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Creating Lasting Memories with Loved Ones
"Time together as a family is a gift." ~ Joanna Gaines
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition that you just can't wait to enjoy each year? Think about it for a moment. What kind of feelings bubble up when you bring those special moments to mind? Maybe it's the excitement of setting up decorations, the joy of cooking a family recipe passed down through generations, or even the laughter shared over a quirky game night. These traditions with their unique blend of nostalgia, love, and a touch of magic, are what make the holidays truly unforgettable. They're not just rituals; they're the memories that bind us together, creating a tapestry of family history that gets richer with each passing year. Let's dive into the heart of these traditions and explore how they keep the flame of our family's story burning bright.
The Importance of Traditions
Have you ever wondered why traditions hold such a special place in our hearts, especially during the holidays? They're more than just fun activities; they're the foundation of our family's story. Traditions connect us to our past, give us a sense of belonging, and create a bridge to future generations. They're like anchors, grounding us in our family's values and culture, providing comfort and a sense of identity. During the holidays, these traditions become vivid reminders of our connections, both to those who came before us and to those who will carry on after us.
But there's even more to it. Traditions are also about spending quality time together, which is so important in our often busy lives. They provide a unique opportunity to slow down, engage with each other, and really strengthen our bonds. Whether it’s baking, storytelling, or decorating, these shared activities allow us to build deeper relationships. They are the moments that become our most cherished memories, the ones we look back on with warmth and nostalgia. These experiences, repeated year after year, become a rich tapestry of memorable moments that define our family's unique journey through life.
Keeping Old Traditions Alive
Keeping traditions alive can sometimes feel challenging, especially with the fast pace of modern life. But it's crucial for keeping our family history vibrant. To do this, we need to make these traditions appealing and relevant to the younger generation. Involve them in the planning and execution. Share stories about where these traditions came from and why they're important. You can even adapt these traditions slightly to make them more engaging. For example, if baking holiday cookies is a tradition, why not let the kids lead the way in choosing new recipes or decorating styles? It's all about passing the torch in a way that lights up their excitement and curiosity.
Incorporating New Traditions
As much as we cherish our old traditions, there's always room for new ones. These can reflect changes in our family or the world around us. Involve your kids in brainstorming new ideas. Maybe they're passionate about something that can be turned into a new holiday ritual. This could be as simple as watching a new holiday movie each year, volunteering together, or starting a holiday craft project. The key is to make these new traditions meaningful, something that everyone can look forward to and participate in actively.
In our family, we have a few favorites that we look forward to every year, each adding its own flavor to our holiday celebrations.
Baking Cookies for a Cookie Exchange
One of our most cherished traditions is baking cookies for a cookie exchange. There's something special about gathering in the kitchen, rolling out dough, and decorating each cookie with care. We have a go-to recipe for sugar cookies that you are going to love. It will satisfy your sweet tooth with an essential oil-infused cream cheese frosting that's always a hit. I’ll be sure to include it at the end of this article. But it's not just about the baking; it’s about the laughter and stories shared as we create these sweet treats together. And then, sharing them with friends and neighbors brings even more joy to the season.
Family Game Night
Another highlight of our holidays is our family game night. On this night, we open one of the gifts from under the Christmas tree – a new family game – and dive into an evening filled with fun and laughter. We sometimes invite the kids' friends over, making it a lively and inclusive event. Games like Settlers of Catan, Forbidden Island, Marvel Champions, Pandemic, and 5 Minute Dungeon have been some of our favorites, each offering a unique challenge and tons of fun. And since many of these are cooperative games, they can be a great way to teach sportsmanship and team play without the frustration and hurt feelings the game nights of my childhood often concluded with.
Family Christmas Movie Night
Imagine the smell of popcorn, the flicker of the TV screen, and the happiness when the opening credits roll. Festive movie nights are the perfect way to create cozy memories. Whether it’s curling up with the heartwarming “It’s a Wonderful Life” or journeying to the North Pole with “The Polar Express,” these classics add nostalgia to our gatherings. They bring us together, creating an atmosphere of comfort and joy that we can enjoy year after year.
