar, 9, likes to "have a feast, play games, and all be together" at holiday time.

Lindsay, 10, likes singing "Amazing Grace" and saying prayers. "It makes me feel good inside."

Nancy, 9, likes going shopping at holiday time.

Taylor, 8, likes making gingerbread cookie ornaments. "It's like putting your creativity on the Christmas tree."

Caroline, 7, likes buying a new ornament for the tree every year. "I can collect them."

Sierra, 10, likes baking cookies for Santa. "I get to spend time with my parents."

Karina, 9, likes helping her mother with holiday meals. "My mommy and I always set up a nice breakfast and dinner."

Haley, 6, likes everything about holiday time, including trimming the tree and giving food to the needy.

Carley, 9, likes opening presents and "pulling crackers." (Carley doesn't mean crackers that you eat. Crackers are a kind of party favor found in places like the United Kingdom and Australia. They are wrapped cardboard tubes that pop when you pull them open. Inside, there's a small gift, and often a joke and a paper hat, too.)

Artreal, 11, likes singing and presents. She also gives food to the poor "because they need it more."

Gaby, 13, likes decorating the tree.

CayCee, 12, likes opening presents from friends and family and "just being with them."

Ryan, 10, likes helping others at holiday time because it's nice. He also likes eating Christmas dinner.

Jessica, 11, likes opening gifts with her family, having a party, and eating. She also sends clothing to a charity.

Taylor, 8, has fun going holiday shopping and buying gifts.

Elena, 10, likes decorating the tree, setting the table, and then eating.

Adrienne, 13, likes playing games at holiday time.

Jackey, 11, likes opening presents and seeing relatives. "It's fun and special to me and my family."

Jack, 9, helps others by giving. "It's fun."

Ducky, 11, donates clothes to the needy. "I like to make others happy."

Sofia, 11, likes celebrating Eid (the end of fasting during Ramadan).

Hannah, 6 1/2, likes baking cookies "because I get to eat them."

Elizabeth, 7, likes seeing her family in North Carolina.

Jenna, 5, likes opening presents and having a celebration.

Steven, 11, likes to get presents on Christmas. He also gives canned goods to needy families. "I get to help people."

Hallie, 10, celebrates Hanukkah and likes reading a prayer from the Torah. She also gives clothes and food to the needy. "It makes you feel good after doing it."

Alexis, 12, and her mom have a tradition of reading together. Two weeks before Christmas, they start reading chapters of a new Christmas book that they finish on Christmas Eve. "I get to spend time with my mom and we bond together before a very special holiday."

Yael, 5, likes giving gifts and making latkes at Hanukkah because "it's fun."

June, 10, says her grandmother hides money in the Christmas tree and gives the kids 10 seconds to find it all, which they usually never do. June uses the money to buy gifts for her brother and other family members.

Michael, 11, likes sledding. He also donates money to help others.

Alisha, 8, likes making food, decorating the tree, and opening presents. She also gives food to the needy.

Brock, 12, likes opening presents and spending Christmas Eve with his whole family. "It's the only time we're all together."

Steven, 6, likes singing songs and putting up the tree. "I can always help."

Kari, 9, likes having a Christmas party, opening presents, and finding little presents behind each door of the Advent calendar. Her family also donates toys and presents to needy children. "I always feel great when I get presents. So when I give them, I am almost sure that the person who received it is very happy."

Jary, 11, helps others by sending letters to a soldier in Iraq. "It makes his days in Iraq a little more better."

Christy, 9, loves Christmas food.

Joshua, 13, likes singing Christmas songs and spending time with his family. "I love holidays."

Sophie, 8, likes eating pancakes at holiday time.

Alanna, 9, likes flaming Christmas cake. "I like to taste the sauce."

Alexandra, 12 1/2, likes going snowmobiling with her family. They also donate food and other goods to the needy. "I like doing this because I know that I could touch somebody's heart and make them feel better."

Vicki, 13, and her family visit Victoria in British Columbia. She likes seeing friends and family because "they are the people that I really love heaps."

Michael, 14, likes opening one present on Christmas Eve.

Darnell, 14, helps people at a shelter and says he feels thankful at holiday time. He says his family's tradition is to "share the love."

Becky, 12, likes singing with her family. "It makes us feel happy.

Kim, 12, likes playing games and hanging around at dinner with the family.

Samantha, 5, likes spending time with her family. "I want to know more about them."

Megan, 9, visits Arizona with her family. She likes eating coffee cake on Christmas morning because it's a tradition.

Nicole, 9, likes going Christmas shopping to pick out her presents.

Jovanna, 7, likes spending time with friends and family.

