May 18, 2013

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Family Christmas Traditions and Activities

One of the best things about Christmas is the traditions that are made as a family. Make the holidays more memorable by incorporating one of these normal traditions into your holiday plans this year. You can also create a new tradition that is unique to you and your family! Whether it's finding the perfect Christmas tree or decorating the house with lights and holiday accessories, these ideas are sure to make the whole family smile!
Searching for the Perfect Christmas Tree

Some families have the tradition of putting their Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. Some do it even sooner. Individual families put a tree up on a different day each year. Even though family traditions differ, the search for the perfect Christmas tree continues to be one of the most exciting activities of the holiday season.

As a child, I remember going to a lot where we could cut down our own tree. My dad and I would walk and walk and walk trying to find “The One”. We would stop at a tree, study it up and down, and then keep moving. We would not settle for just ‘any’ tree. It had to be perfect. We would spend all day out there if we had to (which we usually did).

The best part about searching for a tree is the time spent with family while looking. Letting a son or daughter pick out the tree will excite them. It doesn’t even matter if the tree is the worst one on the lot, it will be the most beautiful tree when it arrives home.

Interested in the different tree types out there to choose from? CLICK HERE to find out what tree is right for you and your family!
Decorating the House and Tree

The trend is usually for dads to handle the outside decorating, while the moms usually decorate the inside of the home. If you plan on decorating outside this year, get your kids involved if you have them. The kids will have fun checking the lights, helping to place them on the house, and thinking of creative places to put reindeer, Santa, and any other outdoor decorations you might have stored in your garage. Plus, they get to be outside with dad, and most kids cherish that time. 

Decorate the tree together so that everyone can get in on the fun. Let every family member be in charge of some part of the operation. Dad could put up the lights, mom could put on the garland, and the kids could hang the ornaments. After finishing the tree, run outside to see how it looks.

And don't forget the finishing touch ... the angel or star tree topper. Make this a memory for the whole family, and place it on top of the tree when the whole family is present.

CLICK HERE for holiday decorating and gardening tips!
Singing Christmas Carols

Singing Christmas Carols is a fun and festive part of the holiday season. Whether participating in a choir, or simply as a family, carols enhance the festivities for everyone. Visit neighbor’s homes, retirement homes, or children’s hospitals to bring joy and cheer to others.

Some of the most popular carols to sing are:
  • “Silent Night” 
  • “Away in a Manger” 
  • “Good King Wenceslas” 
  • “What Child is This?” 
  • “Angels We Have Heard on High” 
  • “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing “
  • “O Little Town of Bethlehem” 
  • “The First Noel “
Or, create a list of carols unique to your family tradtions!

CLICK HERE for more carols!
Make a Christmas Chain

Make the whole month of December special. Make a paper chain for each day leading up to Christmas, and on each strip, write a special activity related to Christmas. The kids will always be excited to clip off the next strip of the paper chain and see what is planned for that day! Include traditional activities like singing Christmas carols, seeing Santa, reading the Christmas Story, and making gifts for friends and relatives.

A Christmas chain is a great way to make Christmas last the whole month.
Make a Birthday Cake

Among all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to forget the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place: the birth of Jesus Christ. By making a birthday cake and writing “Happy Birthday Jesus” on top, the family will have an easy way to remember the most important part of the holiday season. After the cake is ready, put a candle on it and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

Making this a yearly tradition will show kids, young and old, that there is more to the holiday season than just receiving presents. It will be something that they never forget.
However you decide to celebrate this holiday season, make sure you do it as a family. Whether you’re a small family or a large family, you will get the most out of the holiday season if it is spent together.

CLICK HERE for more family fun activities!