4. Create or purchase new ornaments each year for the tree.
Create or shop for an ornament that reflects a defining
event or sentiment for the year.
5. Enjoy a Family Night with special holiday crafts or
games.
6. Start a Christmas themed puzzle somewhere in your home. A
puzzle table, placed in a quiet room is great for holiday
visitors. Whenever your guests want to get away from the
action, they can retreat to work on the puzzle. This can be
a great stress reliever, and it is wonderful for those
guests who always have to be busy doing something.
7. Play special music. Ask everyone for their favorite
holiday CD. Allow each family member to choose and keep them
in the CD changer.
8. Take a photo of your children standing in a particular
spot each year (in front of the tree, by the front door)
anyplace that will be consistent from year to year. Make a
special holiday ornament or scrapbook album that depicts the
growth and change of your family each year.
9. Research the holiday traditions of your nationality.
Adopt a few of these traditions into your annual celebration
each year to celebrate your heritage.
10. Ask each child to write a Dear Santa letter. (Small
children can draw pictures). Keep a special record of these
letters in an album or treasure box.
11. Create an evening tradition of taking a family walk or
drive in your neighborhood to view the holiday lights.
12. Cut snowflakes from wrapping paper, festive holiday
advertisements, or holiday cards, and string them together
into a festive garland.
13. Adopt a special cause each year and spend some time as a
family helping those in need, or raising or donating money
for a charity of your choice.
14. What are your favorite holiday memories? Pose the
question tonight at the dinner table. Use the answers to
plan the celebration. You may be surprised at the special
memories that have nothing to do with gifts or elaborate
events.
15. For fifteen minutes, write down things in your life that
you are grateful for. Ask each of your family members to
join you in creating their own lists.
16. Bundle up and head outside. Make snow angels or build a
snow fort with your kids. When it is time to warm up, build
a cozy fire and roast marshmallows in your living room.
17. What is your favorite homemade holiday treat? Write down
the recipe, and share it with your friends. Encourage them
to do the same.
18. Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or
bag full of items to give away. Decide as a family where to
make a donation.
19. What was the best book you read this year? With whom
would you most like to share its message? Purchase a copy
for them and drop it off, anonymously.
20. Take your family to a performance of The Nutcracker.
Purchase a CD or DVD of the Nutcracker to bring the memories
home.
21. The holidays can take their toll. Make a holiday
tradition of recharging your own batteries. Gather your
daughter and your best friend and head to the day spa for a
much deserved pedicure or massage.
22. Reach out to those whom you have not seen all year. It
takes a little extra effort this busy time of year, but make
a goal to send a card or note to someone you think about but
do not see much anymore.
23. Keep a "Joy Journal" this holiday season, in which you
record the funny things your kids say, joyful times you
share, your favorite things to do with your family (and by
yourself), and all the things for which you are grateful.
Use your Joy Journal as a reminder of the facets of your
life (and this holiday season) that are really important.
24. Give small and simple gifts (homemade cookies or a small
book) to a few of the people who make your everyday life
easier, such as the trash collector and postal carrier.
25. Share your family traditions with friends and ask them
to tell you about the family traditions that make their
holidays sweeter.
Susie Cortright is the founder of
Momscape.com and
Susies-Coupons.com
where she hand picks only the very best online coupons,
including coupons for photo processing and photo gifts:
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