5 Family Traditions You Can Start This Christmas
My daughter is a year and a half, and I am so excited about Christmas this year. Last year she had no idea what was going on, but this year I know she will be excited with all the fun the holiday season brings. While she is still very young, I am excited to start some new family traditions with her. Here are five things that I am excited to do this year as a family, and I hope to make it a tradition for years to come.
1. Ornament Gift Idea
Let your child pick out a special ornament each year for the Christmas tree. Mark on the bottom/back of the ornament the year. When your child is grown and has a Christmas tree of their own, give them the ornaments that were collected each year as a special Christmas gift.
2. Give A Gift To A Child In Need
It is easy to get caught up in the gift giving, so I am trying to be intentional about using the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year to teach about giving to those in need. There are many organizations out there that provide opportunities to do just that. I personally love Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. You fill a shoebox full of gifts for a child in need somewhere around the world. You can choose the gender and age of the child you would like to give to, and you are able to track the shoebox to see where it goes. We are choosing to give to a little girl the same age as my daughter. She is helping me pick out the items to fill the shoebox, and while she may not fully understand it all right now, I know this will be a celebration to continue each year.
Another option is our annual Christmas Toy Store! Help us turn CCV into a Winter Wonderland for local families! You can purchase toys through our Amazon Gift List, and all items will be shipped to our central office then distributed amongst the campuses.
3. Make Christmas Goodies To Pass Out In Your Neighborhood
Who doesn’t love yummy Christmas treats? From the peppermint bark, to sugar cookies, to pies, to pumpkin bread, to fruit cake (I know there are a few of you out there who like it!). Use the holiday season as an opportunity to make all the yummy treats and share with those around you. It is a great way to get to know your neighbors and a great opportunity to invite them to church.
4. Go See Christmas Lights
Do a simple Google search or ask around the community for the best spot to see Christmas lights. We’re talking about those neighborhoods that go all out! The ones who start decorating their yards the day after, the ones who live in a community where the HOA requires them to decorate, and the ones who coordinate their lights to music – find those houses! Pick an evening to go as a family and walk the neighborhood and take in the beauty of Christmas lights! Make it fun by voting for the houses that are the best, most elaborate, prettiest, silliest, etc. Make it a special evening!
5. Watch A Christmas Movie
The holiday season can get pretty busy with work, school, and church events. At the beginning of the month, schedule a family movie night. Pick a special movie, wrap it up with some popcorn and staple movie snacks, and let your children open the gift and enjoy watching a fun Christmas movie together as a family.
The possibilities are endless as to what can be done with traditions. The most important part is to find a tradition that works for your family and to do it together as a family. Now, go start your traditions!