Every Black family has a set of traditions that make the holiday season special. For you, that may be putting The Temptations’ “Silent Night’’ on repeat, getting together with your loved ones and donning matching clothes for family photos, opening one, single, solitary gift on Christmas Eve, attending a can’t-be-missed church service, or chowing down on a must-have holiday dish. No matter what makes the list, it is our family’s traditions that make the holiday season special.

As part of Walmart’s #HolidayYourHeartOut program, three influencers shared how they’re adding their own flair to family traditions. From Black Southern Belle transforming a Gullah staple into a Vegan-friendly dish to La Guardia Cross showcasing a new kind of Christmas tree to Dayna Bolden encouraging us to give back – we learn that the holidays are a time to breathe new life into old traditions.

Check out how they’re remixing the holidays to help inspire you to start new traditions of your own, or to at least remix a few of the ones you’ve come to know and love!

Michiel Perry of Black Southern Belle

Sweet potatoes are a staple dish in Gullah culture in the South Carolina Lowcountry. That’s why Michiel Perry of Black Southern Belle loves to prepare them around the holidays for her family. However, between her and her family’s dietary restrictions, she has had to get creative with her recipes. Enter: lactose-free and vegan sweet potato dishes.

Perry shares how she hosted a modern holiday brunch menu with sweet potato hash with vegan sausage, sweet potato pancakes, and sweet potato grits. These dishes – which are both savory and sweet – will help you host the perfect holiday brunch, no matter who shows up!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup sweet potatoes (cooked & mashed)

1/4 cup coconut flour

1 cup gluten-free baking flour

2 Tbs brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp baking soda

Avocado Oil (to grease pan or griddle)

Maple Syrup, Candied Pecans and Vegan Cream Cheese or Aquafaba for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a blender combine all ingredients and mix on medium speed until well smooth and blended.
2. Lightly grease a skillet with Avocado Oil over medium heat.  Pour about ¼ cup of batter on to a hot skillet. Cook for 4 minutes or until you see small bubbles appear over the surface. Then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
3. Repeat  with remaining batter until all pancakes are done. Top with vegan cream cheese, candied pecans and maple syrup.

La Guardia Cross

Sometimes the decision to remix a tradition comes from unexpected sources. Like, our kids. And that’s exactly what happened with La Guardia Cross. While Cross is accustomed to decorating a family tree with all the bells and whistles, this year his daughters decided it was time to decorate… him.

If you’re looking for a good laugh, Walmart has all the bright lights and twinkling decorations you need to turn an unsuspecting family member into the star of the season.

Dayna Bolden

Many of us know the joy of giving Christmas gifts to our family and friends. But there is a unique joy in being able to give gifts to others less fortunate. That’s why Dayna Bolden is picking up items that single moms need the most during the holidays. From clothes, personal care items, to educational toys for their children – Dayna inspires us to pay it forward this holiday season.

If you’re feeling inspired to make giving just as much fun as receiving, remix meals or revamp your tree decorating, head to www.Walmart.com for all of your holiday needs. And be sure to share your new traditions on social media with the hashtag #JoyShop!