7 ideas for making your Christmas holidays a real family affair

As far as I am concerned Christmas is all about family and about making the holidays special for the children in our lives. It is also a time to give to others and create fond memories.

Below are some of my favorite ideas for making your Christmas holidays a real family affair. For more ideas on how to promote family togetherness this holiday please see my recent family posts.

Host A Holiday Baking Day

Invite an older relative and ask her to teach you and the kids how to make a treat that’s part of the heritage you all share.

Family Slumber Party

For a great bonding activity, set aside one night in December and put your sleep bags around the tree. Have finger foods for dinner and watch a holiday movie.

Present Pass

This game is great fun at extended family gatherings where there are lots of kids. All the kids get in a circle and are each given one wrapped gift. An adult starts reading a story and the children pass their gift to the left every time the word “and” is read aloud. At the end of the story, each child gets to keep the present they are holding.

Record A Christmas Activity

Videotape your child doing a specific Christmas activity such as placing the star on top of the tree or handing out the first present. Each year record more of the same activity. Over the years, you will have created a wonderful memento of your child growing up.

Assist With Gift Giving Lists

Set aside some time at the beginning of the holiday season to help your children plan their gift-giving lists.

A Little One On One Time

To make each of your children feel special at Christmas take them out individually for dinner and holiday shopping.

Candle Blessings

When setting your table for Christmas dinner include a single unlit candle at each place setting. After the meal, go around the table and light the candle of the person to your left while giving a blessing, a prayer, or words of encouragement.

For more ideas on how to bring your family closer together this holiday season please stay tuned to my future family posts.