Every Christmas, Mark Mabry has kept alive a special tradition for his daughter Ava. Inspired by his childhood memories of his parents surprising his sisters with new dresses each holiday season, Mark decided to carry on this ritual when Ava was born in 2006. Now, 18 years later, the dress reveal has become an integral part of their family's festive celebrations. Last year, after opening her 17th dress, Ava filmed a TikTok video that went viral, garnering millions of views. This heartwarming story highlights the importance of traditions and the deep bond between father and daughter.

The Birth of a Special Ritual

Inspired by his own childhood experiences, Mark Mabry introduced a unique tradition for his daughter Ava. For her first Christmas in 2006, Mark carefully selected a red dress, along with matching shoes and a diaper cover, for Ava to wear to church. Each year since then, he has continued this practice, choosing a new dress for Ava to open as part of their holiday festivities. The tradition has evolved into something both father and daughter look forward to every year, symbolizing love and continuity.

This cherished ritual began when Mark, now 47, wanted to create lasting memories for Ava. He recalls the excitement of finding the perfect outfit for her first Christmas. Over the years, the process has remained personal, with Mark making solo trips to select each dress. Ava, now a singer-songwriter, shares fond memories of waking up to discover what her father had chosen. “It’s kind of fun because I don’t know what I am going to be wearing the next day,” she says, highlighting the element of surprise that keeps the tradition fresh and exciting.

A Viral Moment and Lasting Impact

Last year, Ava decided to document the moment she opened her 17th dress by filming a TikTok video with her dad. To their surprise, the video quickly gained traction online, accumulating millions of views and hundreds of comments. This unexpected viral success brought attention to the Mabrys' heartwarming tradition, inspiring others to start similar rituals with their families. The video also highlighted the positive impact of such traditions on family bonds.

The viral video sparked a range of reactions, from admiration to heartfelt comments about absent fathers. Mark reflects on the emotional responses, noting that many people shared stories of missing or distant fathers. “Some of them they’re like, ‘My dad would never,’ and ‘My dad doesn’t even call me on Christmas,’ ” he says, emphasizing the importance of having someone who loves and supports you. Despite the occasional unconventional choice, like a bucket hat, Mark's selections have become cherished items that Ava often reuses. “I feel like over the past few years my dad has gathered a sense of what I feel confident in,” Ava explains, showing how the tradition has grown alongside her personal style.