My family's tradition has always been to go to my parents for Christmas Eve. My sister and her family would be there and usually my Uncle and his family. We would go to the Christmas Eve service at their church and eat dinner together afterwards then open presents. Christmas Day it would be just be me and the kids opening presents and having a big breakfast.
This year, my mom has decided it is too much for her and my dad. My dad is not well,she cares for him 24/7, and he has a lot of anxiety now. They don't want to leave the house either due to his anxiety and how hard it is for him to get around. Completely understand. The kids and I will stop by after lunch on Christmas Eve to have coffee and spend time with them. Most likely no other family.
My kids are 20, 18 and 12. The 20 year old will be home from the Air Force for Christmas. I would love to start a new tradition (doesn't have to be anything big), but something that will make it feel special and hopefully carry on for the next few years. What are the traditions that you and your family enjoy most?
A couple years ago we started getting Papa Murphy's Take -n- Bake pizza, if the weather is driveable we go to church and drive around looking at Christmas lights. Then we are really corny and watch a "stupid" Christmas movie. Nothing fancy but it works at our house.
Best Wishes!
One of my favorite traditions I had with my family for awhile (before kids) was we used to spend time with my parents Christmas Eve night, play board games until late in the night and then spend the night at their house, even with spouses (after doing things with their family). Then get up in the morning celebrate my dads birthday and then do Christmas together.
Now...we have kids...so Christmas Eve is spent with my In-laws in any manor they wish. Then we go back home to our house, do Christmas with our family and head out to my parents for the rest of the Christmas day to be with my parents.
Anyway, my favorite memories were the times spent playing board games with my family.
You could try inviting some friends who are in a similar situation to join you at your home for dinner on Christmas Eve. Allow your children to extend an invite as well. You could do an "open house" and invite neighbors, friends, your grown children's friends, etc. to come over for appetizers and cocktails or coffee and desserts.
We have always spent the night AFTER Christmas with our best "family friends". The houses rotate, but it's the same thing every year and it's awesome! We have some kind of super easy pasta dish, ice cream sundaes and play board games. This started when the oldest and I were in elementary school and still happens every year... now with spouses and children!
Just some thoughts!
We would have a nice dinner. Go to the Christmas Eve service come home play games or watch a movie then open one present, pajama's and go to bed.
I have heard other families do a white elephant game but it had to be a regift. It didn't even have to be a Christmas gift just something you got that you didn't want.
Other families volunteer to feed or help the less fortunate.
I am sure whatever you decide you will make great holiday memories!
Good luck and GOD BLESS!!
D.
Due to logistics and other obligations (we all live in the metro area, but just have too many places to get to and to accomodate, etc..and this year with it all ON the weekend seems to be making it harder with time off, etc...normally for my own family set we would do the weekend before or after, and leave the "real" holiday days for spouses sets, etc...being flexible that way).
But this year we are trying a brunch. We have always done a dinner..starting later afternoon after naps for little ones, etc. This means well into later evening and for some, longer commutes home in the dark and potentially snowy/bad roads.
I have a great set up for little ones who might need to nap, etc, by doing it earlier here, or people can just bow out early (I do home childcare..so a nap room, cribs, a playroom, gates, etc). Thats the plan to try this new brunch theory for us. But I am excited for new foods (ALL new menu for us!), a new time frame and to see how it goes. Change IS hard tho!
Best of luck!
