My family loves Christmas and one of the reasons we get so into each year is because of traditions we do that we've created or have been passed down. So I thought I would share with you some of them, so that maybe you and your family could come up with new ideas to make Christmas even more magical.
1. Each year we pick out one ornament that best represents who we are or what we love for that year. The kids get really into it and it has been so much fun. Not only do they look forward to going and picking out the new one, but they get super excited to see all the past ones they have collected. No, the tree doesn't look like something out of Martha Stewart magazine, but it is filled with love and memories.
2. Each year on Christmas eve you get to open one gift. By now everyone knows exactly what it is. It's cute Christmas pajamas to put on. Not only is it a fun tradition they look forward to but it makes for great pics in the morning!
3. I am obsessed with the Nutcracker, so we have a nutcracker tradition. Each year a different person takes turns and gets to pick one out for that year. We have everything from soccer player, surfer, diva rockstar, lumberjack, duck dynasty, and traditional. Target has great ones with the year even on it.
4. My girlfriends and I got together for a wreath party a few years ago. We all picked something off pinterest we wanted to make and brought our own supplies and an appetizer and of course added some wine and champagne! I even made a few extra as gifts. It was so much fun and a great girls night!
5. A baking day! I mean who doesn't love baked goods at christmas time? This could be just your kids and you, or your mom and sisters or a great thing to do with friends. But get quite a few things you want to make and just enjoy spending time together and baking.
6. Wrapping paper fun. Each kid gets their own wrapping paper for the year. Not only does this help with not needing to name tag everything, especially if you have kids who know your handwriting and can figure out who wrote "from santa" on there. But they love to see what wrapping paper was picked out especially for them that year. You can make a little note (maybe typed up or in someones else's handwriting) ahead of time as a coding system if you need to.
7. Books. This is a good one for younger kids. But wrap up 24 books that can be new or used, usually with good meaning about christmas or giving, or spirit of and start it on Dec 1. Let them unwrap one each night that you can read to them. You will love how excited they get!
8. The reverse advent calendar….Everyone loves the advent calendar, we have a cute one and they sure do love taking turns eating the candy out of it. If you do this, it's fun, and keep doing it. But how about getting a laundry basket and each day filling it with an item such as hair care, soaps, oral care, hygiene care, socks, warm blanket, gloves, scarves, and food, and after you have had your 25 days of filling it full, deliver it to a homeless person on Christmas day and truly fill your hearts with love.
9. Movie night! Who doesn't love Christmas movies? pick a few of your favorites and wrap up a box, in the box will be the movies, and put some hot cocoa, marshmallows, popcorn, m&m's or whatever treats your family likes for watching movies. You can wrap it up and get creative or put the items in individual little baskets. Just enjoy your favorite movies with the ones you love!
10. Candy cane hunt. Yes, just like an easter egg hunt, but you go around the yard and hunt for candy canes. Trust me….kids really love it.
11. And my personal favorite…..But it is meant for New years. The happiness jar. Get a mason jar for each member of the family. Decorate it cute if you would like, or just leave it alone. Start it on the first of January and every time something happens in your life that is truly wonderful or brought you so much happiness, write it on a little piece of paper, fold it up, and stick it in your jar. At the end of each year, read them over and enjoy those wonderful moments all over again and let it remind you of all the amazing things that are in your life.
I'm sure there are so many more great traditions that you all have, and maybe now you have a few new ones to add to it. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!