Family traditions at Christmas are important because they create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of stability and belonging. They bring us together, allowing for shared experiences and deeper connections with our loved ones. When it comes to making memories, there are truly so many options! One of our family’s Christmas traditions when the kids were young was to decorate cookies to give to friends and family. We made our frosting from scratch and mixed different color options for them to choose from, along with sprinkles and candy. Our kids are all very creative and they thoroughly enjoyed demonstrating their artistic abilities. When they got older and our schedule was a little tighter, we started the tradition of decorating a gingerbread house together. That lasted for a year or so, and then we realized they each needed their own! We would line them up and take pictures and have people vote on the most creative house. Now that they are young adults, it’s something they will still get together to do. This year I am going to change it up a bit…shhhh, don’t tell them!
I was walking through the warehouse a couple of weeks ago and saw a new product we are selling. It’s the Christmas Tree - 10” LED Light-Up Plaster Paint Kit from Works of Ahhh. I stopped and said to myself, “This would be so much fun to do, and we could bring it out every year with the Christmas decorations!” This company also has a 6” Tree, Snowman, and Gingerbread House available. Since I always feel a little sad throwing away their gingerbread creations every year, I thought this could be a memory we could bring out for many years to come!
Maybe your kids aren’t quite ready for this type of a craft adventure—no problem! We have many options to look at under Seasonal Crafts. The idea is to get everyone together and make some memories. Tell stories, turn up the music, play an audiobook, listen to a musical; the ideas are endless!
What about the little ones? I was just thinking back and remembered how we did hand and foot imprints for grandparents and as our own keepsakes. Back then, I used an easy flour recipe and baked them in a circular pan. I’ll include the recipe below. Rainbow Resource Center also has some easy-to-use keepsake packages that come with all the ingredients needed, such as the Sculpey Baby Keepsake Impression Kit, which also has a frame option. I know I’ll be getting one of these for our little grandbaby that joined the family this year! If you want a steppingstone option, Milestones are pretty neat, and have many options available! Make a Plate is something we’ve never done as a family, but I could see being another fun project to do together. You could use it for handprints, footprints, personalized artwork, and pictures.
At our house, the living room Christmas tree has no color theme. It is a memory tree full of arts and crafts from the kids throughout the years, our yearly ornament purchase, and sentimental pieces. Together, we decorate the tree and relive all those memories, laughing over some and shedding a tear over others. I enjoy listening to my kids explain the “story behind” to their spouse or special friend. Gathering around the Christmas tree is an easy way to build traditions! You know, there are so many senior citizens who don’t put up trees anymore. “It’s just too much of a hassle, and why do it for just me?” they say. A fun family project could be helping grandparents or a neighbor set up their tree and bring some Christmas cheer to a lonely heart. Nothing brightens the hearts of the elderly like time with children. Kids can take joy in knowing that they made someone feel special who otherwise may feel insignificant and forgotten. The gift of time is often the most valuable and memorable.
This season, I hope you enjoy your treasured family traditions a little extra and remember that it’s never too late to start new ones, too! Let us know about a fun tradition you do with your family to make memories together!
Salt Dough Recipe
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup table salt
¾ cup of warm water
Mix the dough, adding food coloring for color. Roll out and gently press the hand or foot into the dough. Bake at 225 for 2-3 hours or air dry for 2-3 days. Leave as is or decorate with acrylic paints and seal with polyurethane spray.
Frosting Recipe
1 bag of powdered sugar
1 cup Crisco
2 Tbsp Water
1 tsp Vanilla or other flavor
1 tsp Salt
Mix together and add food coloring to your desire.
