No two Christmas celebrations are the same. Indeed, what makes the festive season so special are all the comforting traditions that come with it. They could have been forged over years, decades, even centuries (if you’re part of the Royal Family perhaps.)
Traditions are particularly easy to foster when children are young, but once they leave the nest have conflicting commitments or have families of their own, old traditions can fade. But that just gives you the opportunity to create new ones! Whether you have a young family or are trying to bring your existing family back together to create new memories, here are a few ways to create new traditions the whole family will treasure.
What kind of family are you?
A family tradition can be anything you want it to be. Begin by thinking about what you like doing together. Maybe you’re a competitive bunch, in which case a family sports day or talent show could be a great way to have some fun together. If you’re more laid back, do something more soothing like baking, put some Christmas lights up throughout the house or settle down with your favourite movie at some point during the festive period.
Traditions can also be as big or small as you like. If you want something easy to incorporate into the schedule, invent some rules about when everyone’s allowed to open their presents, who sits where at the dinner table and what colour you should all wear on the big day.
Who’s involved?
Christmas traditions don’t have to be limited to your family. They can also include your friends and work colleagues. Think about bringing a fancy dress tradition to work and dress up as your favourite Christmas characters, start a Christmas bake sale with endless piles of homemade mince pies (no one’s complaining) or get everyone around the microphone for a karaoke session!
As for traditions with your friends, there’s no better time than when you’re all home in the same city. Go for a lavish dinner out, hit the tiles on Christmas Eve or hold a game night with lots of mulled wine on the stove. It’ll give you all a reason to get together at least once every year.
Decide what you want from your tradition
Maybe it’s a physical souvenir that can be passed down for generations, maybe it’s to find a moment of calm amongst all the Christmas mayhem or maybe it’s just about having fun together. Setting a goal for your traditions helps you shape them and incentivise everyone to join in. Whatever your tradition ends up being, it’ll always hold meaning to those you love most.