Making the Holidays Impactful
The holiday rush is fast approaching. Your kids are excited for the decorations, family time, and gifts under the tree. Meanwhile, you might be dreading the hustle, endless shopping, and commercialization of the season – all while hoping for something more meaningful. So, how can you make this time of year everything it was meant to be? What if you could bring the core principles of camp into your holiday celebrations? Here are a few ideas to spark some creativity for you and your family.
GRACE
In a world where Thanksgiving is often about overeating and football, and Christmas seems reduced to Santa Claus and shopping ads, it’s important to help your family stay intentional about what the season truly means. Here are some ideas to bring gratitude and reflection into your celebrations.
Gratitude Journal: Keep a gratitude journal during the week of Thanksgiving. Each night, have your children write what they’re thankful for. On Thanksgiving Day, spend time reflecting on everything you’re grateful for from the week. You could even continue this tradition year-round, creating a keepsake of gratitude to review each Thanksgiving.
Advent Storybook: Purchase an Advent storybook to read together each night leading up to Christmas. One great option is Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide, part of a series of Advent stories. These stories will keep kids engaged and help focus the family on the message of Jesus.
Advent Wreath and Calendar: Make a simple Advent wreath and consider a religious-themed Advent calendar. Each evening, light a candle on the wreath and open a new day on the calendar before reading your Advent story.
COMMUNITY
The holidays are a time for family and relationships. However, for some, family gatherings may not be possible due to distance, loss, or estranged relationships. Still, you can build community during the season.
Thanksgiving Guests: Choose one or two families or individuals who can’t be with their families for Thanksgiving and invite them to spend the day with you.
Christmas Eve Reunion via Zoom: Host a virtual family reunion on Christmas Eve. Invite family members from near and far to join a Zoom call. Plan the call to avoid chaos: start with someone reading the Christmas story, allow time for each family to share updates, and even set up breakout rooms so adults and kids can connect separately. Keep it short to let everyone enjoy time with their immediate family.
Community Outreach: Extend your family celebration into the community. Invite a neighbor over for cookies and games, go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood, or host a holiday gathering for people from your church or neighborhood who might be spending the holidays alone. Involve your kids in planning the activities to make it even more special.
ADVENTURE
This season, consider stepping away from screens and crowded stores. Create family adventures your kids will always remember.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Cards: Instead of watching football all day, have your kids make thank-you cards for people working on Thanksgiving – such as police officers, firefighters, hospital staff, and gas station attendants. Then, head out and deliver your cards around town. It’s a powerful way to spread gratitude.
Opt for Outdoor Adventures: To borrow REI’s phrase, “opt outside” this holiday. Rather than staying in for a big meal, consider packing a holiday meal and exploring the outdoors. You could go snowshoeing, hike to a waterfall, get a permit and cut down your own Christmas tree, or visit a local park for disc golf. The options are endless!
DIY Gifts: Skip shopping and make your own gifts instead. The experience will be full of secret planning, creativity, and family bonding. Handmade gifts may be simple, but they can become lifelong treasures – like the blanket my grandma knit for me nearly 50 years ago.
BELONGING
Belonging and being together make the holidays special. Slow down this season and focus on creating memories that cultivate connection.
Make Holiday Tasks Meaningful: Turn tasks into traditions. Host a tree-decorating party with treats and music, bake holiday treats together, or challenge your family to complete all Christmas shopping in one day. Plan ahead with gift ideas and stores to visit, then divide up to keep gifts a surprise. End the day with dinner at a favorite restaurant to celebrate.
Attend Community Events: Many community holiday events make great traditions, such as Christmas parades, holiday concerts and pageants, tree lighting ceremonies, or Christmas Eve services. Let your family choose a few events to enjoy together each year.
Explore Global Traditions: Try incorporating Christmas traditions from other cultures into your celebrations. Each week leading up to Christmas, dedicate a family night to experience a new tradition, like Las Posadas or Hanukkah. A quick online search will offer plenty of ideas for unique traditions from around the world.
Enjoy the holiday season, and we’d love to hear about any creative ideas you try. May your family experience the true joy and presence of Christ in all you do this season.
