Decorating your Christmas tree, gift giving, and watching holiday movies are just a few of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season. While all these activities are surefire ways to get you and your family into the holiday spirit, there are other traditions that can often be overlooked. Here are some of our favorite yuletide rituals that just might become your next favorite family tradition!
Holiday Lights: There’s bound to be a Clark Griswold wanna-be in your neighborhood. Pile the kids in the car, turn up the holiday tunes, and drive around to homes or neighborhoods known for their over-the-top light displays.
Wreath Crafting: Who doesn’t love a festive wreath? Take a brisk winter walk outside to gather evergreen branches and pinecones, trim some from the bottom of your Christmas tree or just buy some at the store. Attach your greens to a foam/wire ring or a bent metal coat hanger and get the kids to decorate it with holiday ornaments and bows.
Cookie Swap: Tis the season for baking, and there are just too many tasty holiday cookies to choose from! Try an array of new recipes and host a cookie swap. Host a cookie swap! And if it’s not a family secret, encourage people to bring the recipes to swap, too!
Gingerbread House Party: Gather the kids and crafters, some gingerbread walls/roofs and all the candy and frosting you can get your hands on. Set everyone up with their own house, or work in teams to see who can make the most colorful gingerbread house. Follow these instructions to assemble an easy gingerbread house.
Hot Chocolate Buffet: There’s nothing like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold December night. Take it to the next level this holiday season with a buffet of toppings for your cocoa. Some ideas include whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, chocolate chips and cinnamon dots.
Volunteer and Donate: Want to take your good will toward men a step further? Why not volunteer or donate to a local charity? There are numerous opportunities around the holiday season, from serving holiday meals to collecting winter coats or toys for kids. Check out your local non-profits and choose an activity as a family!
No matter what family traditions you do, don’t let all the hustle and bustle around the most wonderful time of the year take the focus away from making lasting memories with your family that you’ll cherish for years to come. Have a wonderful holiday season from all of us at ALCOVA!
