HONOLULU (KHON2) -- To be in Kuliʻouʻou during December is to know tradition, whether youʻre part of the ʻohana that has been there for more than a century or not. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Dating back to 1961, the Kuliʻouʻou Christmas Parade not only preserves the cultural and familial ties of those in the valley but also brings the community together as keiki marvel at Santa on horseback, riding into the valley. Santa is assisted by ʻukulele players and bringers of joy as they toss candy to the keiki waiting on the side of the road to catch a glimpse of the man in red. The tradition started when Aunty Sister, also known as Tutu, rallied Santa and his helpers to share the joy of Christmas with those in Kuliʻouʻou. The 'ukulele players of the Kuliʻouʻou Christmas Parade.The newest generation assisting Santa as he rides through Kuliʻouʻou on horseback.The community gathers to welcome Santa on horseback in Kuliʻouʻou's 60+ year tradition of the Christmas parade.Santa on horseback, and his helpers, as they make their way through Kuliʻouʻou on Dec. 15, 2024. The paniolo Christmas, and Santa on horseback, was a tradition from the familyʻs ties to Waimea and when the Costa Dairies once called the valley home, all the children rode horses, and animals were part of daily life in Kuliʻouʻou. To Aunty Sister, it was imperative to bring together her kids, nieces and nephews to instill the value and importance of family, according to Keolani Noa, Aunty Sisterʻs daughter. The lesson stuck because more than 60 years on, not only are her descendants continuing the tradition but they include the community, from Elelupe to Kuliʻouʻou Road. For those in the family, large gatherings are as much a part of life as bringing in those who are part of the periphery, a legacy that Aunty Sister started 60 years ago.