We all have Christmas traditions from our families growing up and merging traditions can be hard sometimes. Does Santa wrap presents or put them unwrapped in a sack? Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? When we start our own families it can be nice to start our own traditions. I have put together a few wonderful Christmas activities that everyone can do.. they might even become Christmas traditions.
Christmas Lights
Is there a local street in your area that does amazing Christmas lights? Or is there a Christmas lights switch on that you like to go to? Take a walk and look at all the great lights. There is hotel near where we live that has amazing Christmas lights. Every year we like to go and have a look and stop of for a drink in their bar. The children love it.
Christmas Baking
Baking for Christmas is a lot of fun. You can bake biscuits, gifts for family or neighbours, anything you want. I have a sweet tooth so love anything biscuit or cake related. Children love to get involved with the baking, it adds to the pre Christmas festivities.
Collect, or Make, Decorations
Every year we like to have a new decoration for the tree. The children both get to choose one. I know most people like a matching Christmas tree, all perfect. In the ideal world our tree would be like that. However, our Christmas tree has favourite decorations and also lots of memories. You can also make Christmas decorations. They don’t have to be just decorations for the Christmas tree. If you are looking for some inspiration head over to Pinterest, there are so many great suggestions.
Decorate your Christmas Tree Together
The children absolutely love to help decorating the Christmas tree. It is one of the many things that get them excited about Christmas. To be honest they don’t do that bad a job. We do guide them a little so that the decorations are even across the tree. Decorating the tree is a great way for the whole family to get festive together.
Elf on a Shelf
Have you heard of Elf on a Shelf? He is kinda a cute little elf who is keeping an on eye on the children for Santa. He reports back to Santa every night on how the children are behaving. These little elves are a bit naughty. On a morning when the kids get up the elf has done something funny, naughty or silly which the children love. There are so many fun things an elf on the shelf can do. It is also a great way to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
Christmas Movies
Do you guys have a favourite Christmas film your family watches every year? My daughter loves the polar express and after recently watching the Christmas Chronicles that has become a favourite. I personally love the Christmas Carol and always watched it when i was younger. Whether you love home alone, the gremlins, Elf or Santa clause the movie. Why not make a tradition of a favourite Christmas film and indulge in some festive treats.
Christmas PJs
I think there is nothing else that shows Christmas bonding like matching PJ’s. I have yet to ever have family matching pyjamas. If your family are not into the whole matching pyjamas then you could make it a tradition that the children always receive them in December. An elf could always bring them.
Advent Calendars
There are so many different advent calendars that you can use. Windows with little pictures, windows with chocolates and windows with toys.. it’s up to you. You can buy premade one’s of you could make your own. I love the idea of an activity calendar – which we would open everyday with a new Christmas activity to do. Christmas crafts, a Christmas related book or even a trip to see the Christmas lights. Another advent that is quite popular is a book advent. Each day the children open up a present which has either a new book or some old Christmas themed ones. A lovely Christmas story every day. You could even do a reverse advent calendar, where your child gives something to the needy every day or puts an item in a shoe box and give it to the needy on the lead up to Christmas. A great way of showing gratitude.
Christmas Eve Box
A Christmas eve box is a fairly new tradition that has started in the UK. It is left for the children on Christmas eve morning. The box could include new pj’s, a Christmas movie and snacks. Reindeer food or even a Christmas craft. I enjoy seeing how excited the children are when they discover a Christmas eve box. You can put in them what ever you want. You can purchase card and wooden Christmas eve boxes and they are easy to find. I find they keep the children busy and entertained on Christmas Eve.
Hopefully, this has helped you with some ideas to create memories with your families.
If you already have some Christmas traditions, share them below!
