Five Safe and Easy Holiday Traditions to Bring on the Festive Fun This Christmas

Holidays are right around the corner. It is usually a busy time of year work and life wise. With all the uncertainty of the pandemic, it can be hard to plan safe, easy activities for the family.

Here are five traditions you can continue or start. Toronto-based online party boutique owner, Sam from Lemonade Party Box shares her family’s holiday traditions.

1. Holiday Decorating

My surroundings make a big impact on my festive mood and I tend to be amongst the early holiday decorators. Right after Halloween is over, I start to bring out our Christmas tree and décor. My décor must haves are a holiday tree or two, our mantel above the fireplace in our family room, our front door and hallway and my daughter’s play house in her room. Decorating your home itself can be a really cherished holiday tradition. Put on your favourite music, snacks and make a ‘party at home’ for your family members.

I love to make everyday activities a bit more ‘festive’ and add some holiday specific elements. If we are having a pizza dinner, I add festive tableware and music to turn it into a Holiday Pizza Night.

Christmas decorations and stocking stuffers are two things that we all need to think about. The holidays are coming and it’s time to start preparing for them. Best way to get the family in the Christmas spirit is with a little bit of decorating around the house and maybe some stocking stuffers that keep everyone happy.

2. Advent Calendars

I love having something to look ahead to, and advent calendars are an amazing way to incorporate festive fun for the whole family leading up to the holidays!

You can make your own themed advent calendars with treats, activities, acts of kindness and more. You can also purchase beautifully crafted advent calendars this time of year.

3. Baking

My family’s favourite tradition is baking home-made cookies. Mmmmm… the options are limitless. Our favourite recipe is here, and is one by Martha Stewart. You can make lots of variations with different toppings.

I usually like to invite a friend and their kids for an intimate cookie baking session. It’s a great way to connect with loved ones and spread some holiday cheer. Plus, you can likely check off a gift or two off your list.

4. Holiday Crafts

My daughter and I love making crafts, and an easy way to incorporate festive fun is to create holiday themed crafts. We get lots of ideas from Pinterest and make our own variations. We also love to make bracelets, holiday cards, surprise balls and more to include with our gifts.

5. Gifts of Kindness

Last but definitely not least, it’s the season to be thankful and give back to the community. I often invite guests to bring a donation of non-perishable food or toy instead of a gift. We love making hearts with favourite memory or a sentence or two about what we love about a loved one and deliver to their home with our baked goods. This is one tradition, where if there’s a will, I believe there is a way.

Hope you get some ideas from our holiday traditions. Have a safe and merry Christmas.