15 Christmas Traditions to Start This Year
Are you in the market for some new Christmas traditions? Perhaps your family has lost interest in the old ones, or perhaps you never really started any solid traditions. Whatever the case may be, take a look at 15 Christmas traditions to start this year. These traditions are all fun ways to bring your family together, make new memories, and truly get into the holiday spirit! Take a look at how you can get started.
1. Elf on a Shelf
Find an elf doll at your local retail store or you can order the official Elf on the Shelf Doll and Book. Place the elf in silly situations for kids to find. Plus, kids will know that the elf is always watching their behavior!
2. Christmas Cookie Exchange
Bake a few batches of your favorite Christmas cookies and gather with friends to exchange them. This is a fun way to mingle while trying some new recipes at the same time.
3. Holiday Food Drive
The holidays are the perfect time to help others in need. Organize a neighborhood or church/club food drive. Collect non perishable items for your local homeless shelter or food bank. Deliver your donations in Santa hats, of course!
4. Christmas Caroling
Caroling is an old fashioned tradition that needs to make a comeback! Gather a group of friends and go through the neighborhood caroling. You can even carry lanterns or battery operated candles with you and meet up for hot chocolate when done.
5. Neighborhood Luminaries
Make luminaries from lunch sacks, sand, and a candle or buy luminary kits. Line the sidewalk of your neighborhood with them (each neighbor can be responsible for the walk outside of their home) and pick a time to light them. It will no doubt make for a beautiful experience as neighbors walk the neighborhood and take in the sight!
6. Snowman Contest
Get with friends or neighbors and enjoy a snowman contest. Use props and your imagination to build the coolest snowman! Enjoy snacks and hot chocolate after and don’t forget to recruit some judges and prizes.
7. Snowflake Making
Gather some paper and scissors and get busy making all of the snowflakes you can! Try all sorts of different patterns and sizes, then hang them on windows or attach dental floss and hang them from the ceiling.
8. Tree Rings
Before you decorate your Christmas tree, cut an inch or so of trunk off the bottom of the tree. Save this coaster shape chunk and write the year on it with pen. Each year you can display your wood rings showing all of the Christmases you have celebrated.
9. Christmas Socks
Make it a tradition each year to treat your children to Christmas socks. The dollar store usually has all sorts of fun colors and patterns. They will love wearing them on Christmas eve and Christmas morning!
10. Pajama Ride
When dusk falls, have the kids put on their pajamas, grab blankets and pillows, and head to the car. Take them on an evening ride around the neighborhood to see all of the Christmas lights.
11. Family Movie Night
Choose from one of the many family friendly holiday movies, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up for a night of flicks. It is the perfect time of year for enjoying some of the holiday classics.
12. Cookie Decorating
Grab some basic sugar cookie dough and plenty of frosting, food coloring, sprinkles, and icing. Let kids go crazy and decorate Christmas cookies any way they wish. They are sure to get creative and come up with some colorful and crazy ones.
13. Donate your time
Give back to your community by donating your time this holiday. Work a few hours at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or food bank. They are sure to appreciate your help during one of their busiest times of year.
14. Make Christmas Cards
Gather your crafting supplies and make Christmas cards for nursing homes, family, and friends. Kids will love crafting their own cards and you are sure to put smiles on the faces of many.
15. Make Reindeer Food
Mix some dry oatmeal with glitter and sprinkle in the yard for Santa’s reindeer. They are sure to love it and you will see it sparkle in the snow. This is a fun activity to do Christmas Eve after you put cookies out for Santa.
Give one of these activities a try this holiday season and see if it can’t become a new yearly tradition for you and your family!
All my Kids & grandkids are grown– I used to make cookies with the For Dixie Chix down here!