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Christmas Traditions
Think of family traditions as inexpensive little ways to create lasting family memories…no matter how silly the tradition, it will be remembered for a lifetime!
So, take a break from the mall madness, and make a little “merry” this season with family traditions!
Need some inspiration? Read on…
String Presents – Growing up, my parents always had a string present for us. It was always the last gift, and it was often the big gift. They made a trail of string that we followed throughout the house until we ended at the gift. I remember finding my first sled at the end of a string! My children have grown to love this tradition, and I already know what will be waiting at the end of the string trail this year!
Family Olympics – Another tradition that my parents started, and we’ve continued! Our family plays a board game each night of Christmas break, and the winner gets 1 point. At the end of the break, the family member with the most points chooses a restaurant for a family dinner.
Puzzles – Working a puzzle during the Christmas break keeps everyone busy!
A Christmas Story – Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t watch A Christmas Story at least once!
Reindeer Food – When the children were little, we would make reindeer food and scatter it on the lawn on Christmas Eve! It’s a simple mixture of oatmeal and glitter! The glitter makes it sparkle, so the reindeer can see it!
Cookies for Santa – Every child should make cookies for santa…just make sure to use your favorite recipe! Yummy!
Tamales on Christmas Eve – It’s a Texas thing, and it’s a delicious Christmas Eve dinner!
Big Breakfast on Christmas Day – In between opening stockings and opening presents, we enjoy a big breakfast!
Cookie Exchange – My daughter and I have hosted a mother/daughter cookie exchange for the past 9 years! We start testing new cookie recipes in early December before we pick “the cookie” for the exchange. Learn how to host a cookie exchange!
Spring Break Gift – We always surprise the children with our spring break vacation destination by wrapping it up as a gift. Once they open the box, they will discover a series of clues to help them determine where we are going!
Mulling Spices – My mother used to always simmer a spice mixture on the stove during the holidays that made our house smell wonderful! Simply simmer 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon allspice.
Twas the Night Before Christmas – A must read for Christmas Eve!
Christmas Lights – Drive around and check out all the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.
Advent Calendar – I’m amazed that as teenagers, our kids are still excited to do the advent calendar each day!
Fudge – Homemade fudge…what a treat!
Spiced Tea – A friend gave us spiced tea as a gift many years ago, and Christmas is not complete for my daughter without enjoying a cup of spiced tea with her grandmother!
Make a little merry for less this Christmas by enjoying family traditions!
Please click on the title of this article to share your favorite Christmas traditions.
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[...] If you’re regular reader of The Budget Diet, you know that I love traditions because they are inexpensive little ways to create BIG, wonderful memories! It’s never to late to start traditions for birthdays, Easter, back-to-school or Christmas. [...]