An important and memorable part of Christmas is tradition. However, busy parents of young kids can find it hard to find the time for these extras. But it can be the perfect role for grandparents! Here are some Christmas tradition ideas you could try out on the grandies this year, or come up with your own.
Christmas Eve packs: This could be for the kids and the adults and can be as simple or complicated as you make it. Create your own packs with a hot chocolate sachet, some reindeer food, popcorn, and a Christmas cookie, and then kick back to watch a Christmas movie together. The adults could get wine and cheese.
Christmas PJs: Something that’s picked up steam in recent years is buying special festive PJs to wear on Christmas Eve or night. And the benefit is, everyone looks extra good on Christmas morning for the photos.
Homemade Christmas crackers: The kids can help, or you could make them with special treats inside tailored for their recipient. Or, keep it corny and just include a hat, a Christmas joke, and a chocolate. You could always include a funny photo of the person receiving it, taken throughout the year.
Proof of Santa: This can be huge fun to create, from ‘snow’ on the lounge room floor around the fireplace, to scorch marks on the front lawn where the sleigh landed. Or keep it simple – sprinkle red and green glitter around the garden. We’ve also heard of families planting magic pebbles that turn into jellybean-filled candy canes overnight thanks to the magic of Christmas. A quick Google search will give you plenty of ideas.
Remember lost ones: This could be lighting a candle for them on Christmas Eve or day, or heading up to the cemetery during the Christmas period to visit those special people who have passed. Find what suits you and your family.
Gingerbread houses: An oldie but a goodie. Make a gingerbread house each year and get the little ones to help decorate it. The good news is that there are plenty of kits around now that make it extra easy. Even the teens enjoy getting involved in this one.
The gift of giving: Take the grandkids out to choose a gift for a child their age that can be donated to somewhere like the City Mission to distribute. Or do a supermarket shop and let the kids pick some things they’d like to drop off at a local charity that is distributing Christmas food parcels. It’s a great way to encourage the kids to think outside themselves.
Remember, when it comes to family Christmas traditions, the sky is the limit. Tailor it to what is meaningful and fun for you and your family.
