Put your own spin on the holidays to create new traditions
The holiday season is a nostalgic time of year, when families and friends get together and reminisce about years gone by. Classic songs can be heard on the radio and time-honored plays are staged in theaters across the country. But while we all hold those traditions close to our hearts, there’s plenty of opportunity during the holidays to try something new and put a unique spin on the season.
As you celebrate old traditions, think of new ways to add a little extra fun or put your own spin on something your family does every year. A little creative collaboration among family members can help you come up with brand new ways to celebrate – and they might turn into traditions that will last for years to come.
Consider these ideas to make your holiday season uniquely memorable this year:
* Get creative with your greetings. Everyone wants to send out a holiday card or greeting during the season, but you can make yours stand apart from the crowd. Choose a multiple photo holiday card and place in pictures that chronicle the year, and use the inside of the card to tell everyone about your experiences over the past 12 months. Or send a card that serves a function beyond making the mantel look pretty – like a card with a calendar on it. Or, try switching it up by sending a new year’s greeting and wishing your friends and family a happy 2013.
* Plan an outing. Getting everyone out of the house for a little fun and activity is a great way to make memories and even burn off a few of those delicious treats you’ll surely be snacking on. Outdoor adventure lovers could opt for sledding or hiking, but hayrides are another fun way to make sure that family members of all ages can enjoy a bit of nature. Or, start an annual family bowling tournament or trip to the movie theater – just check to make sure that the businesses will be open when you want to go.
* Make over your menu. Everyone loves the standby dishes that get served up year after year – and you might want to think twice about skipping a dish you’re famous for – but adding a new flavor to the mix can be fun. Think about a different glaze for your ham or an unexpected approach to seasoning your turkey for a slight adjustment that can make your main course shine in a new way. Desserts are always a category that welcomes experimentation, so feel free to try your hand at an exciting sweet treat, whether it’s a new kind of cookie or a show-stopping cake.
* Go wild and celebrate with a vacation. If you dread shopping for gifts, why not take a different approach? Pool your gift-buying funds and put it toward celebrating the holidays with a vacation. It doesn’t need to be on the other side of the globe, but a getaway can produce memories that last far longer than the average present.
No matter how you celebrate, the heart of the holidays is in spending time with your loved ones. Finding new ways to enjoy that time together will give you plenty to talk about and even more to remember.
