Christmas is a time of magic, whimsical stories, and the mystery of Santa. It’s also a time where our children’s imaginations are bursting with wonder. As we reminisce about our own childhood, we can recall how the magic of Christmas was kept alive. For some, it was stories that were shared or the wonderful aroma of fresh baked cookies from the oven. Many of us even wrote letters to Santa and bubbled with anticipation the night before, leaving a plate of carrots for Rudolph paired with cookies and milk for jolly old St. Nick.
Let’s keep the magic of Christmas flourishing with a few ideas that will make an impression on our children and continue to fill them with marvel!
1.Decorate the house together as a family and have fun creating your own decor.
2.Watch Christmas movies together, including classics as well as modern flicks.
3.Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa and hand-deliver them to the post office.
4.Respond to the Santa letters with authentic-looking, personalized replies.
5.Infuse your home with winter aromas such as pine, cinnamon, and peppermint.
6.Play a variety of Christmas music in the house and in the car.
7.Tell the original story of St. Nicholas to your kids.
8.Create your own unique Christmas Countdown Calendar.
9.Decorate Christmas-themed treats together as a family.
10.Give to the less fortunate to encourage the spirit of giving.
11.Keep the cookies, carrots, and glass of milk going for Christmas Eve, and remember to make requests in the initial letters to Santa.
12.Arrange for your children to receive an e-mail or phone call from Santa.
13.Answer any questions of doubt or curiosity carefully without lying, using phrases like, “What do you think?” or “I remember when I was a child…”
14.Go out and view all the holiday lights!
15.Throw a holiday-themed party.
16.Attend a Santa meet-and-greet event.
17.Go out and see real reindeer.
18.Incorporate Elf on the Shelf, or make your own and get creative with elf antics.
19.Gather with friends and family to enjoy holiday festivities.
20.Decorate and personalize Christmas stockings.
21.Make handmade gifts as a family.
22.Attend a Christmas play.
23.Take the kids out caroling.
24.Plant Santa evidence such as boot footprints, a Santa hat covered in soot, or reindeer prints.
25.Share special Christmas memories with your children.