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5 Festive Family Christmas Traditions You Can Start Today

Create Christmas Ornaments Using Objects Found Around the House


I know I say it every year - but I can hardly believe that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away and the end of another year is upon us! 2010 presented its challenges but we have many blessings for which to be grateful. Now, it is time to enjoy all the pleasantries of the season, spend time with my family and friends and relish in old traditions while creating new. Traditions don't have to be complicated, expensive or even demand a whole lot of thought behind them. They are created in the moment; those moments that your children will forever remember and perhaps carryon in their adult life. So, this year I'm sharing 5 festive family Christmas traditions old and new that you can start today! I hope they bring you Christmas cheer and fond memories.

1. Home-made Ornaments: Stores like Michaels and JoAnn's Arts and Crafts make this easy. The hardest part is choosing what kind of ornament to make. From hand-painted glass bulbs, ready to paint ceramics, felts and everything in between you and your children will have a ball creating ornaments for the tree or to give as gifts; grandparents love these! Use your child's school picture in at least one of your creations and every year you'll have a cherished keepsake ornament that eventually turns into a chronology of his/her school years! Below is a fragrant recipe from our Saige Nicole’s Facebook Friend, Rachael, that we think you will really enjoy.

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments: 1/4 - 1/2 cup Elmer's glue
water
glitter
beads, etc.

Mix cinnamon and glue together. You may need to add water if dough is too stiff. The dough needs to be the consistency of cookie dough. Mix in glitter if desired. Roll on to smooth surface. I dust the counter with cinnamon and roll it out on that to keep it from sticking. Use cookie cutters to make desired shapes. Poke hole in top to hang ornament. Decorate with beads, etc. if desired. I also give my kids a toothpick to draw decorations on the ornaments. Let dry for 2-3 days, turning a few times each day. We have some that we made 4 years ago that still smell good!

2. Make It A White Christmas with Paper Snowflakes: One of my favorite memories is cutting out paper snowflakes with my brothers. Once we were done, our parents would help us to hang them from the ceiling with thread or we'd tape them to the windows (nowadays there is special tape to use on windows and walls that won’t leave a sticky residue) Just this simple activity made our home a winter wonderland. MarthaStewart.com has easy to follow instructions on how to fold your paper for the best effects.

3. Attend A Live Christmas Show: There is nothing more exciting than getting dressed up, going to the theatre and seeing your child's face light up when the music begins! Christmas is the perfect time to introduce your child to the stage. Enjoy classic shows like The Nutcracker Ballet, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol or maybe a modern classic like The Radio City Rockettes. Shows don't have to be expensive. Choose a show put on by your local theatre group or university for your child's first experience. The music, scenery and performances are fabulous and ticket prices are generally less expensive than a larger professional venue. Local dinner theatres are always fun too and usually include a 3 course meal with the show.

4. Elf Yourself: JibJab.com is the creator of the huge craze Elf Yourself. On your computer upload pictures of your family and friends and import them into a world of dancing elves! Choose your favorite festive song (anything from We Wish You A Merry Christmas to Feliz Navidad) and when you’re done you have a hilarious animated show! Share with your family and friends via e-mail (for a small fee) and enjoy the laughter.

5. Share Your Good Fortune: It is never too early to teach your children the joy of giving. Look for programs in your community that help bring Christmas to children and families who could use a helping hand. The Salvation Army and Toys For Tots are two well run programs. Check with your church or child's school too they will many time have an Angel Tree or volunteer program that you can participate in.
Well, we hope you enjoy trying a few of these ideas and welcome you to share your holiday traditions too! Until next time we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessed New Year too!!!

Warmly, The Navarro’s and Saige Nicole's baby and toddler boutique
Rick, Wendy, Saige, Quentin and Vaughn