Each year goes by in a blink, especially as a parent. Christmas is approaching quickly. For many parents and caregivers, the holiday season isn’t always a picturesque Hallmark time of year. However, Hallmark movies set the bar way too high in the first place.
Between the shopping, countless events to attend, dinner prep, and wrangling family members, the holiday season tends to gift parents a packed schedule and lots of stress. However, relishing the moments you get to spend with your family and building holiday magic for your kids makes it all worth it and often eases the holiday chaos. Here are some family Christmas traditions to get you in the holiday spirit and remind you of the joys of the season.
Family Movie Night
From Elf to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Polar Express to Home Alone, there are countless holiday movies to enjoy. Whether you prefer romance, comedy, or cartoons, movies and holiday specials always bring out the festive spirit. It allows you and your family to enjoy each other’s presence and celebrate the season. The best part – it requires little effort. Add in popcorn and hot chocolate or cider, and you can create a cozy family holiday activity for all to enjoy.
Christmas Card Photos
Christmas cards connect you to family and friends spread around the world. Although shepherding a large group of individuals to sit still for a couple minutes is a challenge, taking family photo offers many benefits. It allows you to spend time with one another, create long-lasting memories – tactile and memory-based – and it spreads the festive mood. Plus, there are many bonuses to wearing matching shirts for a family Christmas photo. Surrounding yourself with the season’s joys gives you that magical Christmas morning excitement and prepares you for the actual special day. It’s like receiving a glimpse of the holiday celebrations.
Home Decorating Day
Many parents try to get the home decorated while the kids are at school. However, turning it into a family event creates a family bonding opportunity. It produces shared memories and allows everyone to indulge in the festivities by playing elf and acting like Santa’s helpers. Plus, the extra hands make the decorating process go faster. Designating a home decorating day gives you a tradition to do each year and makes the decorating process seem more special.
There are numerous other family Christmas traditions that’ll get you in the holiday spirit, from cookie decorating to family shopping excursions. No matter the traditions you follow or create for this time of year, focusing on the moments you spend with your loved ones and the magic of the season makes the chaos slip away. Let the positives outweigh the negatives and make the most of the holiday festivities.
