In our home, we love the Holiday season and our family traditions that accompany it.
Traditions are important for kids. The Tinkergarten post titled, “How to Grow Happy Kids with Family Rituals” explains it all so beautifully. They have the ability to connect us, give us a sense of belonging, give us structure and to teach us values.
That being said, it is often easy this time of year to get far too carried away trying to create the perfect holiday for our family. Adding too much to our schedule can backfire. Allie Casazza has a great podcast titled “Getting Intentional with Holiday Traditions ” where she addressed all of this. Joshua Becker also has an excellent blog post about this subject that I highly recommend, “Choose Holiday Traditions That Serve You“. A favorite quote that sums it up, “Traditions should not detract from the season, they should elevate it.”
Like a lot of things in life and parenting, holiday traditions are all about finding a balance. It’s about knowing when you need to bundle up the kids, rally and keep them out a little past their bedtime; but also knowing when you all need to stay home, snuggle on the couch under a blanket in front of the Christmas tree with a warm cup of something. I believe there is value and importance in both of those types of experiences.
With all this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of simple holiday traditions. Some we currently take part in every year and some we would consider trying at some point in the future. These are all free or inexpensive and simple things to do with our family.
30 Holiday Traditions
1. Get a Christmas tree
2. Read a brand new Christmas book, either purchased or from the library
3. Bake and decorate Christmas sugar cookies
4. Go on a Christmas lights drive
5. Make salt dough ornaments
6. Go for a hike in the woods to collect things to make decorations
7. Make Christmas decorations
8. Do a Christmas scavenger hunt
9. Have a candy cane hunt
10. Donate old books to the library
11. Go ice skating
12. See a holiday show (could be a school play or concert)
13. See a gingerbread house display
14. Buy a gift for a child in need
15. Deliver Christmas cookies to neighbors
16. Make a gingerbread house
17. Wear new Christmas PJs
18. Go caroling
19. Make a Christmas craft
20. Decorate hot chocolate
21. Donate old blankets and towels to an animal shelter
22. Go see a performance of The Nutcracker (area dance school)
23. Go stocking stuffer shopping
24. Make Christmas gifts
25. Have a Christmas themed breakfast
26. Make holiday slime
27. Watch Charlie Brown Christmas
28. Donate old toys
29. Have a Christmas music dance party
30. Have a snowman themed lunch
When trying to decide what should stay and what should go I’d ask a few questions. What do you remember from your childhood? What holiday traditions were the most important to you? Ask your kids what they like doing every year and what’s important to them. You may be surprised by how they answer.
About the Author: Nikki Cox is a mommy of two striving to clear away the clutter both physical and emotional so she can live life with intention and clarity. Find her at Lovelylucidlife.com.