Instead of stressing over the holidays, resolve to focus on the true meaning of Christmas by starting a new holiday tradition with your family this year. You’ll be creating cherished memories and strengthening your family bond without adding to the Christmas chaos.
TAKE A TRAIN RIDE TO SEE SANTA
We all know Santa’s helpers are stationed in every mall across America. But this year, why not make the annual trip to meet the big guy in the red suit extra magical? Inspired by the holiday classic The Polar Express, railways around the country are treating families to a special train ride to the “North Pole” to meet Santa Claus. Many encourage parents and children to wear their pajamas during the trip in true Polar Express fashion, and most include a special treat or gift from the head elf himself.
ADD TO THEIR ORNAMENT COLLECTION
What makes a Christmas tree special? Its ornaments. Each one should tell a story and reflect the unique personalities and life experiences of the members of your family. This year, start a tradition of getting your children, your spouse and yourself a new ornament that represents something special about each person’s year—a new hobby or interest, a character or movie they fell in love with, a particular event, etc. If you’re a member of the DIY community, handmade ornaments make some of the most special and memorable decorations for your tree. Place a picture of your child with Santa inside a clear ornament along with some fake snow a sprig of holly, immortalize your child’s Christmas list, or make a classic salt dough hand print ornament. Decorating the tree together each year will become a tradition in and of itself as your family reminisces over the unique ornaments you chose or created together.
EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS TO WEAR ON CHRISTMAS MORNING
Make Christmas mornings extra special with a new pair of cozy pajamas for each member of the family. If you celebrate St. Nicholas Day in early December, comfy Christmas jammies make a great stocking stuffer. Or, create a Christmas Eve box with their new pjs and a few stuffers like hot cocoa mix and some peppermints, and make this the only gift they open on Christmas Eve. For a picture perfect Christmas morning, purchase matching or personalized pajamas like these festive family sets for the entire family.
See the rest of the list in the original article on TheDailyClutch.com.
