Now we have started our own family I had a conversation with my husband about our childhood Christmas's.
It got me thinking what I want our little girl to remember when she gets older. She is too young this Christmas but I want to start some traditions that we can do as a family each year.
Here is a list of things that I think I would like us to start doing.
Advent Calendar
I really want to create an advent calendar that isn't chocolate. A great idea is to wrap 24 books and each night unwrap and read one with the children. Another idea is to make an advent calendar to re-use each year out of perhaps felt or for a really long lasting one out of wood. There are lots of ideas on Pinterest. Then little toys or notes with days out can be put in each day. This is such a nice alternative to chocolate calendars.
Make decorations
Something good to do with the kids when they get a bit older is to make decorations. This could be anything from paper chains and paper snowflakes to more adventurous crafting like glass making. There is something for everyone. If the decorations are sturdy enough they can be used every year and new ones added each year.
Write to Santa
We all remember writing to Santa but now there are a lot of companies that actually write back. Royal Mail is an example of this. If your child writes to the address they get a response. This is such a cute thing for children as they get a letter back which hopefully keeps the magic alive.
Gingerbread house
Baking with the kids is always a good thing to do and as Christmas approaches there are lots of things that you can bake. One example is a gingerbread house. There are lots of kits available in the shops where the gingerbread is already made and you just assemble and decorate. This means that anyone can do it. Alternatively if you are a more able baker or just want to have a go then make your own.
Christmas Eve Box
This is something I am going to start this year even though the baby is only going to be 2 months. There are loads of examples of this on the net but basically it is a box that can be open on Christmas Eve and most examples have new pajamas, hot chocolate, sweets or chocolate and a film to watch. I think this is a great idea and gets the kids ready for bed and allows them to open a present early.
Christmas Story
Another thing to get the family together could be to tell the story of Christmas. A lot of schools and nurseries now don't do nativity plays or stories anymore to be respectful of other children's religions but you could do this yourself at home. This could be an alternative to the film on Christmas Eve, sit everyone down with a hot chocolate and tell the story of Christmas. I think this is good for kids as most nowadays just think its all about food and presents and aren't aware of the story behind the holiday.
Give to charity - Salvation Army
One tradition that I want to start to do is to give to charity and not just money. There are loads of charities that ask for things at Christmas. There are various food banks and charities that ask for donations, one example is the salvation Army whom are asking for presents to give to kids and adults. This is something we should all do, it is all to easy to get caught up in the Christmas whirlwind but it is good to think of those less fortunate and when your children are old enough to understand is a great way to get them to think of others.
These are a few examples of traditions that I have found that I may want to start. Do you have any traditions?
Em x
Will definitely make a note of these for next Christmas.
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