Creating Family Traditions at Christmas

There are few holidays that hold the place of Christmas for family traditions. Through the years we create and maintain traditions that have a special place in our memories. Some are sacred and never change, while others are replaced with a new tradition that fits the family dynamics at the time.

When our son was growing up, the day after Thanksgiving we gathered with extended family and turkey leftovers and drove to Santa’s Acres to cut down the perfect tree. When our son went off to college, we purchased our first pre-lit tree. I used my creative side to decorate it in elegant gold and white ornaments, garlands, flowers and ribbon.

The tree is still decorated in my colored theme, but the smaller pre-lit tree is squeezed in by the front window of our down-sized home. The traditional stockings are hung by the fireplace and festive garlands provide that cozy holiday feel.

This year we start a new tradition. Our quiet neighborhood has a few families with small children and we’ve invited them for hot cocoa and cookies with Santa at our home. Santa comes compliments of All Party Art, long-time friends who dress like characters, balloon twist, and do magic and face and body painting. Jolly Santa will listen to gift requests while his merry elves twist balloons. I can’t wait!

You may have a tradition of decorating your tree with all the precious ornaments gathered through the years–ones made by your children or some from grandma. Attending the annual Christmas musical at a community center or local church may be a tradition. And who doesn’t love piling the kids in the car with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies to tour brightly lit displays of the season.

Whatever your traditions, whether you maintain ones passed down from your family or start a new one,  you’re building a legacy of memories that stand the test of time. Your children will remember and perhaps incorporate them into their families in years to come.

What’s your favorite family tradition and what new ones, if any, did you start?

Photos: Chris Pedersen