NEED IDEAS!! what made your Christmas special as a kid?

i have a 4 yr old and 4 month old... i would like some ideas on how to make my childrens Christmas' extra special and memorable....other then a mound of presents under the tree i cant think of anything that was EXTRA special about Christmas....any ideas of traditions that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you think of them would be appreciated...did someone dress up as santa? did santa leave his footprints in the house? stuff like that...thanks for your help and cant wait to explore your many wonderful ideas :)