I asked you on instagram the other day if any of you were interested in a favorite list of traditions for the holidays, and so many of you were interested. I am a BIG traditions girl. I love anything that we can do year after year that makes certain times of the year more special.
While some of these traditions take a little work, I promise your kids and family will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
ADVENT CALENDAR
I created a DIY Advent Calendar a few years back, and I am making a new one this year (stay tuned), but every day my kids get to do something “special” as a part of the Christmas Holiday. Some days are simple, like reading the Christmas Story, or watching a Christmas movie, and somedays take a little more prep, like ice skating, or seeing Christmas lights. This activity is great because it helps me plan ahead with events, and make sure we squeeze in some special things during a very busy time of year. You can see the full post and DIY with a free download here.
NEW CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
At the beginning of the season, I take my kids to the store and let them pick out one ornament that they want to add to their tree. You can also make your own ornaments. Here is a DIY ornament project we did last year. I love that my kids will each have an ornament from every year of their childhood, and possibly decorate their own tree with these ornaments one day.
TOY DONATION
We all know that feeling of coming home with new toys and extra “stuff” after Christmas. Every year in preparation for receiving, we teach our kids to go through their things and pick items to donate to kids who are less fortunate. This helps our kids to think outside themselves and also helps us make room for new toys and gifts they’ll receive from friends and family.
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN RINGS
This is one of the Advent events, but I grew up doing rings, so I love seeing my kids make their rings and how excited they get ripping one off every day.
OPEN CHRISTMAS PJ’S ON 1ST
Am I the only one who loves matching pjs? My mom always bought us special Christmas pjs that we opened on Christmas Eve, but starting a littler earlier in the month means everyone gets to enjoy them longer. They have some really cute sets at Target this year!!
I would love to hear some other ideas. Tell me what your favorite traditions are!
