How to make your holiday traditions your own

Traditions help keep people connected through the years for generations. A special experience or gift-giving ritual often creates the foundation for celebrating the holidays. But what happens when those traditions no longer work? Circumstances, budgets and tastes change, requiring a fresh look at new ways to celebrate the holiday season.

Shaking up holiday traditions is on the minds of many this year, according to a recent Bing survey. In fact, a major life change - such as marriage or a new baby - is the most popular reason, with a change in financial situation coming in a close second. No matter your reasoning, you can easily evolve your traditions into something that works for your entire family. For example, try switching up the holiday menu by swapping the traditional day-long cooking marathon for a night out. Or incorporate a family volunteer outing into your holiday plans, such as working at the local food bank.

With a little creativity, you can revamp the way you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and Bing's lifestyle expert, Karin Muskopf, offers tips for how you can do just that.

* Give in a new way. Giving and receiving gifts has long been a beloved holiday tradition, but what if you took all that energy and money, and spent it on shared experiences with your friends and family instead? According to the survey, most 18 to 34 year olds (91 percent) say they'd rather spend money on enjoying experiences together than traditional gift giving.

"At my house, we've completely downsized our gift-giving traditions," says Muskopf. "Instead of large, expensive gifts, we hold a family meeting and decide as a group what sorts of fun activities we want to do together. Whether it's a trip, a holiday play or a fun class, we show our appreciation for each other by spending quality time together."

To follow suit, try planning a day to do something together with friends and family - volunteer, enjoy a winter sport or host a festive dinner party. Taking a trip with loved ones is another special way to celebrate the season - a tradition that 37 percent of respondents would choose if they had their way. Hop on a plane, hit the road, or plan a cozy stay-cation and never leave your couch.

If your family loves the tradition of giving gifts, add a special touch by personalizing what you give. Bing Shopping makes it easy to find all your holiday gifting needs - try personalizing a photo calendar or an engraved picture frame to preserve special memories and give a treasured keepsake. Whatever you do, remember it's all about making the season merry.

* Create lasting memories. The holidays are always a busy time, and it can be tricky to get everyone together on one specific day.

"To me, it's less important what day of the year it is, and it's more about being together with good food and lots of laughs," says Muskopf.

If you can't get everyone together at the same time, consider several mini-celebrations throughout the season. Or, host an "Eve Before the Eve" party and celebrate your holiday one day early.

* Make memories with a new tradition. "Our annual holiday party has turned into a highly anticipated event - Pie Night," Muskopf says. "Each guest bakes his/her own pie to bring to the party for a taste test. Everyone samples a piece of each pie, and we award the 'Most Delicious,' 'Most Festive' and 'Most Fattening' titles in a hilarious ceremony."

Movie marathons or video game tournaments are also fun for those winter nights when you can't bear to go outside and face the cold. "There's something so cozy about staying in and huddling around the living room while the snow falls outside," Muskopf says. "We started an annual holiday Xbox tournament that lets everyone - from the kids to the grandparents - get involved. Bing on Xbox makes it easy to see all the entertainment options, so our holiday living room nights are never boring."

For more ideas and inspiration on tweaking old traditions, creating new ones and making this holiday all your own, go to www.Bing.com.