| Some of us become parents with a long list of family | | | | traditions for your family. A Chinese family might |
| Christmas traditions we want to pass along to our | | | | designate a day during the holiday season when they |
| children. Others of us get to start pretty much from | | | | could all cook regional Chinese dishes together. |
| scratch as our families did not have many Christmas | | | | Of course, you can find many ideas online and in |
| traditions. For most of us, we are somewhere in the | | | | books. Once you find an idea you like, you can make |
| middle. Starting Christmas traditions for your family | | | | it your own and adapt it to your family. Keep it |
| can be a lot of fun. A tradition does not need to be | | | | lighthearted and fun and focus on the enjoyment of |
| elaborate, it can be something very simple that you | | | | family. Some families I have known have made it an |
| all enjoy together. | | | | annual event to drop off fruit baskets to elderly |
| A good family Christmas tradition contains these | | | | neighbors. Others insist that at least one gift for each |
| three key elements: | | | | family member must be handmade by someone else |
| * It is fun or at least enjoyable for everyone. | | | | in the family. |
| * It is something you can do each year with only | | | | All of these plans give your children something to |
| minor variations. | | | | look forward to each year. Make sure to take plenty |
| * It is something that helps you and your family to | | | | of pictures so you can remember these moments |
| feel closer together. | | | | from year to year. If an event becomes a disaster, |
| You can get ideas for annual holiday activities from | | | | take twice as many pictures. Your kids will love to |
| many places. One fun place to look for ideas is the | | | | pull out the pictures of Dad's boiled over soup or |
| country or countries where your ancestors came | | | | Mom's burnt homemade bread each year to laugh |
| from. If your ancestors came from Sweden, for | | | | about the calamity. The time together and shared |
| instance, you may find that baking traditional Swedish | | | | memories are what creates a stronger bond, so don't |
| cookies becomes something your whole family looks | | | | get hung up on perfection or overscheduling. Just |
| forward to all year. If your ancestors are from | | | | pick a few things that are simple and fun. One |
| Ireland, you might learn traditional Irish music. What if | | | | excellent tradition might be that one day during the |
| your ancestors are from a country where Christmas | | | | holiday season is simply family day. No parties, no big |
| was not celebrated much? Look for ways to | | | | deals, just the family and a simple activity like making |
| incorporate the festivities of that place into new | | | | cards or watching a movie. |
