It’s that festive time of year again! This has always been my favorite time of year. When I look back at my childhood, my fondest memories were the fun traditions my family made together during the holidays. Children find comfort and bonding in these traditions and it generates a special joy around the home. My kids are all grown up but they still enjoy the traditions that we made together and really look forward to the holidays. I believe it is because we come together as a family unit, enjoy fun activities together, and most of all look outside ourselves. I would like to share some ideas as well as some of our favorite traditions my family began years ago:
- Read wholesome Christmas stories together. We have Christmas books on the shelf that only come out during this special time. These are stories about giving to others and receiving miracles as well as other delightful holiday books. We read the same stories every year; and even though my children are grown, they still pull them off the shelf to enjoy.
- Visit nursing homes. My children loved coloring pictures, making blankets, or other homemade gifts for the residents. We would also sing Christmas songs with piano or guitar music. This was always a treat for the elderly that could not otherwise go out and enjoy the festivities. My oldest son has enjoyed this so much that he organized a talent night at one of the local nursing homes in his area.
- Christmas caroling. This has continually been a favorite. Even though we are not a “voice blessed” family, we had a wonderful time surprising a few elderly people around town and delivering some holiday cheer.
- Set aside a night to decorate the tree together. For my family, this included a special meal, Christmas music, and dancing. My kids were so excited to put each of their special ornaments on the tree. Some years we would cut down our own tree at a Christmas tree farm and that would make it even more special.
- Make cookies and have a cookie exchange. What is a holiday without those favorite Christmas cookie recipes? My homeschool group enjoyed having a cookie exchange and sharing recipes every year.
- Have a craft day. We would make a wreath for the grandparents, homemade ornaments for aunts and uncles, or make our own Christmas cards to send to loved ones.
- Complete a puzzle together. As my kids grew older, we began setting up a table with a 1,000-piece Christmas puzzle to assemble. Beware, this can be addicting! We have been known to stay up until 2 a.m. watching Christmas movies while we finish the puzzle!
- See the Nutcracker Ballet. There is usually a homeschool group discount day for a holiday event such as this, making it very reasonable to treat your children to a wonderful ballet classic. This would also be a great idea for a short unit study.
- Begin an Advent Calendar. Counting down to Christmas is always fun with an Advent Calendar. Learn the history of Advent as your children choose a special calendar or get creative by making your own.
- Invite someone over to share your Christmas meal. We regularly try to extend an invitation to someone that does not have a certain place to go on Christmas day. This makes the day extra special when you can share it with someone that would otherwise have a lonely meal.
- Have a thankful toast. On Christmas Eve, we bring out the sparkling grape juice and toast to everything we are thankful for in the past year. This is a great reflection of all the positive moments each of us have had throughout the year.
- Remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. Lastly, but most importantly, during all of the altruistic activities we do during this season, it is essential to remember the real reason we celebrate this holiday. The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior is certainly a joyous occasion! Some ideas to remember this reason include making a birthday cake for Jesus, attending Christmas Eve service and reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke. Taking time to reflect on Jesus, as well as fulfilling needs in others keep our focus on what is important amidst all the busyness.
Now that my children are grown, we don’t have the time to continue all of these traditions. It is just special to be together and cherish the time we have with each other during the holidays. My hope is that these traditions we started years ago will instill the value of family in my children and the honor of giving with the attitude, “it truly is more of a blessing to give than to receive.” Whatever traditions your family begins or continues to enjoy this year, I wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with miracles and blessings!
