Creative Twists on Traditional Christmas Activities

Whether you are newly married, new to Christmas activities or even just trying to "change things up" a bit, here are some traditional Christmas activities, with a creative twist, to share with your loved ones.

The Tree

With so many Christmas Tree lots available - practically one on every corner - it's important to find just the right one. Bearing in mind that you can find your pine almost anywhere, we suggest that you go back to the basics: cut one down yourself. Find a rustic, out-of-the-way tree farm that allows you to trek through the snow, find that perfect tree for your living room, and cut it down. You typically needn't even bring your own saw; they will almost always provide one for you. The best part - once Christmas is over, rather than tossing the husk of your once glorious decoration into the post-holiday garbage heap, you can transplant the tree to your own front yard. A classic Christmas tradition!

The Trimmings

When thinking about all the holiday decorations that you'll need, consider the following: what can you purchase that will provide a traditional feel with contemporary look? Colored lights, artificial icicles, cans of flocking for the windows - these are all fantastic, traditional décor. But what will set your house apart, make it stand out as a creative beacon in a sea of ordinary? There are some subtle additions to your yard that will make a huge difference. Here is one suggested setup: First, purchase a clear, plastic painter's tarp from your local Wal Mart or Target (they run about $5). Using small stakes, pin it down on your lawn. Use creative decorations to create a border around the outside, and you will create a perfect Christmas tradition in your own yard: an ice skating rink! During the day, it may not look like much, but under the colored lights after dark it will be magnificent! Adding an outdoor fire pit, some character decorations (such as Frosty or Santa) will transform your house into a Winter Wonderland.

For inside the house, experiment with a variety of things. Scented candles, featuring traditional holiday smells always add to the overall ambiance. Also, try keeping a small crock-pot or saucepan warming all day filled with apple cider. Another fun way to boost holiday creativity inside the house is to set up an electric train set. People will traditionally build around the bottom of the tree; try building a set that extends from one room of the house to another. This may be a little pricy, but a well taken train set will last for many holidays to come.

The Tidings

While only 11% of Americans regularly attend religious services, these numbers swell to over 80% during the holidays. Finding a service during the Christmas season is a perfect way to implement tradition; however, there are all sorts of creative ways to go about it. Many churches offer outdoor services (even when it's cold!), Candlelight vigils, nativity scenes, Christmas plays and a variety of other activities for family. Also, it can be a great opportunity to donate canned food items, old jackets and many other unused items from around your house; these things could greatly benefit a family in need.

Family traditions are an important part of the holiday season. However, finding creative ways to spice things up can make these traditions continue for many years to come.