The way we celebrate the holidays in Wisconsin is familiar to many people: lights, gifts, time with loved ones, and a wealth of food.

However, just like the organization of the Green Bay Packers, the term "bubble" or how we make old-fashioned ones, Wisconsin has something different. 

Whether you like snacks, tinsel or toast, Wisconsin has many unique holiday traditions. 

When many people think of something unique to Wisconsin, they often think of kringle-a flaky, oval Danish pastry-this pastry was named the official pastry of Wisconsin in 2013, and there is another one from De Pere Uncle Mike’s bakery specialty store was voted the “Coolest Thing in Wisconsin” in the 2018 Wisconsin Manufacturers and Business Competition. 

Although Kringles has been a part of Wisconsin life for decades, it has consolidated its reputation as an important part of holiday brunch in recent years. why is that?

Marie Heyer, marketing director of Racine Kringle, said that one possibility is "to be able to deliver it directly to the door of family and friends." This is another one: "Kringle happens to be great for sharing," said Matt Horton, vice president of e-commerce and marketing for O&H Danish Bakery. "It's easy to talk, take a piece of Klinger, come back in a few minutes and do it again."

For whatever reason, many of us cannot imagine a vacation without it.

More: Kringle manufacturer O&H Danish bakery adds a new store to maintain family traditions

These gleaming artificial trees were first mass-produced under the Evergleam brand in Manitowoc's Aluminum Specialty Company in 1959. Although space-age trees fell out of favor in the late 1960s — production officially ended in 1971 — they have been revived in recent years. You can buy replicas in large stores, and ancient trees usually sell for hundreds of dollars. 

Downtown Manitowoc hosts an annual event called "Evergleams on Eighth" to pay tribute to this part of the city's history. From Thanksgiving to the New Year, nearly 40 vintage aluminum Christmas trees in various styles, sizes and colors will be displayed on store windows in Manitowoc this year.

The largest exhibition will be held at the Manitowoc Public Library at 707 Pier Street, Manitowoc. To learn more about this holiday event, please visit evergleams.org.

More: Manitowoc's aluminum Christmas tree display adds luster to the season during COVID-19

This sourdough bread is an annual holiday tradition in its native Germany. Although it comes in many varieties, most recipes use the same basic ingredients: candied fruit and dried fruit, nuts and spices. In addition, the finished bread is covered with butter and powdered sugar.

German immigrants brought this tradition to Wisconsin, where it is deeply rooted. Whether your Stollen uses candied citrus peels instead of green cherries, adds marzipan, or adds nuts to bread, you can find them on holiday brunch tables across the state. 

If you don’t have time to make your own Stollen, you can find it for sale at specialty bakeries at this time of year, such as Olde World Pastries Plus in Green Bay, Johnston's Bakery in Sheboygan, Peter Sciortino Bakery in Milwaukee, and New Glaru Glarus bakery in the city. Some grocery chains, such as Sendik's and Aldi, are also sold in some locations. You may need to call or order online in advance to ensure you can pick up the goods.

More: Christmas in Wisconsin means being stolen. Find out where to get German holidays. 

The origin of brandy slush is unclear, but there is more evidence that Wisconsin people like their brandy. This unique Wisconsin cocktail is very popular during the holiday season, partly because it is a simple and delightful treat.

According to Daniel Higgins of Appleton Post-Crescent, the taste of brandy puree is this: "Think of candied brandy with a lemon-orange kiss...in terms of sweetness, texture and calories, think of brandy puree, just like you Let’s also have a cup of ice cream dessert." 

Whether you use a little bittering agent, do not drink tea or add a few ounces for three seconds, the basic ingredients of brandy slush are the same in every recipe: water, sugar, concentrated orange and lemon juice, lemon lime soda and Your favorite brandy (skip brandy to get a kid-friendly version). Freezing the mixture in an old ice cream bucket is optional, but it is highly recommended to add a sense of nostalgia. 

More: Brandy slush is Wisconsin's sangria, you bet we will serve it during the winter vacation

In the past 93 years, We Energies has launched more than 50 versions of Cookie Book, which have been distributed for free since the early 2000s. Cookie Book was originally designed to showcase and sell new electric ovens, but even after the company switched from selling electrical appliances to providing electricity, this tradition persisted.

"For many of our customers...getting a Cookie Book kicks off their holidays," said Amy Jahns, Senior Communications Specialist at We Energies. She also said that it takes a whole year to make the Cookie Book, and a dedicated team of employees will test each recipe before it goes on sale. 

