Ah, Christmas traditions. Some go way back while others are starting brand new. Christmas is the perfect holiday to have multiple traditions to start in the family! Here are 10 suggestions for traditions you and your family could start this year!
1. Gingerbread house contest
Just the other day my mom texted me saying she wanted to do this and I thought it was such a fun idea. You could make the gingerbread from scratch or even buy pre made houses at the store. Perfect bonding time and cool way to show your family your creative skills.
2. White Elephant
Every year, my family does this on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Everyone brings an old thing they don't want anymore, or perhaps a gift they received from previous years that they never liked, etc. You all go around picking a number out of a hat, and who ever goes first gets to pick which gift to unwrap. The next person, and so on, can either steal from previously opened ones, or open a new one! It's a goofy tradition that brings lots of laughter.
3. The pickle ornament
If your family is German like mine, you may have heard about this before. We have been doing this since I was a little girl. An older member of the family goes and hides the pickle ornament in the tree. During some point in the night, you all go and look for it! Whoever finds it gets a prize.
4. Christmas movies!
This one is super simple! Whether it's The Elf, every Santa Clause movie in a row, Christmas With The Kranks, or The Polar Express. Make it official that you watch one of these the night of Christmas Eve, or a night a couple days before where you help wrap presents while watching!
5. Watch The Merry Merry Christmas Parade
In the morning, while eating breakfast make sure you turn on the parade! One of the best parts of Christmas Day!
6. Bake, Bake, Bake!
My family has been making my great, great, great grandma's sugar cookie recipe for years. Ask around your family, you never know what recipe may be laying around! Make the whole family come together and bake with each other while listening to Christmas music.
7. Go on a family adventure
One of my best friends lives in California. Every year they go up to the mountains early in the morning, listen to Christmas music and bring hot chocolate. While not all of us may live by the mountains, there is always somewhere you could go! Bring your Christmas spirit, some hot cocoa and love.
8. Start your own dish for Christmas dinner!
Maybe your dad knows how to make Swedish meatballs, or your grandma has a ravioli recipe she has been hiding in the drawer! Start a dish your family will want to keep on the table every year that reminds them of home!
9. Cut down your own tree!
Do some research and gather the family to go cut down the Christmas tree yourselves! Maybe you've always had a fake one and it's time for a new tradition! Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree.
10. If anything, research your heritage!
What did your family way back in time used to do? One friend of mine is Polish, and every year they get a piece of wafer bread and give a tiny crumble to each member while saying, "I wish you good health."
