7 Holiday Traditions for Your Family

Even though we are already well into the month of December, there is still time to pick up a few holiday traditions to observe with your family this Christmas season.

• 1. Pick the Perfect Tree

Some may say it is better to go with an artificial tree, while others disagree and say live is better. Whichever you choose, you can turn it into a fun little event for your family to enjoy. Start by visiting a local tree farm, or retail store, and make your selection. Most tree farms have their own traditions of offering hot cocoa and treats, playing Christmas music, and even carriage rides. On the other hand, depending on when you visit your local retailer, Santa may be there for a quick photo while selecting your tree. Whatever you choose, make it special.

• 2. Build a Gingerbread House

This is another fun tradition that we always do at Christmas. You can easily pick a pre-made box with a ready to build house, or, you can make one completely from scratch. I have tried both ways, and personally, I enjoy the pre-made selection as it takes less time to prep, it comes with everything you need, and seems to hold together slightly better. This is one that children will love because they are able to assemble and decorate these houses made of treats.

• 3. Attend a Christmas Parade

Another timeless tradition, watching the floats go by in the Christmas parade. If you are from a small town, like me, you are probably used to seeing the trucks pulling the decorated floats, the local school marching band, firetrucks and Santa Claus. But for bigger cities, the parades typically include oversized balloon characters, live performers and dancers along with the floats and bands. With Christmas music and beautiful decorations, this tradition is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

• 4. See Christmas Lights

As a child, some of you may remember the feeling of your parents whisking you away to some brightly lit neighborhoods to see the Christmas lights. That is a very fond memory of mine and a tradition that I hold near and dear. Listening to Christmas music on the radio and watching the illumination of lights on display will always be one of my favorite childhood memories.

• 5. Holiday Baking

There is nothing quite like the aroma of warm, freshly baked cookies to put you in a Christmas mood. Baking and decorating gingerbread men is another fun activity that the children will love.

• 6. Watch Christmas Movies

Netflix has a great selection of Christmas movies this year. In my article, Best Christmas Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now, you can find a list of great films to enjoy with your family. There are also some great movies on Amazon and Hulu, and they also play some Christmas favorites on your local cable providers channels. There are so many to choose from that you might as well get comfortable and make it a marathon!

• 7. Visit Santa

There is no shortage of places to visit Santa Claus this year. He seems to be everywhere all at once. Visit a local retailer and snap a quick photo with Santa while you are doing some holiday shopping.

Christmas is such a magical time that only comes around once a year. Adopting new traditions and practicing some old ones are a fun way to spend some quality time with your family during this holiday season.