Holidays are here at last! It comes once a year, and we try our best to make it last as long as possible and do as much as we can in the short amount of time we have. It always flies by, doesn’t it?

I’ve come up with a list of a few things to celebrate this season. These are great whether you have small children, big children, grandkids, or even if you’re an empty nester. If you want, you can invite neighborhood children or friends in your church community or otherwise. Whatever you do, try to find a new friend, I will try to do the same.

Another disclaimer I want to mention before we get started. Sometimes I think we get too caught up in our Christmas traditions (or any other holiday you may celebrate) and lose the grand focus. If we don’t get to all of them we will feel let down or unsuccessful. Don’t let crossing off traditions be your focus. Instead, try to keep the focus on bettering yourself though goodness and by strengthening your family, as that is the fundamental, most important unit of society. You will be happier.

These traditions will focus on Christmas as I do not know as much about some of the other holidays and wouldn’t want to take away from your own traditions as you probably have more meaning in them than something I would make up or find. However, you will find that many of these ideas can be celebrated or tried by any one of any faith. I think almost everyone believes in spreading good cheer, growing close to family and friends, and helping others.

Don’t feel like you have to do all of these! But here are some ideas:

Idea #1:

Polar Express Night. Either Read Polar Express or watch it. Warm up some cocoa and put yourself in their shoes. Make it the best cocoa ever! Marshmallows, white chocolate chips, candy canes, and any flavor you desire!

Idea #2

Grinch night. Either watch the cartoon or the Jim Carrey version. Laugh, love, and eat green jell-o popcorn or any other green food you want, like green apples.

Idea #3

Jeremy Creek is an older cartoon, see If you can find it. It’s about a boy who wanted too much for Christmas but learned that it was better to give than to receive. Do this right before letters to Santa.

Ides #4

Go look at Christmas lights! Drive around and see the beauty!

Ideas #5

Read a Christmas Carol or listen to it on tape (I like the Patrick Stewart version). Cozy up under the lights of the Christmas tree, and if you have one of those popcorn tins then it is especially fun

Idea #6

Christmas Coloring. Buy a cheap Christmas coloring book and color! This works great with little children.

Idea #7

Serve. Go to a soup kitchen, or find some way to help, especially loved ones, visits included Do those all year!

Idea #8

Do the 12 days of Christmas…for someone else! Anonymously give gifts for 12 days. Gifts can include baked goods. Try to find someone who could use the extra cheer.

Idea #9

Give a gift to Christ. Think of one Christlike attribute you would like to improve on, or think of someone you can serve, “when you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”(Matthew 25: 40)

Idea #10

Read Luke Chapter 2 together. Act out the Nativity as an extra option.

Whatever you do, whatever you celebrate, enjoy your holiday season and have a great end to another year!