Victoria, 7, links singing Christmas carols and giving gifts. "I like giving."

Mia, 9, likes visiting people she doesn't normally see at holiday time.

Alyssa, 13, likes opening presents and serving snacks to others. "It makes peeps happy."

Jenna, 12, likes playing pin the tail on the donkey.

Lacey, 18, likes spending time with family and donating to the homeless.

Timmy, 10, likes opening presents.

Landon, 11, likes snowball fights and visiting his grandfather at Christmas. To help others, Landon gives money to cancer research. "My grandma died from cancer."

Latrisha, 17, likes decorating the house. "I like it because I'm with my family."

Harley, 11, likes getting presents, giving presents, and lighting the menorah.

Shanice, 12, donates clothes at holiday time. "I like to help needy people."

Gabrielle, 11, likes presents and making food for others.

Carina, 10, gives food and money to needy people. "It helps them with their family."

Deena, 8, fasts (that means she doesn't eat or drink during certain times of the day) during the Muslim month of Ramadan. She also visits relatives "so they won't feel lonely."

Yurat, 13, enjoys Christmas and celebrates by doing Mexican dances.

John, 8, likes playing games at holiday time.

Claudia, 9, says her favorite holiday activity is making cookies. "I like doing this because its fun and I get to help my family."

Emily, 11, gives canned goods to the needy. She also likes decorating the tree and having a big dinner. "We do it all as a family."

Rebecca, 11, likes spending time with her family playing in the snow and decorating their tree. They also give food for the needy. "A lot of people don't have food for Christmas and we make many people happy."

Soon, 10, likes holiday shopping because you can chat while you shop.

Lizzy, 9, likes making a gingerbread house and baking cookies on Christmas Eve. "It's fun to cook with my mom."

Hannah, 10, likes sledding and making cookies. "It's soooo fun!"

Britany, 11, likes making cookies, spending time with family and giving coats to needy children. "It makes me feel good inside."

Marianne, 13, gives to the homeless at holiday time. She also likes doing Christmas karaoke with her family. "It is fun and funny."

Valerie, 12, visits the elderly at the holidays. "It cheers them up."

Brittany, 11, likes to decorate her grandmother's house, which is really big.

Katelynn, 11, likes drinking eggnog because it's a tradition and it tastes good. She also likes decorating the tree. "I get to spend time with my family!"

Amber, 15, likes setting up the Christmas tree and hanging out with her family. "It's special to me."

Kyle, 8, likes opening presents.

Ashley, 9, likes Christmas because it's so fun.

Danielle, 10, likes decorating the whole house. To help others, her class at school brings in canned goods. "The class that brings the most food gets an ice cream party."

Jessica, 10, likes spending quality time with her family during Hanukkah. To help others, they sponsor a needy child. "I know that I am helping another child."

Brandi, 10, likes skiing, making cookies, and spending time with her family.

Christina, 14, likes opening presents.

Katie, 10, likes the family tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. She also recommends the program Toys for Tots, which gives toys to needy kids. "It's a good thing to do."

Diedre, 10, likes seeing her cousins and playing charades. She also helps the needy by donating money. "It's nice to think about other people than yourself."

Vanessa, 10, likes singing and spending time with her family on Christmas and New Year's Day. "It's fun being together with my family!"

Josh, 8, likes playing football around the holidays.

Ammie, 12, likes playing games at holiday time.

Jesten, 9, likes getting new toys.

Pipper, 9, likes giving to charity at holiday time.

Nikki, 10, likes seeing her cousins and going to Christmas parties. She also likes visiting a family friend's farm. "We ride on his tractor through the field because they always set up about one hundred Christmas trees for everyone to look at. The trees are always so pretty, and we go at night, and we have hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols."

Keiars, 13, likes hanging out at the mall at holiday time.

KaDeidra, 10, likes playing games at holiday time.

Moeka, 10, likes watching holiday shows on TV and being with her family at parties. "We could share a lot of fun and memories with everyone!"

Lindsey, 12, likes when her family comes into town and they exchange presents.

Cory, 7, likes opening presents and visiting his nan's house. To help others, his family sends needed goods to a child in Bosnia.

Amanda, 10, likes reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. She helps others through the giving tree program at her church. "It makes me feel good knowing that I am giving special presents to those children who need them."

Zoe, 10, likes doing two things on Christmas Eve: reading Bible stories and eating crab legs.

Rebecca, 7, likes decorating the tree and opening presents with her family.

Abbie, 11, likes playing Pictionary and Monopoly at holiday time. Her family also dances to Irish songs because they are part Irish. "The Irish songs are jolly and bouncy."

