One of these creative DIY twists on the tried-and-true Christmas calendar may be just what you need to start a new tradition ...

Now his fingers brushed against thin, crisp strands: ancient tissue paper. And next, something fuzzy but sharp at the end: a pipe cleaner. Two pipe cleaners! He couldn’t see the thing yet ...

1960: removal of same. 1962: disappearance of haywain gravy boat. 1963: introduction of Bakelite napkin rings. 1968: Splintering into Webster and Sullivan family Thanksgivings. 1971: introduction ...