There are many traditions associated with Christmas that have travelled down through the ages and that still serve to warm family hearts at this time of year. However, it can be just as much fun, if not even more bonding to start a new tradition. Here are a few ideas to help you spice up an old one or find a new one that your family could embrace!
A Few Well-Known Traditions
- Lighting the Yule Log – Originating as a Roman celebration of the birthday of the sun, Christians adopted the tradition to celebrate the birthday of the son, i.e., the Son of God, Jesus. To embrace this tradition, choose a small log and carve a hole suitable to use as a candle holder. Then, decorate with a candle and winter evergreens and use as a table centre on Christmas Day.
- Christmas Cards – The sending of greeting cards actually dates back to Roman and ancient Egyptian times and whilst it is still practiced today, it has become something of a chore to many. Little wonder when the practice is habitual rather than done in love. What a wonderful opportunity the season provides for writers to send little notes or even letters. To truly light up the life of loved ones, take the opportunity to write a message and don’t simply add names to a verse written by someone else.
- Carol Singing – This tradition dates back to the 14th century, but today, it’s not often performed as it was in days gone by. Originally, carolers danced in a ring to accompany their singing. Try it this Christmas to add a sparkle to your carol singing!
- Advent Calendars – A countdown to Christmas that began in Germany around 1870. The chocolate companies seem to have taken over supplying these today, but why not return to the original and create personalized calendars for loved ones. Use fabric to create a 24-pocket calendar and fill each one with a little gift and to be true to tradition, a scripture.
- Plum Pudding – Finding its way to Christmas tables in the 18th century, the plum pudding was not only set alight after having brandy poured over it, but it also contained pieces of silver. Recreate this tradition by making your own puddings and putting 3 or 4 silver coins into the mixture, but don’t forget to boil them first!
A Few Modern Ideas
- Gift Tags – Save gift tags and use them to decorate the Christmas tree to remember special people at this special time.
- Tree Ornaments – Buy tree ornaments to mark special moments, births, weddings, holidays etc. and each one will bring back warm memories of a time shared and loved.
- Family Card Giving – Take time amid the hustle and bustle to sit down together at a set time just before Christmas and exchange cards. Remember to fill them with words of love too!
- Bake Cookies Together – A great activity to start when the children are young. Spend precious time together and at the same time teach them the value of giving by baking for other people.
- Christmas Card Prayers – After Christmas, put all of the Christmas cards into a bag and pull one (or more) out at each shared mealtime and use it to inspire prayer for those who mailed the card.
- Christmas Breakfast – Make this a special time where traditional food is eaten together before the day begins. Stollen is a traditional German cake that makes breakfast festive!
- Table Gifts – Ask everyone coming to Christmas dinner to buy an inexpensive table gift (set a limit for spending) for one of the other guests. After enjoying a feast together, the presents can be opened.
If you have a great idea, share it – you could make someone else’s Christmas special in a new way!
