Holiday Traditions

How do you celebrate the holidays each year? Do you have special traditions that have been passed down through generations of your family? We’ve gathered some unique ideas from other parents you may want to incorporate into your family’s holiday celebrations to make it extra special from year to year. 

Make It An Experience

Some families decide that an experience is worth more than any gift under the tree. As our kids mature, they may find a weeklong vacation to a sunny destination in the middle of winter a welcoming and memorable gift. Or, exploring a true winter wonderland with snow and sledding may be just what your family needs. Allyson and Scott Schneider, parents of three daughters, take their family to a new skiing destination each year. “Scott grew up skiing and is passionate about the sport. He wanted our kids to learn at a young age so that they would be comfortable skiing and never develop the fear some have when waiting until they’re adults. Sometimes we drive to an east coast ski resort like Boone, NC or Snowshoe, WV. Last year, we took the kids to Banff, Canada, for our annual trip,” adds Allyson. “It was absolutely amazing. The kids loved skiing down the huge mountains and the variety of trails.” The Frie family in Raleigh, NC, extends their holiday celebration by visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, each year enjoying the sunny Florida weather and magic of Disney. “The Magic Kingdom has the best Christmas lights I’ve ever seen, and the parades are always jaw dropping. We love the Christmas spirit at all the Disney parks, but especially Magic Kingdom where my older children feel like young kids again,” says Kerri Frie. The joy of the holiday can be time spent with your family, creating lifelong memories and sharing unique experiences together. 

Make It Your Own

If you’d rather stay at home, there are some simple ways to make the holidays special. Ray and his family bake and decorate cookies on Christmas Eve each year. “We spend the evening mixing up cookie dough then baking and decorating cookies. Then we leave a few out for Santa Claus. Last year, we got a note from Santa requesting at least one chocolate chip cookie. So this year we’ll be sure to include that in our tradition,” says Ray. Some families enjoy baking a birthday cake for Jesus each year. Although not all religious families celebrate Christmas, those that do may find this a fun, delicious way to enjoy the holiday. Or, try reading Jesus’ birth story with your children. “Every year, I read the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas morning before we open gifts. It’s something we’ve always done, and it’s important for us to remember the reason for the season,” says Amanda Stockwell, a wife and mother in Arizona. While all kids enjoy receiving and giving gifts during the holidays, Allyson Schneider makes it a point to limit the amount of gifts her children receive from Santa Claus on Christmas morning to three. “Our kids receive three gifts from Santa each year because that’s how many gifts Jesus received,” she says. “We found this a good way to limit spending and teach our children the true blessing of Christmas.” 

Make it Creative and Purposeful

There are ways to get the entire family involved each year as well. Some families create an annual holiday tablecloth. On the tablecloth, each family member writes what they’re grateful for in that particular year. Once the holidays are over, you can store the tablecloth in a safe place and bring it out the following year to add to it and reflect on years past. You may find that decorating the tree can be a traditional celebration for your family. Try adding a new ornament that symbolizes that year for your family. Simply buy all the craft supplies and have each family member create their ornament. Then, you each hang them on the tree along with the ornaments from past years. Just imagine what your tree will look like by the time your kids are in their teens! What’s more, they’ll enjoy how their ornament skills have improved over the years. Another way to involve your family in the spirit of the season is to donate your time or goods to people in need. Many families find helping local charities or food banks is not only spreading joy to people in their community but also teaching their children about selflessness and compassion. Ray and his two young boys donate to Toys for Tots each year. They shop together and purchase a brand new toy for a child. Then Ray and his boys deliver it to the Toys for Tots donation center. “It’s something my boys and I look forward to every year,” he says.

What are some of your holiday traditions? Do you plan on adding a new one this year? We’d love to hear your stories and see your videos or photos. Connect with us on Twitter @MapsCookingKids or on Instagram @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind and happy parenting.