Most of us are fortunate enough to enjoy traditions during the holidays that our families have passed down to us. These traditions may go back generations and have a deep connection with your family. Do you ever want to bring a new holiday tradition into your home to share with your children or grandchildren? We have a few simple ideas to get you started.
Create Edible Gifts
Put a day on your calendar to get together with family members and bake holiday treats for your neighbors and friends. Keep your recipes simple, like these cute “present” cookies, little jars of bacon jam, chocolate almond clusters, or simple holiday favorites like peppermint bark.
Once you’ve created your edible gifts, deliver them in a festive packaging. Family members of all ages can help with bagging, boxing, or loading tins with goodies you’ve made together. What could be more fun than to share the gift-giving with your family? Knock on your neighbor’s doors together. Spread holiday cheer as a family.
Give to a Good Cause
There are many worthwhile causes year-end worthy of our attention. Holiday-inspired charities are a great way to remind your family of the spirit of “giving.” This is especially true with children. Get them involved in local charities like The Salvation Army, donating groceries to a local food bank, or supporting organizations that visit the homebound or elderly in your area.
Say “Cheese”
This is a great excuse to get your family together and dress for the occasion. Taking holiday photos is a tradition that will reward you with keepsakes to look back on and share through the years. It’s a fun way to document the changes in your family as it grows through the years.
Make DIY Ornaments and Crafts
Skip the store and get crafty this holiday season with some homemade decorations for your home. Turn on your favorite holiday music and get busy making treasures for your family and friends. Just remember to keep a few for yourself. No matter how your family celebrates the holidays, dive into the decorations together. Read our article 5 Fun & Easy DIY Ornaments for more ideas.
The Annual Holiday Movie Night
Whether your family cries together over It’s a Wonderful Life, or laughs along with Elf, pull up a pillow and get cozy. Gather your loved ones for a night of holiday movies and popcorn. So grab a seat on the couch, put out the munchies, and relax together. Netflix and Hulu have endless amounts of holiday films to choose from.
Make a Gingerbread House
What’s better than a fun, holiday project you can eat? Gather icing, chocolate, candy canes, gumdrops, and any other ingredients you desire to build your gingerbread house. Beautiful kits are available at stores like Michael’s. If a gingerbread house doesn’t quite cut the mustard for your family, you can create and devour an entire village from Amazon.com
See a Holiday Show
Attend a holiday play or musical in the nearest city or at your local community theater. From classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to newer shows like Scrooge The Musical and Elf the Musical, you’re sure to find a performance the entire family will enjoy.
Just choose one of these ideas to Bring New Holiday Traditions Into Your Home this Season. Your family will thank you for it, and who knows. Your “new” family tradition may become their “old” family tradition one day.