Georgia, 10, likes spending time with family, especially her dad. "My dad works day and night working his bum off and in the holidays we get to see him."

Danika, 9, likes getting a lot of cool stuff and buying presents for a women's shelter.

Deshani, 12, likes making special foods for New Year's Day. "It's fun and I love cooking."

Brea, 10, likes being with cousins and other relatives because "you can just be yourself." She and her family serve Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter. "They thank us and we know that they are having a good Christmas!"

Philip, 8, likes visiting his grandparents at holiday time.

Anna, 10, says her family has a tradition of eating Christmas dinner when they see the first star. "I like to look for stars."

Marissa, 7, says "a good prayer for everyone in the world so I know they're okay, and safe as can be."

Isabella, 10, likes playing board games and doing puzzles with her family.

Rachel, 11, likes having snowball fights at holiday time.

Lisa Andrea, 13, likes giving and receiving presents. She also likes making holiday foods. Her family donates coats and furniture to shelters for the needy.

Delia, 11, likes making seasonal crafts. "It's fun and I like being creative."

Peter, 14, likes putting up the tree and exchanging gifts. "At Christmas, my favorite thing is that we are all together."

Caitlin, 9 1/2, likes seeing the Christmas tree when it's "all sparkly and pretty." Her family goes to a cabin at holiday time. "I like playing out in the snow and on the frozen lake with my friends."

Derek, 10, likes going to get the Christmas tree. "It's fun to get out of the house."

Ariana, 10, says celebrating the new year is really fun.

Amie, 17, likes giving gifts to people who need them. "It makes me feel good inside, and my heart feels warm."

Azin, 13, likes visiting grandmother at holiday time "because I love her."

Jordan, 13, likes Christmas presents - and seeing the colors red and green - at holiday time.

Emily, 10, donates food to food drives. She also visits her aunt's house and goes to church on Christmas Eve. "I feel holy."

Analyse, 10, says her family has an unusual holiday tradition - a mashed potato eating contest! "It is fun and competitive...and the potatoes are tasty!"

Mary Ann, 9, plays games around the holidays. She also gives donations money to an orphanage (a home for children).

Muffy, 10, likes Christmas parties "because the whole family gets together."

Tamara, 8, donates money to buy gifts for poor children in Israel.

Preshious, 9, loves food and good family times at Christmas. "I like it because you celebrate family and friends and it is NOT just about presents!"

Briana, 11, likes Christmas best out of all the holidays. "I love hangin' with my family."

Lakeisha, 10, likes to gather around the Christmas tree. "This is the best day ever."

Michelle, 9, likes singing "Holy One" in Spanish. And being around the Christmas tree "gives me time to tell my family I love them."

Leah, 12, likes watching funny holiday movies and decorating the Christmas tree. Her family also donates food, clothes, and money to homeless people. "It gives you a good feeling that you did something right."

Gina, 13, likes listening to Christmas music because "it gets me in a festive mood." She also gives traditional holiday food to the elderly. "The old people look so happy when you give it to them."

Courtney, 8, likes to give needy people gifts. "I like helping."

Breanna, 8, likes Christmas because it's fun.

Shauntae, 15, likes getting up early in the morning to open gifts because her grandma likes it.

Hiba, 12, celebrates Eid, the end of Ramadan, by visiting far-off places like the United Arab Emirates. Her family donates food, rice, money, and dresses to those who need them. For the holiday, Hiba likes to wear traditional clothes and put henna (a kind of dye) on her hands and legs. "I like wearing traditional clothes because everyone says I look so much like a nice village girl living in my country." 

Vanessa, 12 1/2, likes eating with her family because it gives her time to spend with them.

Sammy, 13, helps others by feeding the homeless and spending time with them. "It might sound creepy, but it's really not that bad. It's nice to see them smile."

Sara, 12, feeds the homeless at holiday time. She also likes visiting with relatives. "It's really fun to see family, especially kids my age!" Her family has a party with lobster. "My mom won't let me see the lobster until it's cooked because she doesn't want me to treat it like a pet. I won't eat it then!"

Amber, 10, says she loves it when her family prays and gives thanks.

Katie, 14, likes opening presents.

Nicholas, 6, likes eating holiday foods and hanging ornaments on the tree. He sometimes gives canned goods to help the needy. "We're helping other people who have no food."

Nathan, 8, helps the needy by putting money in Salvation Army kettles. He also likes speeding down the stairs to see his presents on Christmas morning.

Jessica, 8, likes having parties to celebrate with her family and friends. She also donates food and clothes "so I can let other people be happy."

Jordan, 10, likes to sing and help with the tree. "It makes me happy to know that I love my family."

