The holidays are a favorite time of year for many families. It’s a time rich with traditions and fun activities to do together that will lead to fond memories for many years to come. Check out these 7 fun holiday traditions to enjoy with your family:
1. Start A Tree Tradition!
For many families, the holiday season begins with putting up a Christmas tree! Maybe you decide to have a real tree or an artificial tree, or maybe you decide to visit a local tree farm to search for the perfect Christmas tree to cut down. Holiday tree traditions can include adding a Christmas pickle, a special topper, or having an animated discussion on whether white lights are colored lights are the way to go! If you have little ones, creating salt dough ornaments (find a recipe and some fun ideas from Country Living) is something they will remember forever. And pulling these ornaments out year after year is a tradition in itself!
2. Cookies, Cookies, Cookies…
There are many delicious foods and meals associated with the holidays, but none are as sweet as Christmas cookies! Trade your favorite recipes with friends, hold a cookie baking party, or get everyone together for a cookie swap once your cookie masterpieces are complete. Make an extra batch to give away or to donate to your local food bank.
3. A Christmas Village
Holiday village displays are also a mainstay decoration in many homes. Put together one of these intricate villages with your family for a beautiful display to light up your living room. Start a new tradition and add a new feature to your display every year! Christmas villages Come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets! They don’t have to be pricey…you can begin with a simple balsa wood village that you put together and paint yourself. This is a great way to get the kids involved and make a memory.
4. Who’s The Ugliest Of All?
One of the newer holiday traditions that’s become popular is the ugly sweater party. Many stores now carry “ugly,” over-the-top festive sweaters that will be the talk of any holiday get-together. Feeling creative? Make your own – the uglier, the better!
5. Savor the Experience
Get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland! Bundle up and go sledding or ice skating with your family. Take a walk in the evening and look at the holiday lights. Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country, rich and natural beauty and outdoor activities. Create a new tradition and dedicate some of your holiday time to getting out and about with the family!
6. Holiday Displays
Drive around your town to look at holiday lights. Grab a thermos full of hot chocolate or cider, get your family into the car, and go for a scenic walk – or drive. Many homes take great pride in creating dazzling displays! When you have the whole family together you can even vote on which one was your favorite. Check out the Ticonderoga Area Holiday Home Decorating Contest!
7. Giving Back
One of the best ways to keep the spirit in the holiday is to find ways to give back! This time of year, there are numerous opportunities to donate to coat funds, a local food bank, and toy drives that will bring a little holiday cheer to those in need. Shovel an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk. Volunteer at a local Christmas dinner put on by a charitable organization. give a donation to a local cause, like Friends Comforting Friends. Run a simple errand for someone, or pay off someone’s layaway.
Hosting a party at your home? Ask guests to bring a gift to be given to a local charity or adopt-a-family group.
These seven simple holiday traditions are based in spending time together and giving back. Giving is the best part of the season…enjoy!