5 Alternatives to Celebrating a Traditional Christmas

For the past few years, I have pondered giving up the traditional Christmas celebration with gifts and huge meals to partake in something a little different. As my children grow older and leave behind the fairy tale ideas that Santa brings toys in the middle of the night for all the good little boys and girls, the idea of choosing an alternative to celebrating a traditional Christmas gains more traction. This year, I finally decided the time has come to step out of the retail powerhouse known as Christmas and celebrate with good intentions and family love. I have a long list of potential activities to replace gifts on Christmas morning.

Visiting family

During the holidays it's easier to send a text message or a update your status on social media wishing everyone a Merry Christmas versus saying well wishes in person. Coordinate with family members and arrange a family get together. Visiting family reinforces the true meaning of Christmas, family and togetherness.

Taking a vacation

Instead of traditional gifts for the holidays, spend on one gift of a vacation. For example, if you live someplace cold, vacation to a warmer climate and vice versa.

Donating gift money to charity

Charities such as the Salvation Army and the Angel Tree embrace the holidays by asking for donations to those in need. Instead of buying gifts that could potentially be forgotten within the coming months, donate the money to a reputable charity. The money spent typically covers gifts for multiple children.

Volunteering at a soup kitchen

Soup kitchens supply meals to those in need. An alternative to traditional Christmas celebrating is volunteering at the local soup kitchen. Taking time away from your celebrating shows the less fortunate that you embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

Taking a sled riding adventure

A classic holiday song is White Christmas. Unfortunately, not everyone lives in an area where there is snow. Almost every state experiences snowfall during the Christmas holiday. Take a trip to the mountains and enjoy your own personal winter wonderland.

No matter which idea I finally choose, I am certain my children will love every moment of Christmas morning despite gifts missing from under the tree. My choice is not all about money, but there is a morale to the choice. Christmas has become a retail holiday with millions of dollars spent on gifts that rarely make it to Easter. Kids spend more time writing Christmas lists than they do learning about family and the true meaning of the holiday.