Holiday Traditions You’ll Want to Start With Your Family

Time to start some new family traditions!

By: Amanda Mushro
Group of diverse people are gathering for christmas holiday

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Group of diverse people are gathering for christmas holiday

Photo by: iStock

iStock

The holidays come once a year, but if you have kids, you’ll be celebrating all month long. So this year, why not try a few new traditions that your entire family will love. From surprises that will add more magic to the season and ways to spend more time together, here are holiday traditions you’ll want to steal and make your own.

Christmas Book and Movie Unwrapping

Create a 12 days of Christmas book and movie unwrapping. Start by wrapping the books and movies but keep it easy — use craft paper and write large numbers on the outside. Then place the wrapped books and movies under your tree. Each night, your kids get to unwrap one package and read or watch what was unwrapped. If this is a tradition you’d like to start, try a used bookstore for inexpensive books and movies or stockpiling during the year.

Transform a Tablecloth

Grab a large white tablecloth, permanent maker, and craft paint. Each year, have your kids put a handprint on the tablecloth and write their names under their handprint. As they get older and the tablecloth fills up, they will love seeing how much they have grown and you’ll love this new family heirloom.

Santa’s Footsteps

Santa can leave behind more than just presents on Christmas morning. Near your fireplace or wherever Santa comes into your home, take a large boot or shoe and sprinkle flour around the shoe. When you lift it up, the flour makes a footprint that is perfect for Santa and will delight your kids.

Holiday Date

Before Christmas arrives, makes plans for a special day with each of your kids. Pick them up early from school and take them to a long lunch or a special dinner. Take them shopping so they can buy gifts for their siblings. Go to the movies or let them pick what they want to do. Having a little one-on-one time with each of your kids is the kind of magic we all need this holiday season.

Holiday Bake Off

Get everyone in the kitchen and get baking. Try a few easy recipes that everyone can master in the kitchen. When baking with kids, expect the mess but also lots of fun. Then when your family baking session is over, share with neighbors and of course, be sure to enjoy a few together.

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