The other day, my kids and I were driving home from one last Halloween activity and we started talking about all of the things that we wanted to do during the Christmas season.
It warmed my heart because nothing was extravagant. There weren’t a million festivals or actual events on their list. What made their list spoke volumes to me about the things that are the most important to them.
Cookie Decorating Contest
First on the list of things to do is to do a cookie decorating contest. Take your typical cookie decorating up another notch and turn it into a friendly competition. In this discussion, my kids decided that they wanted to pit the parents against the kids. We’ll see how that situation turns out!
Taking treats to our friends and neighbors
Each time we bake cookies or make treats, the first thing I hear from my kiddos is “can we take some to our neighbors?” This year our plan as a family is to be more intentional about making an effort to take goodies to our friends and neighbors. We want to help brighten the days of other’s, especially during a time of year that can often be sad for some.
Pick out a new ornament
My kids have their own Christmas trees in their rooms. They are able to decorate it however they choose, with any combination of ornaments. It has been our intention to let them choose a new ornament each year for their trees. Somehow each year, the season gets away from us and the ornament gets forgotten. This year this event is going to go at the top of our list!
Check out the Christmas lights
Even the Grinchy-est of Grinches can put aside their grinchdom long enough to take a drive through your local neighborhoods to check out the lights. From Griswold inspired homes to homes that are a bit more subdued in their decorating, there is something for everyone one to see. Pop some popcorn, grab some gas station hot chocolate and pile in the car in PJs and blankets to enjoy the sites of your own town.
Adopt a Salvation Army Angel
It is very easy to forget how blessed we really are and often, even when things are tough it is in our nature to shield our children from it. There have certainly been years when it just hasn’t been in our budget to adopt an angel tree child. When we have been able to give back in this way, we’ve walked away feeling as though we were the ones who were blessed.
Elf on the Shelf
Some families already are all about this little Elf, while others are dipping their toes in. Our friends over at This Mama Loves have a whole section devoted to things that you can do with the Elf on the Shelf. Here’s the thing to remember, the Elf doesn’t have to stress you out. If it does, then it likely is something that isn’t a good fit for you and your family. Have fun with it, should you decide to do it.
This is just a tip of the Christmas Bucket List iceberg. We’d love to hear the special traditions that you and your family look forward to each year.
