Getting your daily chocolate hit via an advent calendar is a classic Christmas tradition – but why not make it more personal by creating your own? All you need is a cork board, some small envelopes, and your imagination!
Take 25 envelopes (or you could use small boxes – take a look in the gift section of your local dollar store) and decorate them with the numbers 1-25. Fill them with treats of your choosing, and then pin them on the cork board in the shape of a Christmas tree!
You can fill the boxes or envelopes with small toys, playing cards, sweet treats, or hand-made redeemable vouchers – such as a trip to the park, or getting to choose the next family film. Every day is a new surprise, and this is a great option for families who are trying to be more active.
Advent calendars are a great way for the whole family to get involved in festivities.
source: Buzzfeed.com
Personalise an Ornament
Add your favourite memories to your Christmas tree with personalised ornaments. Every time a family member looks at these ornaments it will bring a smile to their face. Baubles and Stockings are easy ways to incorporate personalisation with a name, year and message.
Twelve days of giving
We all know that the true meaning of Christmas is about giving. Brighten up someone else’s festive season and share the merriness with others.
Pick an activity that you can do as a family which involves giving back to the community. Why not bake extra cookies to take a local nursing home, or deliver Christmas leftovers to neighbours which you know might be having a difficult holiday season. Fill old shoe boxes with toys and school supplies and give them to a local charity which cares for disadvantaged children. Or, volunteer at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter.
Experiences like these are sure to remind the family what Christmas is really about, and create lasting memories for years to come.
Incorporate another culture’s tradition
Learn how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in another language, or even better – sing a Christmas carol. This is a great one to keep brains active for the young and old alike – and you can add a new language to the repertoire each year!
Add some new food to the table, such as potato latkes, pastels or Mexican Wedding Cakes – keep an eye on our website for recipes to come. If you have friends from different cultures, invite everyone over for a potluck party, where you can share Christmas traditions.
Catch a Christmas Moment
Make taking a family photo an annual tradition. See how everyone grows and changes over the years. Share the spirit of Christmas and create lasting memories with a Magical Santa Experience thanks to Christmas Memories.
Holiday Greetings with a Special Touch
Send festive wishes this season by creating handmade Christmas cards that will be treasured by all your family and friends. Simply gather your craft supplies including some pre-card craft cards, glitter, ribbons, pictures and other crafty extras and let your imagination loose!
Visit a Christmas tree farm
If you’re the type of clan who enjoys the smell of fresh pine and opts for a fresh Christmas tree each year – it’s time for a family outing in the great outdoors!
Have a surf online to find your closest tree farm, and then pack the tribe into the car and go for a drive. Often these large tree farms are beautiful and and outside of the cities, so if you live in town, this is a great excuse for a family day trip to get some fresh air.
Pack a picnic and hit the road in search of the perfect festive fir. You can then make a game out of who can find the best Christmas tree!