This year’s Cookie Book contains recipes submitted by veterans and active-duty soldiers. Although We Energies has completed the distribution of a physical copy of this year's book, you can download a free electronic copy of the Cookie Book at we-energies.com/recipes.

More: "Oh my goodness cookies:" The 2021 "Our Energy Cookie Book" highlights recipes for veterans and current service workers

The names of Tom and Jerry do not come from cartoons—the drink’s history can be traced back to the mid-1800s, when it was probably invented as a promotional drink for popular dramas at the time. Since then, Tom and Jerrys have become part of many family holidays in Wisconsin.

On the surface, this holiday cocktail seems to be just another eggnog, with an emphasis on eggs, spices and alcohol. However, there are some important differences. Tom and Jerry served them hot. During the whole process of making the batter, the egg whites were beaten several times to make the drink light and fluffy.

Otherwise, if you are pressed for time, many grocery stores can buy pre-mixed Tom and Jerry batter at this time of the year. Just add hot water, rum and brandy; for non-alcoholic beverages, you can use hot milk or tea instead. 

More: What are Tom and Jerry, and why does Wisconsin like and make this unique winter cocktail?

Saint Nicholas’ Day, also known as Saint Nicholas’ Day, is widely celebrated in Europe and communities with a strong German background. Although Saint Nick's Day is not as famous as Christmas, many residents of Wisconsin, especially Milwaukees, celebrate this holiday as their foundation. 

Traditionally, on the night of December 5th, children will leave stockings and wooden shoes. It is said that St. Nicholas will visit and leave small gifts such as coins, fruits, candies and small toys. 

Why does this tradition always exist? Amy Schwabe of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel wrote: "My own children see Saint Nick’s celebration as a good way to alleviate the long wait for Christmas Eve."

Wauwatosa resident Jess Koerner said that other parents told their children that Saint Nicholas was practiced by Santa Claus for his Christmas Eve visit, or they viewed Saint Nicholas in history as "a bit like Robin Hood of saints."

More: St. Nick stuffed his stocking with candies. Or shoes with oranges. Or ride a moose. For Milwaukee families, traditions vary.

More: In Milwaukee, Saint Nick left souvenirs, wrote letters and even visited school

Cheese Ball has moments of retro revival all over the country. Part of the reason for their re-attraction may be their simple assembly. Or the cheese balls seem to go perfectly with the deli board. Or maybe just because they are another excuse for eating cheese. 

Trends come and go, but for decades, cheese balls have been a staple of the Wisconsin holiday table. Since our state’s collective love for cheese has become legendary, this is not surprising. 

To make cheese balls for the next party, you can find many recipes online. At this time of the year, many grocery stores across the state can also buy pre-made cheese balls.

More: Those cheeses are sprinkled on your holiday tray? They are probably from this manufacturer in Wisconsin.

More: Recipe: "Party Magnet" Cheese Balls.

Also known as tiger meat or steak tartare, these sandwiches are served at many holiday parties in Wisconsin and consist of raw beef, onions, salt, and pepper on rye bread. Some people even beat a raw egg on it.

No one is completely sure of the source of this food, but this may be another tribute to the Germans who settled in Wisconsin nearly two centuries ago. In fact, the Germans have a recipe similar to a cannibal sandwich: mettbröchen, which is made from ground raw pork and topped with onions on bread rolls.

No matter what you call cannibal sandwiches, the Wisconsin Department of Health now has an annual holiday tradition that advises against eating them. According to their website, this dish has caused eight food poisoning incidents in Wisconsin since 1986. 

However, fans of man-eating sandwiches on social media praised the image of the pale ground beef that the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning on Twitter last year. Although eating raw meat always brings risks, people who follow this tradition usually buy quality ground beef from a butcher they trust.

If you want to try to make cannibal sandwiches with the lowest possible risk, Wisconsin Public Radio got advice from Dr. Zorba Paster: "Aim for the leanest beef you can get and let your butcher know you are using meat Come eat the cannibal sandwich and ask to be freshly ground with a clean grinder... Eat meat on the day of purchase, preferably before the end of the party."

More: Why are raw meat cannibal sandwiches so popular in Wisconsin? Why does it keep doing this?

More: The owner of the Wausau deli appears on the "Daily Show" touting cannibal sandwiches

More: Here are 10 popular holiday dishes in Wisconsin, from kringle to venison sausage