Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Family

As a mother of three boys, I love Christmas. When Christmas rolls around I get excited because I know that what I do for the holiday may become traditions that my own children carry on with their families when they are adults. Holiday traditions can also help your family bond as you carry out an activity together. Stumped for what tradition you can incorporate into your family? This article will detail the top five to consider.

#1: Tree Decorating

It may be tempting to decorate the tree on your own once the kids are in bed. That way you can do it the way you want it but you also miss out on the fun and craziness that occurs when you involve children. Have everyone in your family help decorate the Christmas tree, from the strands of lights to the ornaments themselves. Be sure to take lots of pictures so that you'll have them to remember in years to come.

#2: Christmas Light Looking

Light looking at Christmas time is one of my family's favorite traditions. We usually go on December 23^rd. We drive to several different neighborhoods and take hot chocolate in canisters and sugar cookies that we baked ourselves. We sing Christmas songs as we drive around the neighborhood. It is a really fun time that you could incorporate as your own family's tradition.

#3: Holiday Crafts

Hand making holiday crafts just add a special touch to Christmas. Involve your family and lay out several supplies so that they can make their own holiday crafts. They can make Christmas cards, ornaments to hang on your tree, special gifts for other family members, etc.

#4: Special Christmas Breakfast

Breakfast often gets overlooked on Christmas Day because of the excitement of a visit from Santa. Don't let breakfast get overlooked. Instead make a special breakfast with the entire family participating either before or after the presents are torn into. Have something decadent, after all it is Christmas. Make pancakes in a circle, then drip some batter into a hat shape above it and let cook. Once it's done, use a can of whipped cream to make a beard, hair and a little puff on the end of the hat. Use blueberries for eyes & nose and you've got your very own Santa Claus sitting on your plate. If you want to take it a step further, separate your pancake batter and the portion for your hat, dye with red food coloring or go naturally with crushed strawberries.

#5: Spread the Joy

Start the tradition of spreading joy to others. It doesn't matter how small or big you help. You could simply bake cookies with the kids and give a plate to a neighbor or donate a teddy bear to a child that will be in a hospital over the holidays. Spreading the joy will make your family feel good and someone else too.