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Every year around this time the thoughts of family far away and near comes to our minds and how we can make this season even more special for everyone.
This is especially true for those of us with little ones who are just starting to experience the “spirit” of the season.
This year I had the help of my 3 and half year old, who was very eager, to help me decorate the little tree, I am so proud of him!
It got me thinking.
Why don’t we have any special Christmas Traditions?
So I have gone on a mission to dig up all sorts from all over the net! And here they are, in no particular order.
The Christmas Stocking
Adding some fun little items to a “stocking” that is usually hung on a fireplace. I know of some people who let the children open these stocking either the night before or on Christmas morning as some wait until family arrives for Christmas lunching.
Hanging Mistletoe
If you are doing a party for friends and friends of friends, hanging a mistletoe might be a good idea. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year.
The Candy Cane
Hang some candy cane on the tree for decor and eat it on the day or share with someone special. Can even make a game of it.
Father Christmas / Santa
Many people uphold the tradition of Santa coming to leave presents and get the children to leave a glass of milk and cookies out for Santa and even a carrot for Rudolf! Shopping centers have Santa’s waiting to take pictures with your little one and hear wishes from the older ones. There are also online services that will do special letters from “Santa” for your children. There are some truly memorable first Christmas ones!
Christmas Eve & New Pajamas
This is an exciting idea. Everyone gets new pajamas on Christmas eve! You get the excitement to open a present and you get to wear it right then and there! One of my favorites!
Advent Calendars
Counting down to Christmas. Chocolate advent calendars are very popular! AND you get to eat a chocolate everyday! Also you can leave the chocolate and do a wrapping of an item to count down the days or maybe a craft a day and hang it on the tree.
Special Foods and Deserts
Christmas day has always been about the lunch at my family table! My sister would decorate the table in lovely color and items and help me make our grandmothers special desert. My mother would have cooked all the food the previous day, no cooking was expected for 2 or 3 days, it was all left overs and it was very yummy! One of the special dishes included a potato salad, rarely made, and mint jelly for some lamb slices.
Singing, Concerts and Plays
Singing on Christmas eve and on the day would be a wonderful tradition, especially where little ones are involved. There are many concerts and carol events that the children can be taken to as well. Many schools even put on productions of little Christs Birth. Some family time out and about.
Christmas Light and Decor Displays
There are some beautiful lighting displays in most neighborhoods. Lovely for the whole family to do each year! I also like the idea of making or finding a special bit of decor for the tree every year.
Secret Santa
I love Secret Santa! I try do one every year. Mainly in one of my children’s birth groups that I am active in. You could also do this in a huge family. Everyone’s name is put in a hat and you buy for that person. Saves a ton and its more special.
Elf on a Shelf
How does Santa know who is naughty and who is nice? Based on the book Elf on the Shelf about a magical elf, a game of hide and seek and all sorts of eventful things.
Christmas Cards
Of course there are also the old fashioned greeting cards to send out. Wishing the family and friends a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. A twist on this is to do a photo shoot with the family and use the Christmas themed photo’s as a cover on a post card or card.
The Christmas Tree
With all of these things there is also a tree to decorate. Some color themes, flashing lights, tinsel, fake presents for the look or presents that have already been bought. Also funky Christmas themed hats and wrapping paper!
Some wonderful ideas to make your Christmas a memorable one.
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