Christmas Holiday Ideas - Creating Family Traditions
Too often we forgo entertaining because of the mere thought of all of the preparation that is involved. And more is not better. Often we try to out do each other with lavish parties and expensive gifts. Stop and remember for a second what was important from your own childhood. Was it an outing? Baking cookies with your grandmother? Building a snowman with your dad? We need to connect. This doesn’t require more time, just shifting the focus of the time we already have. Here, a casual party and a very simple activity were the catalyst that brought everyone together.
To get the entire neighborhood into the Christmas holiday spirit we planned a caroling party. The day before our guests arrived, my kids and I spent an afternoon making decorative candleholders. We gave one to each caroler to light the way for our caroling expedition.
Dad, dressed as Santa, provided our very own photo opportunity. Little ones whispered their Christmas list in Santa’s ear. Grown ups, as well as kids, had their pictures taken in Santa’s lap.
Parents, kids, and even a few dogs then joined us on our merry way. Our numbers grew as we made our way caroling through the neighborhood. We chose 2-3 classic songs for our repertoire so that everyone we visited (and even the smallest child) could sing along. As the carolers returned, we welcomed them with Mexican hot chocolate and ginger spice cookies.
Each year we meet new neighbors. This is a great way to bring joy into our community and engage everyone in an activity that the whole family can enjoy. And for a few short hours we are able to turn our attention away from the commercial marketing of the Christmas holidays to something much more personal.
About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit www.togetherparenting.com
About Together: Creating Family Traditions
Gather your children around and let the creativity begin. Family Style experts, Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes will show you how to create wonderfully simple and oh so impressive projects, activities, and celebrations that the whole family will enjoy. With Rondi and Janell as your guides, it only takes a minute to create memories that last a lifetime.
Just like the festivity of a family-style meal: gathering at the table, passing large bowls, and sharing warm laughter, Rondi and Janell believe that the best times of our lives are the ones we share together. From these two talented women who just happen to share the same birthday, comes this philosophy of Family Style entertaining.
Award winning authors and experienced media guests, Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes have appeared on numerous television and radio shows. Their Family Style philosophy has earned them a reputation as outspoken authorities on the importance of creating family traditions in today’s busy world. Co-authors of the book Together: Creating Family Traditions, they present quick, articulated thoughts on ways to bring families together with style.
Together: Creating Family Traditions, received numerous awards, including a Benjamin Franklin Award for Best How-to Book, and a Book of the Year Award from ForeWord Magazine. Their book reached #1 Best Seller status on Amazon.com’s Holiday charts. It is also recommended by PBSkids.org.
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