Traditions are an important part of many families; they provide meaningful and cherished life long memories, they give us an opportunity to spend valuable time with our loved ones and to give thanks. Traditions don’t need to be extravagant; they can be as simple as you make them. Below I have included some of my favourite ideas and fun filled activities for spending time together as a family this holiday season.
- Drive through the Neighbourhood - Create an evening tradition of taking a drive to view the holiday lights. Make it more memorable by taking a hot chocolate for the ride!
- Christmas Movie Night - You’ll need to plan a few nights for this one. There are so many great movies out there: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer...
- Picking out the Family Tree - If you are into the “real deal” you’ll know how excited children get about the responsibility of choosing the perfect tree! Think about trading in the plastic for the fresh smell of cedar and pine.
- Decorating the Christmas Tree - Make it a night to remember! There is so much joy in unpacking boxes filled with all the special things you have collected as a family.
- A picture is worth a thousand words - Choose a special place in your home that is the same every year and take a picture of your children. In the years to come you will enjoy looking at how they’ve grown and changed.
- An Annual Ornament - Choose a special ornament for your children every year. Try to pick one that reflects something specific to that year; like an accomplishment, something about their personality or an achievement. This will be a great collection to cherish for years to come.
- Christmas Baking - Holiday cookies are a great way to show your appreciation to those people who make your everyday life a little easier; the postal carrier, a teacher, a co-worker or neighbours.
- Remembering the Reindeer! - Cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the Reindeer are a must. How about adding a special twist by making reindeer food, a combination of oatmeal and glitter. Sprinkle the glitter on your front lawn to help guide Santa's reindeer to your house.
- Help out Santa - For those of you without a fireplace and kids who are curious about how Santa will get in? Leave a special magic key for him. Problem solved!
- Pyjamas for Christmas morning - Thank you to my girlfriend Jennifer for sharing this one with me. Every Christmas Eve, her mom would let each of her children open “one” present. Every year the gift was the same, a new pair of “PJ’s’.” This tradition served two purposes: the kids got to open a gift and rip through the paper a little early, not to mention the pictures on Christmas morning were always sure to be spectacular.
- Give Back This Holiday Season! - Last year, my husband’s organization asked for volunteers to help serve a hot dinner at our Local Food Bank. In his words, “this was perhaps the most humbling experience of my life.” He will continue to volunteer his time every year and encourage our kids to do so when they are old enough. This will be his reminder of how fortunate we truly are. There are many ways that you and your family can give back this holiday season-you can donate toys or clothing, buy Christmas presents for needy children and much more.
- Help those in need - One year, my brother(and business partner) Tom, filled paper bags with a few Christmas goodies from Jawny Bakers(soup, sandwich, and a $5 bill). Together with some volunteers on our staff, they delivered these bags to the homeless people on the downtown streets. Perhaps this story has inspired you to think about how you can give back to someone who doesn’t have this season.
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