I’ve learned that Christmas is an elusive day that seems to take centuries to arrive…..when you’re a kid. When you’re a parent, Christmas Day gives you a shy little wave at Halloween, a timid step forward at Thanksgiving, and then rushes toward you at breakneck speed the entire month of December. It’s insane! Decorating, making lists, shopping, wrapping, shipping: what used to be a fun leisurely season at times now feels like a ticking time bomb. I will never again state that I “have plenty of time” until the big day. Don’t be surprised when your 2021 Christmas card shows up next year in September.
All that being said, now that we’re a week away, I’m trying to slow down a bit and truly embrace the joy that radiates out of my three year old. Everything is magical for her and that’s what the season should be about…..not paying $25 for standard shipping (thanks, Shutterfly!) or wondering if Santa’s plexi-glass face shield will fog up as he attempts to give out a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” during their distanced brief encounter (thanks, Covid). At a certain point, we have to declare the chaotic side of the holidays complete and allow ourselves to enjoy this fleeting time.
Whether leaning into the new normal or fighting to keep things as consistent as possible, traditions play a vital role in the nostalgia of Christmas. Here are a few ideas of stress-free new traditions you still have time to start this year that the entire family can enjoy:
Baking Christmas Cookies. I love to bake and the holidays are the perfect excuse for Lyla and me to gather around the stand mixer as much as possible. She loves mixing, stirring, and whisking anything that I hand her way and then using the cookie cutters to stamp out the fun shapes. Obviously, the most fun part is the decorating. While messy, it’s totally worth it to watch her little face light up. I’ve baked for many years, so the new tradition comes in as I get to share the fun with my daughter. The nostalgia shows through as we use my late grandmother’s vintage cookie cutters. Baked goods make the perfect gift for friends and neighbors as well. FYI: I do not let the three year old help with gifted treats….we have some years to go before her kitchen hygiene skills have been perfected to a satisfactory level for others. Try to do the “real” baking when the babes are out of the house so they don’t feel like they’re missing out.
Turn off the Lights. Not as creepy as it sounds. I vividly remember as a kid (usually the first night that the tree was up) we would turn on the tree lights and shut off all other light sources downstairs….including the ever-present TV glow. Just for a couple of minutes we would admire our work and bask in the happiness that the season was upon us. Take this as an opportunity to shut down the noise and bustle for a moment and be present with your family.
Charitable Causes. Getting the kids involved in the true spirit of the season is very important and a great tradition to start. They are never too young to learn the beautiful art of selflessness and charity. Going caroling, adopting an Angel Tree angel, visiting the animal shelter, participating in school toy drives, whatever you can get them involved in, do it. Kids love helping others and performing simple acts of kindness, especially this time of year, will make the holidays that much better.
Candy Cane Hunt. A friend told me about this one and I think it’s adorable! It’s essentially an Easter egg hunt, but with candy canes. You hide the candies either inside or out and then give the kids a set amount of time to find as many as they can. Whoever finds the most gets a prize. For older children, you could have teams and turn this into a scavenger hunt with clues to find the next candy cane.
Reading The Night Before Christmas. This is an oldie, but goody. On Christmas Eve at bedtime have everyone in the house gather around, and let someone read this book aloud.
Best Lights Award. I’ve never done this, but we plan to start this year. You tell the kids that it’s bedtime and have them get into their jammies. Then as a surprise, load the family into the car (warmed and ready with hot cocoa and Christmas carols). Drive through your neighborhood and select the house that offers the best light and decoration display. Place a $5 or $10 giftcard in their mailbox with a card that they are the “Jones’” family’s 2020 favorite and this is a thank you for spreading such cheer.
Christmas Movie & Popcorn Night. This is something you may already do, or it may be a great alternative this year to going to the theater. Allow young kids to decide on one movie, or if you have older kids with a longer attention span let it be a marathon with everyone’s faves back to back. Pop some popcorn,….my non-toxic self must chime in here for one second and suggest that you pop it au natural on the stove or get an air popper as the microwave bags’ liners contain a slew of awful chemicals… cozy up on the couch, and enjoy these timeless flicks.
I’d like to wish each and every one of you joy and a feeling of peace this Christmas. Give yourself the gift of self care and being present during this all too often hectic time. Embrace the family that you may at times take for granted. Laugh. Drink cocoa. Sing those carols as loud as you can. Pray for those who need it. Say hello to strangers…since we can’t see smiles. Be thankful for the little things. Above all, exude the love and kindness that truly makes this the most wonderful time of the year.
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