Holiday traditions don’t just happen—they’re created. If you’ve recently experienced a change like moving into a new home (yay!) or welcoming a new family member into the fold (double yay!), there’s no time like the present to add to your holiday traditions. Are you game for building a caroling group? Baking signature holiday treats? Starting a random acts of kindness advent calendar? Or all of the above? Let’s explore some popular ways to enhance your holiday season for generations to come.
6 Inspired Holiday Ideas Worth Repeating
One great thing about building new holiday traditions is that trial and error is A-OK. If you experiment with new ways to celebrate the season and they don’t float your family’s boat, you are under no obligation to repeat them. Liberating, isn’t it?
With that said, we’re pretty sure at least one of the holiday activities below will be tradition-worthy for you and yours. Give ‘em a try this year and see which ones stick the landing for the 2017 holiday season.
1. DIY Ornaments
Homemade ornaments are fun to make, and luckily, and you don’t have to be an expert crafter to make cool and special ornaments. We suggest making ornaments each year for your family, and if you’re so inclined, make ornaments for friends and family, too.
2. The Family Photo
A picture really is worth 1,000 words. Wrangle up the kids and pets for a festive family photo, turn it into a holiday card and let it do the talking every year. From coordinating outfits to ugly holiday sweaters, from a vacation happy snap to a silly moment that perfectly captures your family’s personality, there’s just one rule: there are no rules. Conveniently, this tradition can also help you deck your home in a personal way.
3. Year-In-Review – Photobooks
You don’t have to be a scrapbooker to commemorate your favorite memories each year (though if you are, more power to you!). Photo books are an easy way to put memories together, and create a library you and your family will enjoy year after year. They make great gifts for kids and other family members, too. Let your creative side shine with thoughtful designs, photos and captions.
4. Christmas Eve Customs
When you follow traditions, you create excitement with each coming year. One way to build anticipation is with special activities on Christmas Eve. Here are just a few ideas for your consideration: build a gingerbread house, bake cookies, read your favorite holiday story, watch your favorite holiday movie, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, or make reindeer food to spread out in the yard.
5. The Season Of Giving
One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is to give back to your community. Even while you’re helping others, volunteering can help ensure that your personal cup overfloweth with joy. Homeless shelters, retirement homes and hospitals typically have many opportunities to help throughout the season (and the year). Don’t have time to donate? Giving requested supplies to a home for abused women or to your local animal shelter will be greatly appreciated, and is good for the heart, too.
6. Relax – Ahhhhh!
Yes, the holidays are a busy time of year for most folks, but adding relaxation to the mix can enhance everything you love about the holidays. Make a little time to read a chapter in your book, take a yoga class, take a brisk walk, call a friend or even take a catnap. Just remember: comfort and joy, comfort and joy.
Please let us know how you fare with these new holiday traditions, or share your own ideas by posting on our Facebook page. Thanks. Happy holidays!
