5 New Holiday Traditions to Create With Your Children

1. Scavenger Gift Hunt

Children adore waking up to a pile of presents under the tree on Christmas morning. But they also love scavenger hunts and surprises. Combine the two to stretch out the gift-opening fun.

Many scavenger hunt “clues” are available for free download. Start by wrapping up the first clue in a box under the tree, perhaps with a small gift. Continue the treasure hunt throughout the house until the final gift is found. The novelty of the experience will be a fun memory.

2. Surprise a Stranger

Helping out others isn’t a new concept when it comes to the holidays, of course. If you haven’t involved your children in giving back yet, this year is a great time to start.

Perhaps there’s an elderly neighbor who could use some cheer or an exhausted single mom who could use a pleasant surprise. Plan a small gift and leave it on their doorstep with an anonymous note, or ask someone else to deliver it anonymously for you. Again, children love surprises. Teaching them the joy of surprising others is a lifelong gift.

3. Virtual Family Talent Show

Virtual learning and meetings have become old hat by now. But have you thought about the new tradition of a virtual family talent show? Reach out to friends and family you’d typically see at the holidays, as well as those you wouldn’t.

Challenge everyone to come up with a holiday-themed talent to share, either live or pre-recorded. Silly songs, goofy skits, dramatic readings, and more can keep all of you in laughs in the moment and for years to come.

4. Family New Year Celebration

New Year’s Eve has often been a time for the adults to go out while the kids stay home. This year, create a fun celebration at home. Make the living room extra cozy with lots of blankets and pillows — stock up on special snacks and treats.

Together, share your hopes and dreams for the new year. This moment might even be a good time to create a family mission statement for the year ahead. Perhaps you can dream about activities and vacations you’ll do together when the pandemic is over.

5. Create Something Together

Holiday crafting is about as traditional as you can get. You can put a new twist on this by undertaking a creative project that all of you work on as a family. Many children’s art blogs have great ideas for large family canvas paintings with instructions on getting started.

Or compile a book together, with each of you sharing memories of the year. Children who don’t write yet can dictate to an adult. Adults can include a letter written for each of their children. Use an online program or easy desktop publishing programs to put it all together.

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If you feel like you’re drowning under the weight of 2020 and how it’s changed parenting roles, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Despite everything, you can end the year with your children on a meaningful note.

Please reach out to us today or visit our Parenting Support page to learn more about how I can help.