POPSUGAR

12 Simple Holiday Traditions Your Family Can Embrace This Year

Dec 24 2017 - 9:55am

The holidays are an exciting time — the food [1], the gifts, the holiday movies [2]! — but some people feel dread [3] rather than delight during this time of year because of the loss of a loved one, the stress that comes with curating a Pinterest-perfect Christmas experience, or the letdown that ensues after New Year's Eve.

But there are ways to combat the holiday blues: traditions. Parents already know that children find great comfort and stability in rituals [4] and repetition, but adults also benefit from having something to look forward to year after year. No matter your situation in life, having a trusted, joyful ritual that brings back happy memories can make dealing with the holidays bearable . . . and maybe even enjoyable. What's more, sometimes the simplest traditions make the biggest impact. Pick just one this season for a happier holiday.

Read a book.

Choose a classic children's book [5] or a special holiday story that you read each year to get the whole family in the spirit.

Show your neighbors some love.

Make [6] or buy something yummy to give to your neighbor. Have your child write or color a small holiday note and leave the sweet bundle in the neighbor's mailbox to spread the season's cheer.

Take in the lights.

Find a neighborhood with impressive light displays and drive through each year. Bonus points if you listen to holiday music [7] while "oohing" and "ahhing"!

Donate items to others.

Donations can range from coats to toys, but make sure it reminds you of those in need and the joy that comes from giving back [8].

Give an ornament.

Find or make a yearly ornament [9] to give away to a child's friend, a neighbor, or another family. Make it extraspecial by picking an ornament that reminds you of a fun memory you had with that person.

Make a family "brinner."

Your kids will love a fun brinner — aka breakfast for dinner — during the holidays. A few acceptable menu items include pancakes [10], waffles [11], and/or a Christmas quiche [12].

Bake something.

Baking is a fun (although sometimes messy!) way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Whatever the baked good [13], it's likely to leave your home smelling sweet and your stomach feeling happy.

Give money to a worthy cause.

Find a charity [14] and give money. This can be as simple as donating online or as big as asking each member of your family to pick their favorite charity and provide three reasons why the family should donate to it.

Make a holiday flower arrangement.

Purchase a bundle of holiday flowers and have your child help you arrange [15] them. Then enjoy the view!

Kick your gift wrapping up a notch.

Get creative with wrapping [16]. Have your kiddo help you wrap one gift each year and use a fun material like newspaper, old magazine pages, or chalkboard wrapping paper.

Drink up.

Enjoy an at-home (naughty or nice) hot cocoa bar [17], or take the family out for a warm treat.

Savor the holiday magic.

Lie under your Christmas tree when the lights [18] are turned on and look up — trust us, it's magical.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.com/family/Easy-Family-Holiday-Traditions-44236283