I’m sure everyone has fond memories of certain things you and your family did every Christmas, whether is was picking out and decorating a Christmas tree, baking cookies or driving around after dark to see the pretty lights. I have a friend who has a fun tradition with her grandkids. They have to sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” before they get their gifts from her, even if they are not youngsters anymore. They have a blast doing it, and so does everyone in the room!
The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!
This idea comes from the December 2019 issue of Magnolia Journal, the magazine from Chip and Joanna Gaines. It is about “simple moments made magical by meaningful time spent with those we love.” Setting aside a full “uninterrupted day at home” of intentional time with your family. Intentional time means there will be some planning to do such as choosing activities that you think your family will really like to do, and it doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy! Most importantly, let it be a surprise for the kids.
On the morning of the special day, get up before the kids, turn on some holiday music and go wake up the kids. You can have a special breakfast together, do some holiday puzzles or maybe whip up some yummy snacks to share with friends and neighbors.
In the afternoon you could deliver all those goodies you made that morning. You could also watch a favorite Christmas movie or play board games or put on a family talent show.
In the evening, how about a make-your-own pizza dinner before piling in the car to look at the Christmas lights? At the end of this most wonderful day, get everyone in their jammies (parents included) and read a Christmas story together before putting out the cookies and milk for Santa.
There is only one thing not allowed on this special day, electronic devises, including phones. As the article says, “If you want to snap pictures to help remember the day, use an old-school camera!
As the kids get older, let them be a part of the planning. Perhaps one day, they will surprise you with a most wonderful day of the year!
