Family Christmas; ideas for a great holiday season

Christmas exists; it may be magical, yet it’s real and comes to distract us from our everyday routine and carry us to a dream setting which we all need. Christmas doesn’t need spectacular plans, expensive gifts or trips, since -as “cliché” as it may sound- its true magic lies in the love and imagination that we all hide inside. Thus, you can easily make this holiday season unforgettable just by spending time with your family. Get inspired by the following ideas and create the sweetest memories:

Crafts and painting: These are perhaps two of the most favorite children activities and there are countless ideas of what you could make (e.g., Christmas balls, Nativity, Santa, etc.). Get the necessary tools, let your imagination free and create Christmas structures that will decorate your home.

Write and send cards: In the age of internet, when everything is easy, fast and almost automatic, most of us have left the traditional post office behind. Yet, during Christmas, writing a wish or drawing on a nice card and going to the post office to stick the stamps and send it, can be a rite of passage, creating a sense of magic in children’s minds.

Cook together: In the context of strict everyday life, which is overfull with demands, time is limited and cooking often turns into a necessity or a routine. However, both cooking and baking are creativity above all and, especially during holidays, can be a great occasion to get closer to your family. You may all together create Christmas cookies, biscuits or the traditional sweet treats. If you still prefer cooking, prepare children’s favorite food or -even better- let children take over the role of the chef themselves. Whatever you decide to do, it’s sure that your house will be filled with the most beautiful smells and what really counts is the feeling that you are all doing something different these days!

Family movie night: An alternative, homey “movie night” is certainly an activity that won’t leave any family member unmoved. Choose the film conjointly, grab the appropriate movie snacks (e.g., popcorn), dim the lights, sit comfortably on the couch and … enjoy the movie.

Floor sleeping: No child will overlook this idea! If you’ve been following the rules of a strict sleeping schedule all year round, it’s time to surprise your kids by organizing a night they will never forget. The lights from the Christmas tree, the lit fireplace (if there is one) and the pillows on the floor compose a different setting, an evening away from the usual. Put on your Christmas pajamas, enjoy your favorite hot beverages, roast chestnuts or try candies and various Christmas treats. Play some board games, read Christmas stories, tell fairy tales or talk about thoughts and dreams. Forget your strict schedule and beds for a night. Just let yourself fall asleep sweetly, surrounded by your own perfect setting.

Turn back time: Use every opportunity you get to go back in time. At this very point when you feel that there is no topic left for discussion, you will get surprised about how willing your children will be to flip through photo albums and participate to your stories, learning about how your childhood Christmas decorations were like, which carols you used to sing, what gifts you were getting or what was your favorite movie.

The good deeds of Christmas: Christmas is perhaps the best time of the year to teach your children how to generously give love and help everyone who is having a hard time these days. Pick out clothes and toys that you no longer use and donate them to families in need. Buy long-lasting food and offer it to the needy or homeless, etc. Become the real example of charity and giving for your children.

Add to all these your own special rites and ideas and … have a merry and sweet Christmas!