Christmas traditions and rituals are a huge part of our happy memories. Looking back,  it’s not really the gifts that we remember most. Rather, it’s that snug feeling that they bring which we look forward to every year. As the family grows, the more we appreciate these annual rituals.

We can add a new twist or make new traditions to create new memories that we can take with us wherever we go. Here are a few ideas to refresh or start Christmas traditions. 

Start a holiday-themed time capsule. Give each family member a memory box to hold present-day items (photos, drawings, toy/s, pieces of clothing, newspaper clipping). Put things that mean something to the family. The capsule doesn’t have to be fancy. A storage box (carton or plastic) with a lid is just perfect. Decorate the outer box with stickers, scrapbook paper and mark it with the name and year. To make it more fun, do a “Christmas Past” theme where each one can add items. You all close the box on Christmas Eve as you gather around the tree, store it and only to be opened once a year at an agreed time during Christmas-New Year season. This could also be a good time to pass a family heirloom to the kids for added memory. Write a short note or letter to yourself or to each kid before closing the box. Do this every year. As the mementos fill up the box every year, so will the memories of “growing up” together as a family. Of course, mom and dad should have a box of their own time capsules, too. 

Tree twists. Christmas won’t be complete without the tree. You can add a twist to your trimmings by encouraging the brood to add something personal like a small toy or trinket. Add a fun tree topper, one that your kids can choose as an added touch. 

How about a more sustainable alternative to tinsel and glitter? Decorate your indoor houseplants, flowers and leaves – big and small – with festive trimmings. Or do a plastic spoon Christmas tree (use spray paint in festive colours to coat each plastic tower). When everything’s done up, post them on social media, maybe it could spark an idea for your followers.  Make this an annual ritual that can trigger a magical feeling with everyone involved in decorating. And we don’t have to add to environmental concerns by logging pine or fir trees. 

DIY Wreaths. Home trimmings deserve as much attention as the Christmas tree. Adorn the doors (walls and windows, too) with colourful stylised wreaths made of loose leaves, ribbons, bows, festive balls, scrap figs and twigs, Daddy’s patterned neckties, pom-poms and more. All you need is a creative inspiration. Make it a collaborative effort with the rest of the family for an extra dose of fun.

Jing-A-Ling Playlist. Create a mishmash of songs with everyone in the family adding their own personal favourites to the playlist. You’ll be surprised at the diverse range of tunes the whole family can come up with. Dad’s rock ‘n roll and classical music. Mom’s Michael Bubble or Nora Jones’ selections. The teens’ rap and pop songs. The little ones’ jingly Fa-La-La carols. Make it an annual ritual to add to a rocking Christmas celebration.

Giving back. Teach the kids how simple acts of kindness and generosity when given to the less privileged is living the true spirit of Christmas. It’s as good a time as any to spring-clean. Choose a good cause (like an orphanage or an elderly home) and customise care packages. Set a timetable for your family members (a week is ideal) to choose unused / barely used clothes, books, toys, gadgets (make sure they work) etc. Have these items packed in individual categorised boxes (ex. toys for ages 6 and below). Then pick a family day to personally deliver these care packages to your chosen beneficiaries. Make this a yearly “event” to instill community compassion. Repeated little acts of good deed will have a positive impact on your kids’ life as they grow older.

Potluck food exchange. There’ll always be an abundance of food at Christmastime. Initiate a food exchange with your neighbours, friends and relatives. Better yet, cook up a feast and host a small gathering for pre-select indigent families nearby. You can invite your friends to chip in a potluck dish. It will double the joy of the Season of Giving. 

Yule twists to recipes. A lot of the fond memories of Christmas past come from repasts. Those once-a-year dishes provoke warm, cozy flavours that tap into nostalgia. No Christmas table is complete without the roast turkey, roast pork loin, apple pie, casseroles, eggnogs  and log cakes. How about putting a seasonal twist on granny’s and mommy’s recipes? Are you up for eggnog cupcakes, or Nutella log cakes? You’re not changing the entire recipe, just adding something new to boost food presentation and/or enhance the taste.  

Instead of serving eggnog in a glass, you can infuse it in cookies for a decadent holiday dessert. Or try the combo of apples-sausage for turkey stuffing. You can also serve the apple-sausage stuffing as a side dish, next to the turkey platter. A touch of artsy design will perk up the pies. Bake your own version of Yule log cake, a must at Christmas tables, by using your own recipe. You might end up with a classic that could be a yummy addition to your family recipe book. 

If cooking or baking is not your thing, set the dining and buffet tables with touches of holiday trimmigs to bump up the festive mood.

Make DIY presents no one will re-gift. Get crafty. Any gift when made with personal touch is more meaningful to those who receive it. Take arts and crafts to the next level. Encourage family members, especially the younger ones, to craft a gift – in any shape or size – to give to family and friends. YouTube and Instagram have many DIY gifts ideas to kick-start your own inspired presents. They may take a little bit of time and effort but that’s what makes DIY handmade gifts so special. 

Host a movie marathon. Bring out the popcorn, fizzies, desserts and hit the start button. But first, spruce up a designated movie theatre space where you can cosy up replete with throw pillows, cushy seats and cuddly stuff toys. Have a selection of movies that appeal to all ages, although it may take time for everyone to agree on what to watch. Start with Marvel classics and Disney all-time favourites. Check out streaming networks like Netflix, Disney, HBO and Amazon Prime for seasonal releases. The point is we could all use some quiet “downtime” after a day of non-stop eating, drinking, singing and chattering.   

Matching holiday-sparked outfits. The kids might find it cheesy, but once they get the hang of it wearing matching outfits on Christmas day could be fun and funny. Imagine showing up to a family clan reunion in a matching red shirt and green skirt/shorts/pants (optional: Santa hats).  It will certainly make for fun conversions, and will make holiday photos more festive! You can even start an inter-family competition at reunions for the “best dressed family” to add a bit of entertainment. 

Refreshing Christmas traditions and rituals, especially with inspired collaborations with family and friends, not only kindle camaraderie but also make your Christmas celebrations merrier in the coming years. 

Debbie | ws