We are starting to see Christmas decorations in stores, and people are already reminiscing about the good old days when they could make it at home with their kids.
As the tradition became more and more popular, people found that Christmas decorating was a great way to build a sense of family togetherness. Maybe you’ve been following this tradition with your family for years. The unique aroma of those pine branches, the soft candlelight and warm glow of the holiday lights, the scent that fills your home with a feeling of holidays and cheer… These are all truly memorable experiences.
As you are reading this article, you might be thinking to yourself that maybe it’s time to add something new! You’re probably aware that Christmas decorating is a great way to introduce your kids to new creative activities. But did you know it can also help strengthen their connection with family?
Sometimes we can get caught up in our daily routines. What will really make our family stand out this year? We have so many other things we need to do.
Christmas decorating as a family tradition…
Christmas decorating is something that people either look forward to or dread. It doesn’t have to be a burdensome event. Getting the whole family in on Christmas decorating and making it a holiday tradition can be fun, exciting and memorable. Here are some ideas:
1. Make hand-made Christmas garlands for Christmas decorating fun
The best part of making your own garland is that it will be one of a kind and soulful, just like you and your family are. The Christmas tree will be the focal point of your holiday decorating, so take time to make the process something to look forward to for everyone involved (and save money in the process).
You can start by checking out some ideas for unique garlands from some of these websites. It is loads of fun for a family to watch classic Christmas movies such as Scrooge, Rudolph or The Grinch while stringing popcorn or dried berries for Christmas tree decorating.
2. Light a fire
In many countries burning a Yule log is a tradition; however, just a regular fire in the fireplace sets the mood for Christmas decorating. Even though we have gas stoves these days, the smell of pine and the crackling of the fire is an experience you won’t forget.
3. Play Christmas music
Music has the power to change our mood. Christmas music is no exception. Start a new tradition of Christmas music playing at home during Christmas decorating time. Even if some of your family members don’t like Christmas music, the majority will surely enjoy it and everyone can set up a playlist for their own tastes (be sure to include some soft rock favorites!).
Playing cheerful Christmas music like “Deck the Halls” or “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” while decorating the Christmas tree or the eves of the house is a great way to get the whole family into the Christmas decorating spirit.
4. Make hot drinks
Make Christmas decorating time a ritual of drinking hot cocoa or spiced cider while doing the holiday decorating. Hot cocoa, wassail or hot spiced cider is wonderful when coming in from outdoor Christmas decorating. This is something everyone in the family will truly look forward to. For adults, hot buttered rum may be delight.
5. Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights
Before Christmas decorating, it is always fun to go for a drive with the family to look at the Christmas decorations all over the city. Some neighborhoods even have community displays with Christmas lights set to music.
This isn’t only a great way to save money on Christmas light decorating – it is one of the best ways for you to relax and enjoy family time together.Not only is this a wonderful Christmas tradition, but it will also give your family some great Christmas decorating ideas which can be very exciting.
6. Get at least one new Christmas decoration each year
Christmas decorating using the same decorations year after year can get mundane. However, if you have new Christmas decorations Christmas decorating is a lot more fun! For example, this year you can make your Christmas wreath using a fresh fir tree branch and a fresh evergreen bough. Shopping tip: Shopping sales after the holidays is a great way to get inexpensive items for your next Christmas decorating party!
7. Have a party
Preparing for a party is always lots of fun. Christmas decorating, baking and decorating cookies and making hand-made Christmas gifts for guests can be a wonderful holiday tradition. Christmas decorating parties not only make Christmas time more festive, but it also helps improve your family’s social skills.
8. Make a Christmas wreath
Making a wreath to adorn the front door is something that everyone in the family can participate in. No one will be left out. It is fun for people of all ages.
Shopping tip: For greater cost-effectiveness, you can purchase a plain wreath at a local florist or craft store and decorate it yourself. The possibilities are endless…and if people are creative many Christmas decorations and crafts can be made from what otherwise would be discarded items.
With a little bit of imagination, you can always make your own Christmas wreath that says something special. This is an opportunity to let the family in on what has been on your mind lately, or to express your thoughts on whatever is on your mind that year. A meaningful Christmas wreath can mean the difference between being teary and miserable and feeling full of cheer and excitement!
9. Make a memory box
Every Christmas, we are given loads of gifts, and it becomes harder to remember each one. A helpful way to help remember all the presents is to make a memory box out of paper and gift tags. The kids can help put the tags in the right slots, and it is great for the entire family to look at all the boxes together.
10. Make homemade ornaments
Christmas ornaments make great gifts for everyone. Even if a lot of people receive the same kinds of ornaments every year, it is still fun to make them ourselves. They can make great family projects for Christmas decorating and celebration. Making your own Christmas ornaments is also a good way of recycling other kinds of materials, such as wrapping paper, clothes, books and hats. Homemade Christmas tree decorations are always meaningful and heart-warming!
The smell of warm cookie dough and melted chocolate fills the house when baking cookies with your kids under the mistletoe. This holiday tradition is a great way of spending quality time together. Your kids will love decorating cookies with you for Christmas, and they will love the taste of homemade Christmas treats!
12. Collect Christmas ornaments from around the world
Have a collection of Christmas ornaments from all different countries. For example, if you go to Brazil for vacation during the holidays, bring home some Brazilian ornaments. Trips to other countries are not only fun, but they also make for some great Christmas tree decorations.
13. Use Christmas recipes from your ancestors
Christmas is a time for our family history and heritage and food always brings back memories of those who have passed away. This can be a sentimental time and we can always share stories with our family. Making special recipes for Christmas is a wonderful, fun and meaningful tradition to participate in.
14. Make an advent calendar for the kids
Advent calendars are a way of counting down to Christmas. At the beginning of December, take the kids to pick out small toys or Christmas trinkets to put inside the tiny pockets of an advent calendar. Let them choose small gifts they can open each day. This is a good Christmas tradition that involves the whole family.
15. Have a Christmas scavenger hunt
Christmas is also a time for fun and games, so have a Christmas scavenger hunt around your neighborhood! Make it into a contest and see who can get back to the house first with all of their items. This is also a nice way of exploring parts of your neighborhood you may not know about!
16. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
This is also a great way to give back to your community, and you can feel good knowing that many families who are less fortunate than yours will have a warm meal on Christmas day. Christmas is also a time of giving, and there is nothing nicer than being able to do something for those less fortunate than you. A little bit of service can go a long way!
17. Make Christmas jello for Santa
This tradition involves making homemade red and green jello for Santa and the reindeers when they are doing their rounds during the night before Christmas! You will need small plastic cups with lids and some juice or pop.
To make green jello, simply add a drop of blue food coloring to the orange juice and let it set overnight. When you wake up the next morning, open up the cups and voila! You have a festive way to serve Santa with homemade red and green jello! Eating these jellos can help keep Santa healthy during his Christmas rounds!
With a little imagination and a lot of Christmas spirit, Christmas decorating can be a fabulous tradition for families.
