The World Wide Web is FULL of ideas for what to do around the Holidays. I have compiled some of my favorites. I unfortunately don't have any for those of you who celebrate Hanukkah. I'd love to hear some of your ideas. So please enjoy these ideas and share a few of your own favorites!
Handmade Christmas:
Cut out a small piece of paper and write the name of each family member. Put these in a bowl or hat and have each member draw a name. The name that is drawn is the person for whom a gift will be handmade. (It is best to do this early so that everyone has enough time to create their special handmade gift).
Reindeer Mix:
Make a special “Reindeer Mix” for Santa’s reindeer. A good recipe is oats with gold and silver glitter. On Christmas Eve, tell your children to leave the mix on the driveway, front lawn, or any other spot where the reindeer might want to rest and enjoy a snack. After the kids have gone to bed, clear most of the mix away, leaving just a few oats as evidence that the reindeer have made their visit.
Santa’s Little Helpers:
This is a great time for children to learn to give. Set aside a box that can be filled with toys that your children choose to give. Help them clean the toys and put them in a special box labeled “For Santa”. Have them write a note to Santa explaining how they loved each toy or what their favorite memory was with each toy. Then help them explain that they would like them to be given to another girl or boy. They will be so excited to see the box empty Christmas morning with a special thank you note and treat form Santa. Save their letters and enjoy them years later.
Christmas Music Program:
Have a musical program in your home for elderly or single people living around you. Have refreshments and send each guest home with a little gift (i.e. bread, jam, cookies, etc.) or take a little program to cheer those confined in a hospital or rest home.
Four Gifts:
It’s easy to get carried away with gift giving. Help to keep the true spirit of Christmas by limiting your family to four gifts: Something to play with, eat, read and wear.
A Gift for Christ:
Have a special stocking or box that can be used for your gift to Christ. Give Jesus a gift of a goal for the coming year. Each person writes down their goal or gift to Christ and puts it in the stocking/box. Next Christmas each person evaluates their progress on their goal. (You can also do this at the beginning of December and evaluate progress on Christmas Day.)
What are some of YOUR favorite December Traditions?
