Ah, yes! It is that time again…when you sit back and settle into family traditions…or come up with some new ones to compliment the ones already in place. Last year I wrote about our holiday family traditions and what we do each Christmas season. I encourage you to check it out if you are seeking some interesting Christmas traditions such as the “Christmas Pickle.”
Christmas traditions are those special activities one does with their family year after year. They create memories and positive, nostalgic feelings for a lifetime. Family holiday traditions are so important, I wanted to revisit the topic again. Maybe you aren’t one for traditions, but your kids will hold on to those memories for a lifetime…which makes it worth your time and effort to start some of your own.
I realize that my family traditions may not be your cup of tea, so I have done some research and found several family traditions out there that there is bound to be one that sparks your interest. I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season with many wonderful memories.
1. Decorate the Property
Instead of just stringing up a couple of lights from the garage and calling it a day, why not get your kids involved? That could include a bit of planning and creativity, but your entire family will feel part of the process of your home’s holiday makeover that will surely put them in the spirit.
2. Donate or Volunteer for Charity
There are many people less fortunate during the holidays that don’t have family to spend time with, let alone a decent meal on the table. Your family can commit to some time collecting food or needed items (such as toothpaste and soap) for those less fortunate, which can then be distributed by churches and food banks. You can also roll up your sleeves and volunteer to serve Christmas dinners to those who need it most.
3. Play Sports
Rather than sitting around the living room munching chocolates and watching sports on television, why not get outside the home with the family to play some touch football. The weather may be warm but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the family to an indoor rink for some skating practice. If the thermometer dips low enough, you can even build a backyard hockey rink and invite the neighboring kids over for a tournament. No snow just means less work to clear the ice!
4. Take a Lighted Tour of the Neighborhood
Some people put a lot of time and effort into making their properties look the most festive during the holidays, and they’re begging to be looked at, especially at night when the lights really shine.
5. Get Rid of Last Year’s Clutter
Perhaps a more practical tradition is to gather up the family and start rummaging through those nooks and crannies in the home where “stuff” has been collecting all year. This is a great way to clean up and find that screwdriver you’ve been missing, or your daughter’s favorite doll that somehow ended up behind the couch.
It’s also a great way to collect usable items and older toys your kids have outgrown, and donate them to other families that can make of them. This will help foster the spirit of giving in your kids, who will no doubt have new toys waiting for them under the tree. Also, what better way to welcome a new year than with a spotless home?
6. Learn Some Carols
Kids love to sing, in case you haven’t noticed, so why not harness that raw talent and energy and put it to use in your neighborhood? Learning some Christmas carols with your family can be fun and challenging, and you might learn some hidden talents.
Don’t stop there! Once you’ve perfected the lower harmonies, bring your kids on the road (or at least, the sidewalk) and join others in an outdoor caroling session. It will make everyone who hears it smile, and it’s a great way to spend time outdoors with your loved ones and make new friends.
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