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Christmas Traditions: 25 Meaningful Ideas for Families
by Susie Cortright
The holidays are a time to revel in the gratitude and love we feel for
one another. Here are 25 meaningful ways to celebrate your togetherness
this season.
1. Go for a family nature walk near your home to collect seasonal items
that you can use in your holiday decor. If you live near a forest, the
obvious choices are pine boughs and pinecones, but long dried grasses
can look just as festive tied with a holiday bow.
2. Make a few handmade holiday cards this year as a family.
3. Make appreciation cards. Replace the annual Christmas letter in your
holiday cards with a brief letter of appreciation for the recipient.
4. Create or purchase a new ornament each year for the tree. Create or
shop for an ornament that reflects a defining event or sentiment for the
year.
5. Enjoy a Family Night with special holiday crafts or games.
6. Start a Christmas-themed puzzle somewhere in your home.
A puzzle
table, placed in a quiet room is great for holiday visitors. Whenever
your guests want to get away from the action, they can retreat to work
on the puzzle. This can be a great stress reliever, and it’s wonderful
for those guests who always have to be busy doing something.
7. Play special music. What is everyone’s favorite holiday CD? Allow
each family member to choose and keep them in the CD changer so
everyone’s musical taste is represented.
8. Take a photo of your children standing in a particular spot each year
-- in front of the tree, by the front door -- anyplace that will be
consistent from year to year. Make a special holiday ornament or
scrapbook album that depicts the growth and change of your family each
year.
9. Research the holiday traditions of your nationality. Adopt a few of
these traditions into your annual celebration each year to celebrate
your heritage.
10. Ask each child to write a Dear Santa letter. (Small children can
draw pictures). Keep a special record of these letters in an album or
treasure box.
11. Create an evening tradition of taking a family walk or drive in your
neighborhood to view the holiday lights.
12. Cut snowflakes from wrapping paper, festive holiday advertisements,
or last year’s holiday cards, and string them together into a festive
garland.
13. Adopt a special cause each year and spend some time as a family
helping those in need, or raising or donating money for a charity of
your choice.
14. What are your favorite holiday memories? Pose the question tonight
at the dinner table. Use your family's answers to plan this year's
celebration. You may be surprised at the special memories that have
nothing to do with gifts or elaborate events.
15. For fifteen minutes, write down things in your life that you are
grateful for. Ask each of your family members to join you in creating
their own lists.
16. Bundle up and head outside. Make snow angels or build a snow fort
with your kids. When it's time to warm up, build a cozy fire and roast
marshmallows in your living room.
17. What's your favorite homemade holiday treat? Write down the recipe,
and share it with your friends. Encourage them to do the same.
18. Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of
items to give away. Decide as a family where to make a donation.
19. What was the best book you read this year? With whom would you most
like to share its message? Purchase a copy for them and drop it off,
anonymously.
20. Take your family to a performance of The Nutcracker.
Purchase a CD
or DVD of the Nutcracker to bring the memories home.
21. Make a holiday tradition of
recharging your own batteries. Gather your daughter and your best friend
and head to the day spa for a much deserved pedicure or massage.
22. Reach out to those whom you haven’t seen all year. It takes a little
extra effort this busy time of year, but make a goal to send a card or
note to someone you think about but don’t see much anymore.
23. Keep a "Joy Journal" this holiday season, in which you record the
funny things your kids say, joyful times you share, your favorite things
to do with your family (and by yourself), and all the things for which
you are grateful. Use your Joy Journal as a reminder of the facets of
your life (and this holiday season) that are really important.
24. Give small and simple gifts (homemade cookies or a small book)
to a
few of the people who make your everyday life easier, such as the trash
collector and postal carrier.
25. Share your family traditions with friends and ask them to tell you
about the family traditions that make their holidays sweeter.
You might also enjoy:
Twelve Great Homemade Presents to Make with Your Kids
No need to spend a fortune. Your kids will love making these presents
for grandparents, cousins and teachers, and the recipients will treasure
them. Here are twelve ideas for gifts you can make together.
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