Christmas is a time to gather and reminisce with your loved ones. Sharing traditions helps families build strong and lasting memories. You can probably vividly recall a happy moment from your childhood that you shared with your family. These memories will last a life time! If you are looking to find ways to draw your family closer during the holidays or just wanting to add a little excitement, here are some traditions the whole family can enjoy.
Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf has been a Christmas tradition for over a decade. Parents place an Elf anywhere around the house in humorous ways for the kids to find each morning. This “Magical Scout Elf” helps Santa manage naughty and nice lists by watching over families during the day and reporting back to the North Pole each night all the good and bad they see. Kids are encouraged to behave and families motivated to get extra creative with their elf displays!
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a very old Western Christmas tradition many countries have engaged in. Variations of this game include White Elephant, Stealing Secret Santa, and Yankee Swap. You draw names to decide whose Secret Santa you will be, and your identity remains a secret until the exchange date where particpants will guess who their Secret Santa is. You can set budgets for gifts or even have a themed gift exchange such as gift cards, pajamas, ugly sweater, I love the ’80s and so on.
Christmas Movie Marathon
Movie marathons are always a win! This is an effortless way families can nurture healthy, lasting relationships. Christmas movies portray love, joy and forgiveness and encourage families to be there for one another.
Parents can also let the kids bake cookies, make s’mores, flavor popcorn, or decorate cupcakes in between movies to keep the excitement going. Any of these are sure to win the family over for the holidays!