Christmas is a wonderful time of family, friendship and fellowship. Your family may have a standing tradition of allowing your child to open one gift on Christmas Eve or of writing letters to Santa.
Christmas may look different this year as our gatherings grow smaller and more intimate. Even though you may not have as many people over for the holidays as in years past, that doesn’t mean your family has to miss out on the celebrations.
This Christmas your loved ones can explore new holiday traditions with the following four suggestions.
1) Candy cane plants. The growing season may be coming to an end with brisk weather and snow on the horizon, but here’s a sweet “flowery” treat that doesn’t need soil and water. About a week from Christmas, place two or three candy canes in a mason jar. Your children can choose to “water the plants” by placing glitter or cut up construction paper in the bottom of the glass. Each day until Christmas, add a candy cane to simulate a growing bouquet.
2) Give e-Christmas cards. This is a homemade gift that’s straight from the heart. Instead of mailing paper cards, design a card online with your child to send to your friends and family members. Free programs like Canva allow you to create digital Christmas cards or use an existing holiday template. If you don’t have access to free online programs, take a photo of your child on your smartphone. Add a text greeting to the picture and email or text the photo card to loved ones.
3) Listen to a holiday story by candlelight. Before television sets became popular, many families listened to programs on the radio. Now that most every home has a TV, tablet or smart device, listening to the radio may seem quaint. But returning to the good old days is a good reminder that the family that plays together stays together.
Audio Theatre Central has a family friendly list of free audio plays you can listen to on your smart device with your relatives.
4) Support a charity as a family. As the saying goes, “It is far better to give than to receive.” The holidays are a time to remember those less fortunate. Whether you give monetarily or give of your time or talents, there are several great causes to support this Christmas.
Many local stores and churches provide information about how to support those who need a helping hand this Christmas. Decide which cause your family will support and donate toys, volunteer to feed the hungry or have your child write letters to those in need.