Holiday Craft Night
One of the best ways to create lasting memories is through DIY crafting. Sitting around the table to create homemade decorations, personalized gifts, or crafting your own ornaments is more than just making things. When you carefully paint ornaments or weave a handmade wreath, you're sharing your love and creativity. Hanging that ornament on the tree or giving that wreath to a friend means you're sharing a piece of your heart and creating memories that will be cherished for years. Every time I put one of these “older” handmade ornaments on the tree, I remember those special times.
Ideas for Meaningful and Fun Traditions
Besides our family favorites, there are plenty of other traditions you might consider incorporating into your holiday celebrations. Here are some ideas that can add extra sparkle and meaning to your festive season:
Touring Holiday Lights: Make it a tradition to take an evening drive or walk around your neighborhood to see the holiday lights. You can even pack some hot cocoa and snacks for the journey. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the festive decorations and get into the spirit of the season.
Attending Midnight Mass or a Holiday Service: For many, attending a midnight mass or a special holiday service is a deeply meaningful tradition. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and community, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Caroling Around the Neighborhood: Gather family and friends for an evening of caroling around your neighborhood. It’s a fun way to spread holiday cheer and connect with your community. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your holiday spirit (and singing skills!).
Volunteering at a Local Charity or Shelter: The holidays are a perfect time to give back. Volunteering at a local charity or shelter can be a rewarding experience and a valuable lesson in compassion and generosity for the whole family.
Hosting a Holiday Potluck: Invite friends, family, or neighbors over for a holiday potluck. Encourage everyone to bring a dish that's special to their holiday traditions. This is not only a great way to enjoy a variety of festive foods but also to learn about different cultures and their holiday customs.
Holiday Recipe Book: Compile a family recipe book with contributions from everyone. Each year, add a new recipe.
Gratitude Jar: Throughout the year, have family members write down things they are grateful for and read them together during the holidays.
Memory Lane: Create a holiday-themed scrapbook or digital slideshow, adding new memories each year.
These activities not only create lasting memories but also teach values like gratitude, empathy, and cultural appreciation.
Whether you’re reigniting the spark in old traditions or introducing new ones, remember that it’s all about creating those special moments that bring your family closer together. Think of these traditions as not just holiday activities, but as opportunities to build lasting bonds and memories that everyone will cherish and look forward to year after year.
So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and start planning. Maybe it's the warmth of kitchen laughter while baking cookies, the excitement of a friendly family game night, or the shared wonder of holiday lights that will become your family's next cherished memory. Whatever traditions you choose to embrace, may they fill your home with love, laughter, and the kind of joy that lasts well beyond the holiday season. Here’s to a holiday filled with unforgettable moments and the anticipation of many more to come.
Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Give your cookies a delightful minty flavor by adding Peppermint oil to your frosting. Or, use a few drops of Lemon oil to give your cookies a light, citrusy flavor.
Ingredients:
Cookies
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup softened unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Frosting
3 ounces softened cream cheese
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (add up to ½ cup more as needed)
Food coloring (optional)
Essential oils
Suggested essential oils for flavored frosting:
2-3 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Instructions:
To make the cookies:
Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, egg, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together. Slowly add this dry mixture to the standing mixer and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Divide the dough in half, forming each half into a disk. Using plastic wrap, cover each disk tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to 24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit when you are ready to bake the cookies. Use parchment paper or silicone mats to line baking sheets.
Lightly flour your countertop or workspace. Roll the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing a few inches apart. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are slightly golden on the bottom. Let cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting:
Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla together.
One cup at a time, add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness.
If desired, add food coloring to color the frosting.
Add essential oil(s) to the frosting mixture and stir well to combine.
Spread frosting in an even layer on cookies. Enjoy!
