10 Christmas Traditions

Christmas Carolers

Christmas traditions define the spirit of the holidays for each family.  Whether conventional or quirky, these traditions bring families together and create lifetime memories.  Here are some favorite Christmas traditions to make the most of this special time of year.

1. Christmas Light Tours – Load the family in the van or take a romantic drive for two through the local neighborhood hot spots or an enchanted forest.  Young or old, Christmas light displays warm even the Grinchiest of the hearts!

2. Classic Christmas Films – Every year without fail, I turn on one of my beloved Christmas movies and not before long, the whole family gathers around.  From How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Home Alone to A Christmas Carol, these treasured films never grow old.

3. Gingerbread – Baking and the holidays go hand in hand and nothing says Christmas like a warm batch of gingerbread.  Whether in the form of gingerbread men or a house built on sweets, gingerbread is the ultimate holiday comfort food.

4. Tree Decorating – While it’s easy to get caught up in creating the perfect Christmas tree, my favorites ones are those charming and imperfect trees with shiny baubles and handmade decorations.  Whether your tree is perfectly manicured or a creative hodgepodge, hanging heirloom decorations and lighting the tree is an experience for the whole family to enjoy.

5. Caroling – Whether you go the traditional route of singing door to door or sing in a choir, Christmas caroling fills the air with magic and joy.  If the idea of singing turns you into Scrooge, go to church and simply listen to the angelic choir.

6. Early Gift Opening – On Christmas Eve, let each person choose one gift to open.  Opening gifts in turn makes the process a bit more special.  It is also a great way to work up an appetite on Christmas day before brunch.

7. Giving Back – Volunteer at a shelter or take part in a food drive.  It is perhaps the best gift you can give and it’s a valuable experience for children.

8. Ice Skating – Whether at a picturesque rink or in your own backyard, invite your friends and family out for some festive exercise and hot chocolate.

9. Hide the Stockings – Instead of hanging the filled stockings on Christmas morning, play a game of hide and seek with your children.  They will love hunting through the house looking for their Christmas goodies.  Just don’t make them too hard to find.

10. A Special Decoration – Together with the family, come up with a concept for a unique tree decoration.  Whether Christmas themed or not, the brainstorming process alone is half the fun!

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