Did you know Christmas was established as a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870? The yuletide holiday didn’t become popular in America until the late 1800s, when English and Dutch settlers influenced its spread.

Before Christmas became an extravagant holiday filled with expensive gifts and large gatherings, early celebrations were modest and focused on family and religious observance.

The holiday season is about creating meaningful memories with your children, rather than breaking the bank on pricy presents. You can return to the true spirit of Christmas this year and make fun memories, not stressful ones, with the following five tips.

• Focus on giving back. The yuletide season is the time to remember the less fortunate and reflect on various ways to serve. You can involve the whole family in simple acts of kindness this Christmas, like making construction paper cards for nursing homes or organizing a toy drive for kids in need. This can teach your children the value of generosity and empathy.
• Create a DIY Advent calendar. Advent is the four-week season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas. Your family can create a specialized Advent calendar filled with small healthy treats (like raisins or carrots with peanut butter) or activities, making the countdown to Christmas extra special for your little ones.
• Christmas morning pajama pictures. How fun is it for the entire family to wear matching pajamas on Christmas day? This can become an exciting tradition to take a family photo around the Christmas tree or next to holiday decorations, adding to a growing collection of beloved memories over the years.
• “Elf on the Shelf” with a twist. Create your own “Elf on the Shelf” tradition by placing small notes or challenges to engage children in imaginative play and holiday learning. Some notes could include “Learn something new today” “Help Mom make cookies” and “Name one thing you’re grateful for this Christmas.”
• Read a Christmas book every night. Studies have shown that reading aloud to children significantly benefits their development by expanding their vocabulary, stimulating their imagination, and strengthening their bond with their parents. Select heartwarming Christmas books to read aloud to your child each night before bed to build excitement and help establish the Christmas spirit. Some titles include The Gingerbread Man by Gail Yerrill, The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright.