Family Christmas traditions and rituals are an easy and inexpensive way to include the entire family in the spirit of Christmas.
Every year thousands of people run around driving themselves totally and completely nuts preparing for the Christmas holiday. In doing this, we often run up debts, stress ourselves out, and ensure that we cannot live up to our own expectations.
There are better ways, however. Ways to help focus on the meaning of Christmas while involving the whole family, and not having to take a second mortgage to pay for the damages after the fact.
Having a beautiful live Christmas tree is truly a joy, with the wonderful aroma filling the air. Christmas trees have also become quite expensive. Plan ahead. Keep a jar - or even a Christmas cookie tin - in one visible location all year long. This is where all of the spare change should be thrown when emptying pockets at the end of the day, cleaning out the couch, or cleaning out a purse. After saving just spare change all year long, you will be surprised at how much it can accumulate - this is your Christmas tree fund - something the whole family has contributed to, and it helps eliminate arguing on how much to spend on the tree. You know how much you have to spend before ever leaving your home.
Ornaments on a tree do not have to be ones you buy from the store for outrageous amounts and then find them broken when you start decorating. Every year have the family make ornaments, even little children can join in on the fun with some paper and crayons. You can make them as elaborate or as simple as you want. Kits are available or pick up a craft book from your local library. Instead of expensive tinsel and garland which always ends up plugging the vacuum cleaner, try the old stand by stringing popcorn and cranberries (fresh cranberries, never frozen or they "bleed"). Children can also make decorative paper chains by gluing, stapling, or taping slim strips of looped paper together.
All too often either everyone fights over trimming the tree or one person ends up doing it all. Make a party of it! Put on some Christmas music, and assign different tasks. Tall people do the top parts of the tree while the shorter ones work on the bottom. It's also a great time to bring out those Christmas cookies for an extra special treat.
Every year save the Christmas Cards you receive. You can tear off the backs and make Christmas Postcards instead, writing a short personal note on each one - have each family member sign their own name. This is a great activity to do after you trim the tree - it gives everyone an opportunity to sit around and admire their work while sending warm wishes to loved ones. Your neighbors will think you're odd, but quickly realize it's tradition.
For some people, these are the best gifts they will ever receive. People with small children will love a night of free babysitting. Give a child a "day with mom" or a "day with dad" gift. These are especially meaningful gifts to children that come from a large family. Have friends that have wanted to take a vacation without their pets? Offer a pet free vacation by fostering their four legged family members. Use your imagination - the best gifts aren't always the most expensive!
A good way to keep children up late so you don't wake up at 4:00 am to the sounds of children tearing open presents when you had planned on being there with them. On Christmas Eve, load the children into the car - bundle up warm - and drive to a different neighborhood. Get the children out and walk them around looking at everyone else's Christmas decorations. This would also be a good time to go caroling!
To help children understand the spirit of Christmas, explain to them there are families and children that do not receive much for Christmas, whether it's food or presents. Use your best judgement on how to explain to them why this happens. Take your kids shopping to pick out something for these families and donate it to a charity.
Most importantly, above all else, remind yourself and your family what Christmas is all about. A time of giving.. Remind them it isn't about what you receive, it's about the love you share - with your family and others.
