Are you looking for new family traditions to create holiday magic for 2023?
As we get closer to the big day, we can all feel a little bit anxious and disconnected from each other as we work our way through the never ending list of things to do.
Which is why we want to make it as simple as possible for you and your family to find ways to spend intentional, fun and authentic time together.
1. Make a Family Christmas Playlist
This one is super simple and effective to boost your Christmas connection. Each family member gets to add their own songs to the list and a quick shuffle ensures everyone gets to hear their own songs at random. In our family we only play this playlist each day on the way to school, so it keeps it festive and magical without the ear-worms!
2. Family Christmas Movie Night
Do you know a foolproof way to connect and find common ground with each other? Put on a movie! It can be as simple as pressing play.
Some times, during the last few weeks of term 4 my son and I will put on a family friendly Christmas movie during the week. And while it might feel a bit strange to watch a movie at 4pm on a Wednesday, it’s such a great way to decompress and have a bit of fun during the week.
3. Christmas Eve Storytime
This has to be one of my favourite ways to end the night before Christmas. Over the years we've been collecting Christmas storybooks that we only bring out on Christmas eve.
Our favourite story probably has to be this vintage version of paddington bear. I managed to get a second-hand copy on ebay. We also go to our local library the week or so before christmas eve and pick up one or two new-to-us christmas books.
4. Gingerbread House Bake-Off
It's time to get baking! Each year, as part of our Christmas Eve family traditions we follow this recipe and we bake a family gingerbread house.
The house usually ends up looking like it's been attacked by a lolly store, but it's a fun and simple thing to do with your kids on Christmas eve. We only make one a year so it's an indulgent treat we all look forward to.
If you are looking for the best recipe for gingerbread men (eating recipes are a bit softer) I urge you to try this recipe. In our family we leave out the allspice and cloves, and even those who don't like gingerbread can't help but munch on a few!
5. Christmas Eve Checklist
Build excitement by involving everyone in preparing for Santa's visit. Our free christmas eve activity is a great way for children to share in the fun and it's a perfect keepsake to cherish for years to come.
Christmas Eve Traditions For Every Family!
The pressure to have a "perfect christmas" can catch even the best of us out at times, but the key to creating moments filled with love and connection, is to tease them out of the everyday moments.
