| There's something inherently magical about the | | | | decorate with all the more special. A day spent |
| Christmas season. - We're all more patient, more | | | | decorating your house not only makes the |
| loving, and a bit more aware and thankful of all | | | | Christmas decorating easier on everyone, but a |
| the blessings that we're surrounded by. So it | | | | far more enjoyable experience than doing it alone. |
| should really come as no surprise to anyone that | | | | 4. A lesser-known tradition that my family loves is |
| the holiday season is the one where families and | | | | the gag gifts. My family is quite large, but it can |
| loved ones spend the most time together. With all | | | | be done with any number of people. Here's how it |
| the Christmas baking and decorating, this time | | | | works: soon after Thanksgiving, have everyone |
| spent together isn't just for holiday parties! - | | | | write their name on small pieces of paper. Jumble |
| There is something magical about growing up with | | | | the names in a hat, and have everyone draw out |
| wonderful holiday traditions, and so here we're | | | | a name, making sure that no one gets their own |
| going to talk about five things you can do to not | | | | name. The name a person draws is the person |
| only boost your holiday spirit, but leave your child | | | | they have to buy a goofy, funny, or |
| with some of the most amazing Christmas | | | | embarrassing gag gift for. You can choose if |
| season memories. | | | | everyone should know who has drawn whom, or |
| 1. Anyone who's done Christmas shopping in the | | | | if you want to keep it a secret until Christmas |
| past is sure to have seen those small, 2-3 foot | | | | Eve, when the gifts are specially delivered and |
| tall Christmas trees they sell. They're cheap and | | | | opened! It's a lot of fun, and is a great activity |
| small enough for easy storage, and a perfect | | | | that can have a lot of thought put into it! |
| way to spruce up a child's room. Buy one for | | | | 5. Planning Christmas themed activity nights with |
| your kid, and spend some time finding ornaments | | | | your family is also a great way to bring everyone |
| and decorations that fit their interests together! | | | | together. Whip up some hot chocolate, eggnog, or |
| Does your daughter love pink? Go out with her | | | | hot cider and some snacks, and pull up a collection |
| and look for some pretty pink ornaments and | | | | of Christmas movies to watch. Or you could plan |
| lights, or just buy up one of those pink trees! Or | | | | a Christmas carol karaoke night! There are plenty |
| maybe your son loves football. - You're sure to | | | | of fun things you can do with your family, and |
| be able to find football ornaments! Decorating one | | | | planning these little mini parties is a great way to |
| of those mini trees with your kid is a great way | | | | bond and create some fun holiday memories. |
| to bond in the Christmas season. | | | | It's so unfortunate that many of us spend so |
| 2. Christmas cookies are probably one of the | | | | much effort doing the things that create stress |
| most common holiday traditions. - Who doesn't | | | | around the holidays, when with just a little bit of |
| bake up cookies to give away to friends and | | | | time and energy we can do the things that really |
| family? Inviting your kids to help you bake holiday | | | | make Christmas special and bring our families |
| treats is a great way to spend time together! | | | | closer together. This is a time of loving, kindness, |
| You can also decorate some pretty tins with your | | | | and fun. This season opens itself up for endless |
| child to put cookies into that they can give to | | | | ways to enjoy it, and no matter what your |
| teachers or friends! So get the Christmas music | | | | interests are you can find a great activity that |
| playing and start baking those treats! | | | | you enjoy. For children, these are some of the |
| 3. Christmas crafts are another great thing to do | | | | most magical, memorable moments they'll ever |
| with your children. - Making ornaments or holiday | | | | remember, and all of these wonderful traditions |
| themed decorations to place around the house | | | | will only make them that much more special. |
| can be very fun and make all the things you | | | | |