Our At-Home Christmas Traditions
At the time of writing this post and sharing our at-home Christmas traditions, my sons are 5, 2 and 9 months old. With each child, I’ve added or updated an activity to meet their age and attention span. These traditions are simple but they help keep the joy, magic and true meaning of Christmas at the heart. I hope the traditions I share give you some ideas on what to add to your holiday season. Please share in the comments some of your family traditions too.
Homemade Ribbon Height Ornament
Since Griffin is my last baby, this was the last year I made one of these ornaments. Even so, I wanted to share it because it is such a simple but special ornament that you will cherish as your kids grow older.
What it is:
an ornament with a ribbon the length of your baby/child at Christmas.
What you need to make it:
clear plastic ornament // ribbon// marker// scissors// small piece of paper // *your baby to measure :)
Directions:
Lay child flat and stretch out ribbon from head to heel. With marker, mark the length on the ribbon. Cut ribbon with scissors. Stuff measured ribbon inside clear ornament. Write the name of child with the date on piece of paper and add it to the ornament. Then cut another piece of ribbon and tie a bow at the top of ornament. That’s it!
Holiday Activity Advent Calendar
I started this activity advent calendar when my oldest was 2. It’s my way of bringing the magic of the season into our home. I love the simplicity of it. I haven’t edited an activity since I started this 3 years ago. The kids look forward to seeing what activity we will do each day. They wake up wanting to read the little card right away. Tip: make sure to read the card the day before to make sure you have the materials/energy to do the activity listed.
Pocket Advent Calendar options:
Amazon ($30)
Target ($20)
How it works: write 25 holiday themed activities on 25 pieces of paper. Then you or your child will pick a card out of your pocket advent calendar. You will do the activity written on the card that day/night.
Holiday Theme Activity Ideas:
Read a Christmas themed book
make a holiday craft
make cookies with friends
volunteer at a shelter as a family
drive to see neighborhood lights
have a holiday music dance party in living room
Our last day is open presents.
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Guide
I found this free Advent Guide by Sally Lloyd-Jones that accompanies the Jesus Storybook Bible. From December 1 through December 25, you will read almost the entire children’s Bible.
Join us in a journey of wonder through The Jesus Storybook Bible this advent as we trace the beautiful story of God’s great love for us–from the very beginnings of the universe, to the birth of the baby who would rescue the whole world.
You will read once abridged chapter each night from the Bible. It’s our favorite way to end the day with our kids to show walk them through the true meaning of the holiday. This is such a special tradition for our family that Ryan and I look forward to doing each year.
Watch “The Star” movie
Every December we watch The Star at least five times. This is my favorite adaptation of the story of Jesus’ birth. It captivates both adults and children with the beautiful music and lovable side characters. The pace keeps my children invested, which is what all parents are looking for in a quality movie, right? It doesn’t diverge much in details, which means prepare yourself to answer questions from your curious preschooler. You will recognize voices from Oprah, Gina Rodriguez, Tyler Perry, Kristen Chenoweth and Tracy Morgan.
