Christmas is the time for traditions. Whether it is an activity, food or way to give to others, if you are looking for a new tradition for your family this year, read on!

Each family develops its own traditions associated with particular holidays. Christmas is certainly one season with its own special collection of traditions. While some traditions are passed on from generation to generation, others are born out of a desire to do something new and meaningful.

Traditions can revolve around activities, food or giving to others. Here are some ideas for meaningful family Christmas traditions.

Family Christmas Activities

Read aloud a Christmas book or story each day. Depending on the ages of your children, you could choose pictures books or short stories from collections such as the Christmas in My Heart series by Joe Wheeler. Every December 23 bring out a new book or story for that year and read it for the first time.

Children love to “camp out” so consider sleeping in sleeping bags in front of the Christmas tree one night. Munch on snacks, leave the lights on all night, and make a special memory!

Keep a simple Christmas scrapbook. Each year add a page or two with details about how you celebrated as a family, favorites gifts given and received, and people who shared the holiday with you. Add a few pictures, scraps of wrapping paper, and a sample of the Christmas card and letter you sent out that year.

Give your children the opportunity to act out the Christmas story. Read it through several times beforehand, discussing the most important aspects. Then allow your children to plan and present a play for family and friends.

Christmas Decorating

Rather than just purchasing Christmas decorations at the nearest big box store, consider making your Christmas decorations also a part of your family history. For example, purchase a Christmas ornament each year while on vacation or whenever you go some place new. Then when you take out the ornaments each year to decorate the tree, you can reminisce and remember the fun moments you have shared as a family.

Food at Christmas

Food is an integral part of Christmas celebrations. For many people, the food associated with the event is just as important a memory as the event itself.

Consider serving the same kind of food each year while decorating the tree. It could be ordering Chinese take-out or making homemade pizza. Maybe your family has cocoa and cookies, or hot spiced cider and homemade donuts. Whatever you choose, consider making it a tradition each year to enjoy the same snack or meal while decking the halls for the holiday.

Watch a favorite Christmas movie such as It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, or Miracle on 34th Street and have a snack or appetizers dinner. Choose favorite finger foods and snacks to much on while enjoying a classic film.

Giving to Others

Christmas is ultimately about giving. This is a great time to give to others, especially those who might otherwise go without.

There are many ways to sponsor a needy family for Christmas. Most churches know of families in need of help. Make arrangements to anonymously provide a family with groceries and appropriate presents through the church.

Many organizations collect gifts to distribute. Whether it is Project Angel Tree or Toys for Tots, you will know your gift is going to a child in need during the Christmas season.

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