The holidays are here! This is my favorite time of the year, not because of the presents, but because of the fun family traditions you get to start with your family.
Growing up, most of us had family traditions that were passed down from generation to generation. I told my mother I remember we would get oranges and pecans in our stockings. She said that’s what her parents gave her, so she followed suit. Those types of traditions are always fun and meaningful, but what about starting a family tradition of your own? There are so many great things to do as a family, and I am here to list a few.
Slumber Party Time
A favorite tradition for my family is a big slumber party. Even though my parents and sister live locally, we still stay overnight at my parents’ house on Christmas Eve. Everyone comes over in the evening, and we bake cookies for Santa. We watch a movie and all head to bed to wake up in the morning to a mound of presents. Because everyone comes over the night before, we get to open presents together. My parents get to spend Christmas morning with their grandkids and see those shining faces as they open all their presents. And although I am fully grown, I will say, I still love ripping those presents open, too!
Game Day
Another great family tradition to start is playing a new game each year. We go down to our local department store and find a game for the whole family to enjoy. After opening all the presents on Christmas morning, we pull out our new game and let the fun begin! Keep it simple with a deck of cards or go all out with an intricate board game. Playing a game together keeps you and your family talking and active and not just in a food coma in front of the television.
Pancakes and Pajamas
Whether you stay overnight together or not, what better tradition than cooking together?! Some members of our family do not stay the night with us, but they do arrive very early in the morning (in their pajamas), and we all cook breakfast together. Our main course is pancakes. And since it is Christmas, we go ALL OUT on our pancakes. We also make eggs, bacon, and sausage. The kids love washing and cutting the fruit. It’s a true family affair.
Ugly Sweater Contest
Or ugly pajama contest! This is a fun way to do what families do best — contests. A little friendly competition is always healthy. Have everyone dress in an ugly sweater or ugly pajamas, and the winner gets a gift card to a local restaurant or fast food spot. We like to give little ones a few prizes from the dollar store.
Family Play
Try making funny costumes, reading books aloud, or putting together a play. Have the kids get everything ready, from the storylines and costumes to who gets what part. How fun would it be to spend Christmas day acting out scenes from A Christmas Story as a family!
These are just a few, but there are so many more! Check out our Fort Worth Moms Pinterest for additional ideas.
