Dec 05, 2011

The holidays are right around the corner, which means the house is bustling with excitement! Everyone is busy decorating, finishing up school, hosting extended family, and picking out the perfect Christmas tree! With everything that's going on it's important to make sure that family comes first. After all, that's what the holidays are all about - spending time with the people you love.

Family traditions are always fun. Doesn't matter if these traditions are crazy, wacky, or sentimental, traditions are meant to be shared and cherished. Traditions most often start organically and over time but here are some festive traditions that we've found.

Photo by photostock

1. PJs on Christmas Eve. The excitement of Christmas Eve tends to create a buzz around the house, so why not cozy up in your comfy PJs, enjoy some hot chocolate, sit by the fire and if the kids are lucky they'll get to open one present early! 

2. Christmas Eve Surprise Cookies. Unfortunately, some people have to work Christmas Eve and are unable to be with their families. Baking cookies with the kids then wrapping them up to give to firefighters, hospital workers, or even emergency responders, is a small way to cheer them up when they can't be with their family. Plus, who doesn't enjoy getting freshly baked cookies?

3. A yearly ornament. Try giving your kids an ornament each year until they leave for college that represents something significant that happened that year. For example, if your son was the MVP during the basketball season, get him a basketball ornament or something sporty to signify his accomplishment. Make sure you give these annual ornaments on a set day each year so it's something for them to look forward too! 

4. Christmas plays. Sometimes when you have a bunch of extended family staying with you it's hard to know what to do with such a large group. A Christmas play is the perfect option. There are many options available to you, just look online to see what's offered in your local area and when.

Hopefully this list has provided you with some traditions that you can start this holiday season. We hope that despite the hustle and bustle of the season your family comes first and you enjoy the time spent together. 

Be sure to check out Family Fun for more great ideas this holiday season. (http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/) 

We'd also love to know what your family traditions are so leave us a comment! 

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