Look, I’m a sentimental gal. Over the years, my crew and I have put some traditions into play that are still important to us to this day. It’s a mashup of things from my childhood, things from my husband’s childhood, and things we’ve done through the years with our kids. So I’ll likely be the first one to tell you to keep up those customs and holiday traditions that you look forward to every year.
But…
We’ve been adding some new things. As our family continues to grow with new in-law kids and with grandbabies, we also want to build in holiday customs that reflect everyone in our family, not just the OGs. Our in-law kids have added new favorite dishes to the holiday table and fun games. We’ve discovered new music (hello, Dominick the Donkey!). And we’ve also added a few more health-focused practices to leave us feeling energized and rested post-holiday, instead of in the usual sugar-crash rut.
Holiday traditions seem to be a blend of what you intentionally do and in those magical unplanned moments when you laugh until you cry or you see all the beauty of the season through a child’s eyes. Leave some room for unexpected fun, and also consider adding some of these ideas to your holiday this year!
10 Envelopes: This idea comes from social media and fitness influencer Chalene Johnson. She and her family each write ten heart-felt cards of encouragement, put each card in an envelope with some cash, and look for people to bless throughout the holiday season, people she encounters at the post office, at Target, or at a restaurant. For example, if she sees a member of the military at a store, she’ll approach them, wish them a Merry Christmas, thank them for their service, and hand them one of her ten envelopes. If she sees a young mom wrangling kids at the park, she’ll give her one of the ten envelopes. Chalene and her family don’t sign the cards; they remain anonymous. It’s a way to encourage others in your community with an unexpected blessing.
Smoothie Bar: I’m the first one to admit that, even though we try to eat pretty healthy the rest of the year, I’ve been known to create an absolute sugar craze of a coffee-and-snacks bar for the holidays. I’ve loaded down the top of the buffet with glass jars of every kind of candy, had all kinds of coffee syrups on hand, and lay out all the ingredients needed, including several varieties of marshmallows and sprinkles, to create the hot cocoa of your dreams.
To be honest, there will still be some of that going down this Christmas, but I loved this idea that I ran across. What about a smoothie bar? Bust out the blender, provide a variety of milks like diary, oat, and soy, put out a beautiful variety of berries that match the season, like green kiwi and red berries, green spinach and red raspberries. Have some toppings available like granola, toasted coconut, and cinnamon, and get those Christmas mornings off to a good start for you and your guests!
Reverse Santa: Here’s another idea to put a spin on the season. Sure, having everyone put together their wish list is a great way to get your shopping on. But since Christmas is about giving, also have each person in your family create a Reverse Santa List, a list of things they can each give. For example, maybe you have a family member who bakes the most amazing cookies. Maybe someone in the family can offer to lead a family stretch class one evening. Perhaps another family member is on a really tight budget when it comes to holiday shopping but would love to gift their time to help with a project. Giving doesn’t have to be about a material present or an expensive experience.
Holiday Hike: And, no, this doesn’t have to be out in the wilderness. Head out on a holiday hike through your neighborhood one evening, taking in the holiday lights. Want to level it up? Create a scavenger hunt list, where everyone searches for a snowman or particular kind of wreath or color of light. With Christmas movies, kitchen duties, board games, and cold weather, it can be all too easy to stay indoors. Look for opportunities to get in some steps while making some memories this holiday season. You’ll thank yourself when January rolls around!
Kid Magic That Doesn’t Need Sugar: Create a sensory table for the kids to explore and make it holiday-themed! Cinnamon sticks, pine cones, jingle bells (get ones that are larger to avoid any choking hazard), green and red PlayDoh (and be sure and check out this recipe for homemade edible playdough that has just two ingredients!), holiday figurines, and a collection of Christmas stocking hats can make playtime even more festive! Also schedule a story time under the Christmas tree.
Holiday Show: With my extended family, we threw a live-action nativity play one year that led to some of the best Christmas memories ever. And one of the best parts of it was that the tweens and teens helped pull the whole thing together with the younger kids. Engage your tweens and teens in the family festivities by having them head up a play, a choreography challenge, or a DIY ugly sweater contest. Let them bring their tech and creativity to the party by having them shoot and edit a video of all the shenanigans. There’s often so much focus on younger children at Christmas that it’s important to let older kids know that they are a valued part of the family fun!
Yes, the holidays are a whirl. Yes, the holidays bring a whole buffet of emotions, some wonderful and some not. Take care of you and yours this season by adding some new healthy traditions (and check out this article on the 3 Ds of Christmas that can also help.) And don’t forget; if any season illnesses pop up during the season, as a Member of Altrua HealthShare, you have access to 24/7 telehealth care at no extra charge as part of your membership, so you can quickly get the care you need and get back to the festivities, all without leaving the house! (If you’ve not yet part of Altrua HealthShare and would like to learn more or if you have questions about your Altrua HealthShare membership, contact a Member Services Representative at 1.888.244.3839). Here’s to healthy holidays and new memories!