Carrie Parsons
89.5 KVNE Mornings

In the busiest season of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in all there is to do…the parties, the choir practices, the shopping. The thing is when we look back at Christmases in the past, these aren’t the things we remember. It’s the time spent with family, those traditions that we’ve done year after year.

I had something scheduled for every night this week, and in fact, I double-booked the night we planned our family tradition of decorating the tree. My people-pleasing personality just wanted to do it all, but for once I decided that something had to give.

Ours is actually a simple tradition of snacking (a lot), listening to Christmas music and decorating the tree, and it’s always a fun time. When the decorating is just about finished, we make hot chocolate, relax on the couch, turn off the lights in the room, sip our cocoa, and admire our work.

It’s never too late to start a new family tradition. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Christmas Eve Reading

The story of the birth of Jesus can be found in the Bible. In the second chapter of the book of Luke, Jesus’ birth is told to us in verses 1-20. The story tells of how Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to be taxed because of a decree by Caesar Augustus. Mary is with child and the story in Luke tells of the night when Jesus was born.

2. Caroling and Cookies

If your family gets together in the days just prior to Christmas, plan an outing to sing carols to the neighbors. Another great potential audience, the sweet ladies and gentlemen at your local retirement community or nursing home. After making merry, gather back at home for some cookies and cocoa!

3. Serving Together

Some families say that their favorite holiday memories involve things they did together for others. Consider loading up and heading down to the local mission to help serve holiday meals or help wrap gifts for needy children. You might find that family holiday tensions subside when everyone is engaged in something meaningful.

4. Trimming the Tree

In some families, decorating is a mom-only affair. But perhaps you could save the tree for a fun evening of decorating together. Kids love to string cranberries or popcorn to make the garland, and they love to hang ornaments on the lower branches. Will your tree be fit for a decorating magazine? Probably not. Will it be a source of sweet memories? You bet.

5. Bake and Take

Family members of all ages can pitch in for a day of baking up some yummy Christmas treats and wrapping them up for friends and neighbors. Smaller children can help cut out cookies, decorate the packages and make hand-made cards attached to your gifts.

6. Find the Best Lights

Put the little ones in their pjs, fill a thermos with hot cocoa, and hop in the car after dark to check out the best holiday light displays in your area. It’s great, low-cost entertainment that helps everyone get in the Christmas spirit! Afterward, settle in for some light Christmas reading.

What are some of your favorite/most-memorable Christmas traditions?

Original Source: imom.com

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