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Fun, new family Christmas traditions

Published:Tuesday | December 18, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Looking for new Christmas traditions for your family? Start the season off merry and bright with one of these 7 festive, fun ideas.

 

1. Incorporate a new cultural tradition 

Broaden your family's cultural awareness and spice up a typical holiday celebration with traditions from around the world. Look to your own roots for inspiration, or explore a culture that has always fascinated you. It can be as simple as teaching the little ones how to say 'happy holidays' in another language, or as elaborate as fixing a traditional holiday dish from across the globe. Why not have a Wakanda Christmas? 

 

2. Give back

Make the lives of others merry and bright during this festive season. Some fun ideas for giving back: Wrap gifts to help kids in need, have a happier holiday season. Volunteer at your local homeless shelter or senior citizens living community. Or, send supplies and greeting cards to our soldiers who are working hard at the sections under a state of emergency.

 

3.Countdown to Christmas

Build suspense for Santa’s arrival with a countdown calendar. Feeling crafty? Use paper cups, a bulletin board, and tasty treats to create an Advent calendar. Or, transform a magnetic board into a countdown calendar with tiny tins, magnets and glue. If you’re not so DIY, a store-bought calendar will still equal big-time fun for the children who can’t wait until Christmas!

 

4. Trim the tree together

Your Christmas tree is your home's focal point for several weeks, so deck it out in style. Fluff those branches, then hang lights starting at the base and working your way up, before stringing garlands. Be sure to supervise the unpacking of ornaments and hooks to avoid breakage or injury to little hands. Then, take turns hanging fave ornaments on the tree. A boost from mom or dad to reach high branches is sure to induce giggles and a photo-worthy moment. Just remind eager tree-trimming tots to be careful with the delicate ornaments and family heirlooms.

 

5. Bake cookies with the kids

Invite family and friends over for a BYOCC (bring your own cookie cutters) holiday baking party. Kids love pressing out the shapes and decorating (and over-decorating) the finished products. Make it easy by starting with pre-made dough, or picking a versatile dough recipe that serves as a foundation for a variety of different holiday treats. Either way, just make sure you're fully-stocked on icing and sprinkles!

 

6. Wear matching holiday PJs

Admit it: Matching holiday PJs are just fun and not just for your kids, either. Start a Christmas Eve tradition, where you all open up one special gift that you can use right away - coordinate pyjamas and start the holiday off in sweet, matchy-matchy style.

 

7. Create a holiday playlist

Whether you're trimming the tree, preparing for a party, just in the car, or getting dinner ready, help your family get their groove on with a customised holiday playlist. Ask everyone to add their favourites, from classics like 'Jingle Bell Rock' to Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas is You.' Add different artistes' interpretations of familiar songs, and challenge each family member to discover a festive new find.

 

Sources:

https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/best-family-christmas-traditions

https://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/traditions/creating-family-tra...

 

latara.boodie@gleanerjm.com