Victoria, 10, likes going to Christmas Eve services and coming home to have hot chocolate before bed. She and her family also participate in Operation Christmas Child, which sends gifts to needy children in other countries.

Tawanda, 16, likes visiting her aunt's house and having family time.

Katie, 10, likes opening presents.

Valerie, 9, likes going ice skating and giving money to needy people.

Joyce, 9, likes donating money to needy people and playing board games with her family. "We can spend some time together."

Abbie, 11, likes presents. "I just love it."

Tania, 10, gives money to the needy. "I'm helping people."

Shyra, 6, likes making cookies, praying, and giving food to the needy. "I help others."

Marian, 10, likes playing, relaxing, and just being with relatives. She also likes helping others. "I love to help people. It's fun to do."

Troy, 10, donates food to the needy and watches the movie Christmas Vacation. "The movie is funny."

Sydney, 9, give gifts to the needy at Christmas and at other times of the year. "It makes needy people feel very happy that other people care about them."

Karina, 13, likes to get "cool, new stuff." But she also gives to others so "poor people get presents, too."

Jabria, 7, likes being with family at holiday time.

Aleck, 15, likes going to an aunt and uncle's house for dinner. His family also donates old clothes to homeless shelters. "There are people who need clothes and who can't afford them."

Diana, 11, likes to go shopping, bake cookies, and put up decorations in the yard with her family. She also donates money to poor children. "It's very generous to help others that have nothing."

Lydia, 9, likes playing games at holiday time.

Kristyn, 11, likes getting presents.

Ashley, 12, says she loves Christmas.

Moriah, 10, likes hanging out with friends and family and donating toys to kids. "I like helping people."

Nicole, 11, likes eating a big meal with her family." She also gives food to the needy and sings carols "because a lot of people are less fortunate than I am. At dinner, I have a big feast in front of me but others do not have one."

Alexa, 11, likes when her whole family goes outside to play football. She also gives canned goods for the food drive at school. With her mom, she makes chocolate-covered spoons and pretzels. "They're yummy."

Jennifer, 17, likes getting together with relatives. "I enjoy being with my entire family during this time of the year."

Whitney, 7, likes getting presents at Christmas.

Brenna, 9, likes decorating the tree and playing games with her family. She also gives food to the poor.

Hannah, 9, likes getting presents for other people.

Alysa, 12, says she likes presents, helping others, and Christmas songs. "I just love to sing!"

Tess, 8, likes Christmas for more than presents. "It's that I get to be with my family and celebrate God."

Anais, 8, likes celebrating Christmas, making ornaments and helping others. "It feels good."

Morgan, 13, donates food to the food pantry at her church. They put a "whole meal in a basket" and deliver the baskets to needy people. "I like to see the joy on their faces when we give them their basket of food and I know that they are going to be able to sit down and have dinner on Christmas night and be happy."

Shelby, 11, likes Christmas with her family.

Erika, 8, likes going to her grandparents' house. "I get to see my family from everywhere."

Haley, 8, likes decorating the tree and leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. She also tries to do nice things for the needy. "It helps other people."

Jen, 12, likes playing out in the snow and skiing at holiday time. She also donates food to a food bank. "Then I know that I will be helping someone have a better holiday. I know I wouldn't be happy if I didn't have much food to eat at Christmas."

Makaila, 14, likes spending time with her family and exchanging gifts at Christmas.

Eli, 8, likes playing in the snow and making food with his family. They also give food to the homeless. "It's helping"

Ryan, 9, likes setting up the Christmas tree. "It's fun and you can't really get into trouble."

Grace, 11, likes playing in the snow and then joining her family in the hot tub. "You get all cold and wet and then you warm up your whole body from head to toe. It's really fun!"

Bridget, 14, likes getting gifts at Christmas.

Shakara, 14, likes "sitting with family and talking about the good old days" at holiday time.

Jolene, 12, sings carols, makes food, and gives gifts to a children's hospital. She also likes having dinner, opening presents, and going snowboarding with her family. "I like doing this because I love my family and we have fun together."

Adriana, 9, collects food in her neighborhood for the homeless. "We're taking care of them and they know that we are helpful and nice to people."

Julie, 9, likes eating, exchanging gifts, and going to church. 

Louise, 13, likes shopping at holiday time. "I like giving and receiving!"

Lindsay, 8, gives cookies to the homeless, makes crafts, and visits her grandma. "She's really fun!"

Chelsea, 10, likes opening gifts and giving them.

Karey, 12, likes holiday shopping. "I get to hang out with friends and listen to Christmas music."

Anne, 17, likes opening gifts and having dinner with the family. "You get to see everyone and just be happy to be around everyone for the holidays."