Roast turkey and cranberry sauce, the holly and the ivy, ice cubes and Christmas trees—these are natural pairs come holiday time. The fi rst two fi t the Norman Rockwell image, but I’ll bet I surprised you with my Christmas trees on ice. This is normal at my house—in fact, they are a family tradition. Years ago, my mother wanted help keeping the tree watered, but without the potential mess caused by little ones hauling buckets of water into the living room. Ice cubes were portable, easily picked up when spilled, and would melt in the tree stand, thus keeping the water supply regular. Mom could have tackled it herself, but she found a creative way to include us kids.
The holiday season is a great opportunity to renew tried and true customs that might already exist in your family as well as to establish new traditions. They don’t need to be elaborate, just special to you—and they should include everyone. Whether it is helping Dad cook Saturday morning pancakes or decorating cookies, my boys enjoy our family’s traditions, recall them later, and request repeat performances. The fun is sharing the experience
together. The following are suggestions for creating your own holiday customs.
Go light looking
Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday light looking season. Kids and parents alike enjoy the sparkle of colored lights against winter skies. Make an evening of taking in the sights. Do some research ahead of time, and fi nd the best locations your town has to offer. Some neighborhoods are known for their holiday light displays. Bring a map in case you get lost. Nothing can frustrate a dad (or mom) more than to drive around in circles for hours looking for the right street.
One night last year we surprised the boys after they were all ready for bed. I prepared individual paper sacks of popcorn, grabbed a throw blanket for
each, threw my husband the keys to the minivan, and loaded up the troops. They didn’t know what we were doing, so the suspense was part of the adventure. They loved it! After a few hours, we ended our evening with a trip to Dairy Queen.
Make a family greeting card
This tradition started for us one year when money was tight. I had a stash of scrapbook supplies and decided to use what we had to make our Christmas cards. We enjoyed it so much that we’ve continued it, regardless of the budget. You can easily do the same. Your design
doesn’t need to be ornate. In fact, the simpler it is, the easier it will be for the kids to help you assemble them. Create cards with simple cut-out
paper shapes: a gingerbread man with a ribbon glued around his neck, a circle for a tree ornament, or a black square of paper with three gold
stars affi xed. You might even consider having an older child draw a holiday scene. Scan it and print small versions of the drawing to glue to the
front of cardstock.
Take an annual family photo
It is amazing to line up pictures from years past and see how your family has grown and developed over time. Babies are added, and
addresses (and hairstyles) change over the years. Printed and framed, these photos make great gifts for the grandparents. To spice things up, vary your venue each time. For example, when we lived near the beach, we posed among green plants and birds-of-paradise. Later, when we
moved to the country, we sat in the back of the pick-up with the barn as the backdrop. Try to capture on film some aspect of your life together that is significant to the year.
Bake and decorate cookies
Who doesn’t love cookies? And what kids don’t want to bake cookies with their parents? Think back to the cookies of your childhood and dig up the recipes. Yes, there will be a mess, but kids will have a blast and create some great memories. Send the message that having a good time together is more important than spilled fl our. Allow creativity to flow and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Treasure special decorations
It is amazing how children remember décor that only sees the light of day once a year. Often what makes it so special are the stories that explain the origin of each item. Your decorations do not have to be complicated, or family heirlooms. Take things that are special or that represent a unique experience and incorporate them into your holiday décor. We’ve made tree trimmings from vacation souvenirs, such as the extra key from our rental car in France back in our pre-kid days. Each year it hangs from the tree on a plaid ribbon. Baby shoes, small framed pictures, and small toys make great ornaments that recall memories.
Hold a festive feast
Lastly, nothing conjures fond memories more than food. Whether your family celebrates Hanukkah, Christmas, or New Year’s, take the time to make a
festive meal. Recipes are more special if you don’t see them all the time. Ask each family member what he/she likes best and try to incorporate it into the menu. Set a fancy table and the kids will know that this is an out-of-the-ordinary moment. Dine by candlelight and enjoy the moment.
This holiday season, may you and your family enjoy testing and creating new family practices to treasure and to pass on to future generations. You can
create wonderful memories, have a few laughs at the trial and error nature of it all, and simply enjoy one another. And, if you have toddlers in the house, you may just want to give the ice cube trick a try.
Jessica Fisher is a wife, mother of six, and freelance writer. She regularly writes about fun, frugality, and the pursuit of a clean house at www.lifeasmom.com
