The Holidays should be more about spending time with family and less about how many gifts to open on Christmas morning.
Starting new traditions helps us cherish each moment family. Your child then will carry these memories with them and share them their children.
New traditions to try with your family this Christmas!
Christmas Eve Pajama, Movie, and Snack
Wrap a box with pajamas, hot cocoa mix, along with a movie watch. The whole family then puts on their pajamas and watches a Christmas movie and drinks hot cocoa until it's time to go to bed.*You can mix this up any way you like. Replace the movie with a book, or stuffed animal.
Buy a family gift
Choose something everyone can enjoy like: season tickets to an amusement park, zoo, or museum. This is a gift the family can enjoy all year.
Our family gift last year is a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We had a lovely 4 days together as a family.
Minimize the number of gifts you give
Focus on gifts that your child really wants and needs. Less can be more. You can choose from these ideas, or make your own list.
Have your child make a list of each they want from the list below:
Have your child make a list of each they want from the list below:
Something they need (Sports equipment or hobby related).
Something they want (The big ticket present)
Something to wear
Something to do (Movie tickets, concert etc)
Something just for them (keepsake)
Something to read
Something to do with your family (Board game, movie tickets)
*No rules it’s up to your comfort level. The meaning behind this is to let your children really understand what needing and wanting is.
This year we did our shopping early, and I wish I had followed this list. My kids were actually very conservative with their wants this year. So they will be receiving only about 6-7 toys total this year (between Mom and Dad, and Santa).
Soak in the Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Make sure to do fun things together as a family during the Christmas season. Having fun doesn’t always have to be expensive. You can find free or inexpensive ways to have fun. You can try to find events like-Tree Lightings, take evening drives to see Christmas lights, or visit a Christmas or Dickens' Festival.
Elf on a shelf (to help teach your child kindness)
If you don't already have an Elf on the Shelf, then it's a good idea to buy one.
Its a really fun and exciting tradition for kids. For parents, it can become tiresome having to find a new and exciting spot for the elf to hide. Use the elf as an opportunity to encourage them to do random acts of kindness.
When your elf arrives (for us it's December 1st) write a letter from your Elf encouraging your child to donate some of their toys to children less fortunate.
Try to have a new note from their elf every couple days. The notes can ask your child to do something kind. Such as: send cards to the Military, write thank you letters to Police, Fire Department or (anyone who spends time helping others).
See my other blog posting for more ideas: Teaching your Child the Meaning of Christmas!
See my other blog posting for more ideas: Teaching your Child the Meaning of Christmas!
Christmas Scavenger Hunts
Go to town for a Christmas scavenger hunt. You can even do this in the mall if it's too chilly outside.
Some ideas for your Scavenger List: Giant Ornaments, Wreaths, North Pole Sign, Christmas Train, Snow Flakes, Toy Soldiers, Christmas Tree, Elf, Gingerbread man, Snowman, Santa, Reindeer, Wrapped Presents, Candy Canes and more.
Make gingerbread houses
Gingerbread houses are always fun to make with the kids. You can purchase pre-made kits from your local store or online and decorate with all different kinds of candy.
Make a Cardboard Gingerbread House
Try making a gingerbread house out of a large box.
Have your child draw some ideas on paper first of what they like their Gingerbread house to look like. Then as a family decorate the house.
Make Christmas ornaments
Pick up craft supplies (glitter, pipe cleaners, colored glue, Christmas balls, gems etc). Everyone can use their imagination and create memorable ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Bake as a family!
Let the kids help you bake yummy holiday treats. You can make cookies, pies, fudge etc. Make sure to put some aside to give to family, friends, and neighbors.
Bonus Idea: Host a cookie swap party!
Cozy Family Nights
Try to set aside one night a week as a family. Get cozy in your pajamas in front of your lit up Christmas tree, and drink hot cocoa. Watch a Holiday movies, play board games, or sing Christmas songs.
Go to Church on Christmas
If your family doesn't go to church often then try to make the effort to take them for Christmas. It's important to teach your child why they're celebrating Christmas.
Go to Church on Christmas
If your family doesn't go to church often then try to make the effort to take them for Christmas. It's important to teach your child why they're celebrating Christmas.
