*Also published on FamiliesOfMultiples.com
Holiday music and caroling. December television specials and movies. Christmas plays at church and exchanging gifts. There is a holiday tradition out there for everyone, and many that Christmastime is known for. No matter which way you spend time with your family, you will be making memories for years to come.
Decorating Christmas Trees
A Christmas tree is, of course, a given, and we let the kids help decorate. How do you solve the dilemma of who gets to put the star on the tree when you have multiples? A tree for each child! Each of our twins get to add the star to the top of their own tree (with some help from Dad). Most of the ornaments are handmade by them, so we've made it a tradition to take time to look and reminisce about each while hanging them up.
Christmas Lights
You can decorate your own home or go out and see decorations everyone else has put up. Our advice? Do both! Driving through neighborhoods on a Christmas light scavenger hunt and looking at the lights makes for a great family tradition. You can sing along to Christmas music the whole time. Most cities have professional setups that you can drive through and see elaborate lightings, moving lights, animatronic elves, etc.
Santa Visits
What's more fun than celebrating the holiday than taking your kids to visit the big man in red? They take their obligatory picture, and the kids can tell him what they're hoping to get for Christmas. Don't sweat it if your kids cry in their early pictures with Santa. It's a right of passage that many kids have to go through. Trust me, you'll cherish that tear filled Santa pic, and laugh about it together for years to come.
Santa Letters
Kids love writing their wishes down and mailing them to the North Pole. It's a great way to find out what they want for Christmas. Sending a letter off to Santa also adds to the magic and wonder of the holiday. As a good teaching moment, and a great way to teach your children kindness and thoughtfulness, have them also ask Santa for things for other people, not just themselves. They may surprise you.
Gingerbread Houses
Building a gingerbread house with your kids can be a lot of fun. It also lets everyone's creative side come out. Does it get a tad frustrating when the house doesn't stand up on its own? Of course, but apply enough frosting, and everything will stick together as it should. Gumball sidewalks, hard candy windows, the possibilities are endless. Bonus, after Christmas you can start another tradition: Gingerbread house demolition!
Caroling
Caroling is not only a fun activity that your family will enjoy, but it's also a way to spread joy to others. Unless you have a really big family, you'll likely need to wrangle some friends into your caroling group or make it a community or church event. As you sing the Christmas standards, watch as people's faces light up with smiles. If you really want to spread joy, treat a retirement home to your group's holiday music repertoire.
Is there a holiday tradition that brings you and your family together? It could be something as simple as cuddling up on a couch watching Christmas movies.
Let us know what puts you and yours into the Christmas spirit! Also check out our Christmas movie and Christmas crafts suggestions. Maybe you can start some new traditions of your own.