Creating Family Traditions

I have always loved "Family Traditions" rather it be for Christmas or any other season of the year. Christmas traditions were always a part of my childhood from decorating the Christmas tree as a family ( though I never would let my sisters add the tinsel.),to our tradition Christmas Eve dinner of moms homemade chop suey and birthday cake for Jesus for our dessert. After  Christmas Eve dinner we always attended the midnight candlelight service. My youngest daughter was baptised at the midnight service. Was so beautiful with all the lite candles.

I thought maybe I could offer a few traditions you could start with your family.

Gather around the tree and read  "The Night Before Christmas". My girls and the grandchildren always loved hearing that story.

Bake a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday.  It is a day for celebrating his birth.

Have your children make homemade gifts for other family members. There are just so may wonderful ideas for them that can be found on-line. Some of my most prized ornaments and gifts were made by my children and grandchildren.

Make or buy a special ornament each year for your child. Put his or her name and the date someplace on it. When they grow up and are on their own these will be ornaments to start their first tree with. 

Sponsor a needy child ,family or elderly person. Let your children help pick out a special gift for them. 

If you have a tree farm close by make a day of going to pick and cut your tree. Many tree farms in our area have wagon or sleigh rides and special things for the family to do.; Hot cocoa and cookies included. Or go home to hot cocoa and cookies. 

Turn on the Christmas Carols and decorate the tree together. 

Set up a Nativity. Let you children help with it by placing a piece of it in the scene. You can read the scripture that tells of each piece as it is placed. 

Add baby Jesus on Christmas Eve while singing "Joy to the World" remembering that Jesus is the Reason for this season. 

Have a cookie and candy making day or week end. Everyone can pitch in and help. My girls still love getting together and bring their kids and grand kids to our home to help with the baking. 

Even the youngest of them can help in one way or another. Make everyone a Christmas Apron as an early gift and above all have fun.

I hope that you will try one of these as a new tradition in your family for the Christmas  Season.