9 Ideas for New Traditions During the Holidays and Beyond
Christmas is rooted in tradition for many families. But there is always room for new ones. Here are a few ideas to consider with your family.
Do a “St. Nicholas Deed”: This is anything that helps someone. Take treats to your local fire or police station, help an elderly neighbor with a chore, choose a tag from one of Avera’s Giving Trees or other holiday charity, collect change for the Salvation Army bell ringers. The ideas are endless.
Sleep by the tree: Choose one night during the holiday season, when the whole family gets out their sleeping bags and camps under the Christmas tree. Turn out all the lights except the tree lights and read Christmas books.
Photo tradition: Take a photo of the kids or family every year at the same place (like the beach) or with the same background (a place in the yard, in front of the fireplace, in front of the tree, etc.).
Fondue meal: A fondue meal takes a long time to eat because you have to cook/dip each piece. So maybe one night during the busy holiday season, have a fondue meal and spend a little more time with family. Not into fondue? Make a favorite family meal together.
Share what you have jar: Keep a change jar where family members deposit their spare change each day. Then monthly or quarterly, you count the change and vote on how to donate it: Project SOS, Coats for Kids or pet supplies for the Humane Society. Remember, for younger kids, actually buying the items and delivering them will be more meaningful than just sending money.
What would we do without it?: Think of items you take for granted and brainstorm what it would be like without them —pajamas, electricity, dishwasher, taking a bath, spoons.
Giving thanks jar: Write down things you are thankful for on slips of paper and put them in the jar. Read them as a family, once a week.
Paper chain of good deeds: Every time you do a good deed during December (or anytime during the year), write it down on a strip of paper and add it to the paper chain.
Christmas Eve books: Start the tradition of giving each family member a book on Christmas Eve. You can spend the night reading. Or, take a trip to the library to pick out a Christmas book to enjoy.
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By the Avera Family Life Educators
