1. Listen to classic Christmas music. You don't have to own a record player to listen to all the holiday hits from Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. The best part about this activity is everyone will know the words to the music—even your kids—so all can join in and sing along.
2. Plan a cookie exchange. There's nothing more delicious than a fresh batch of Christmas cookies. Knock on your neighbors' doors and invite everyone face-to-face—with nearly everyone communicating through a cell phone, a personal request will make your friends feel oh-so-welcome. Then, get baking! For the kids, whip up some sugar cookies that will be super fun to decorate. And for the adults, try a decadent thumbprint recipe that everyone will be talking about.
3. Get your craft on. Christmas has become so commercial, it's easy to forget the real reason for the season. This year, try DIYing almost everything. Start with the festive decor, then take on your ornaments. Next up are the Christmas cards, and of course, a welcoming wreath! You could even give homemade presents for some truly thoughtful gifts. Everything you make will be extra special (and you'll save some money in the process).
4. Watch quintessential Christmas movies. Your kids are probably excited to see the new Grinch, but before you head to the theater, take a weekend to watch some of the most classic Christmas movies. Some of our favorites are: It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn, and A Christmas Carole. We also suggest Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, of course!
5. Bake from scratch. Dust off the old recipe books or cards and try your hand at Bubbie's latkes, Bubka's potica, or Gammie's famous 7-Up cake. Your efforts don't have to be perfect, but this simple act pays homage to your loved ones, especially those who are now gone. If you don't have a recipe that's been handed down through the family, check out our favorite Christmas desserts and Christmas cookies to find one that seems close to what you remember as a kid.
6. Mail holiday cards. Even in the age of social media and instant updates, real honest-to-goodness cards are a way to reconnect with family and friends far and near. "It's still an American custom that's special," says Lizzie Post, cohost of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. "It's the one time a year we send and receive good wishes in the mail. Nothing else compares." Photo cards, postcards, or Year in Review letters are all fine; just keep them positive and factual without bragging.
7. Decorate with what you have. Grandma used what she had to deck the halls. "Look around your yard and house to find natural elements to dress up your home," says Rakes. "Many natural items are prettier anyhow, and they're fresh and free." Collect pine cones and make a wreath, or arrange in glass apothecary jars. Cut greenery and tuck into simple white pitchers. String cranberries and popcorn for the tree. Dress up branches with glitter paint, then place in vases or line the mantel.
8. Spend time together. "That's what we'll remember years from now, not what you gave or received as gifts," says Rakes. Bake cookies with your kids. Plan a family game night. Attend services at a house of worship. Go caroling. Drive around to look at Christmas lights. Make ornaments. Arrange a potluck New Year's party with friends. The point is to interact and be present in the moment with your family and friends, not with your smartphone or tablet.
9. Make gifts. Our grandparents used their talents to create gifts. "But you don't have to be crafty," says Rakes. "Homemade goodies such as cookies and breads are always welcome, but you can make plenty of other easy gifts." Layer your favorite cookie recipe ingredients in a Mason jar, and attach baking instructions. Package homemade seasoning chili or taco mixes, or make your own vanilla extract. Download a free inspirational quote and frame it. Put together a themed gift basket such as movie night.
10. Write thank you notes. Your grandma would tell you that nice manners still matter. Sit down and write a real thank you note this holiday season, whether you're thanking someone for a lovely party or a thoughtful gift. "They're always appropriate and relevant," says Post. "And handwritten reigns supreme."
1. Listen to classic Christmas music. You don't have to own a record player to listen to all the holiday hits from Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. The best part about this activity is everyone will know the words to the music—even your kids—so all can join in and sing along.
2. Plan a cookie exchange. There's nothing more delicious than a fresh batch of Christmas cookies. Knock on your neighbors' doors and invite everyone face-to-face—with nearly everyone communicating through a cell phone, a personal request will make your friends feel oh-so-welcome. Then, get baking! For the kids, whip up some sugar cookies that will be super fun to decorate. And for the adults, try a decadent thumbprint recipe that everyone will be talking about.
3. Get your craft on. Christmas has become so commercial, it's easy to forget the real reason for the season. This year, try DIYing almost everything. Start with the festive decor, then take on your ornaments. Next up are the Christmas cards, and of course, a welcoming wreath! You could even give homemade presents for some truly thoughtful gifts. Everything you make will be extra special (and you'll save some money in the process).
4. Watch quintessential Christmas movies. Your kids are probably excited to see the new Grinch, but before you head to the theater, take a weekend to watch some of the most classic Christmas movies. Some of our favorites are: It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn, and A Christmas Carole. We also suggest Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, of course!
5. Bake from scratch. Dust off the old recipe books or cards and try your hand at Bubbie's latkes, Bubka's potica, or Gammie's famous 7-Up cake. Your efforts don't have to be perfect, but this simple act pays homage to your loved ones, especially those who are now gone. If you don't have a recipe that's been handed down through the family, check out our favorite Christmas desserts and Christmas cookies to find one that seems close to what you remember as a kid.
6. Mail holiday cards. Even in the age of social media and instant updates, real honest-to-goodness cards are a way to reconnect with family and friends far and near. "It's still an American custom that's special," says Lizzie Post, cohost of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. "It's the one time a year we send and receive good wishes in the mail. Nothing else compares." Photo cards, postcards, or Year in Review letters are all fine; just keep them positive and factual without bragging.
7. Decorate with what you have. Grandma used what she had to deck the halls. "Look around your yard and house to find natural elements to dress up your home," says Rakes. "Many natural items are prettier anyhow, and they're fresh and free." Collect pine cones and make a wreath, or arrange in glass apothecary jars. Cut greenery and tuck into simple white pitchers. String cranberries and popcorn for the tree. Dress up branches with glitter paint, then place in vases or line the mantel.
8. Spend time together. "That's what we'll remember years from now, not what you gave or received as gifts," says Rakes. Bake cookies with your kids. Plan a family game night. Attend services at a house of worship. Go caroling. Drive around to look at Christmas lights. Make ornaments. Arrange a potluck New Year's party with friends. The point is to interact and be present in the moment with your family and friends, not with your smartphone or tablet.
9. Make gifts. Our grandparents used their talents to create gifts. "But you don't have to be crafty," says Rakes. "Homemade goodies such as cookies and breads are always welcome, but you can make plenty of other easy gifts." Layer your favorite cookie recipe ingredients in a Mason jar, and attach baking instructions. Package homemade seasoning chili or taco mixes, or make your own vanilla extract. Download a free inspirational quote and frame it. Put together a themed gift basket such as movie night.
10. Write thank you notes. Your grandma would tell you that nice manners still matter. Sit down and write a real thank you note this holiday season, whether you're thanking someone for a lovely party or a thoughtful gift. "They're always appropriate and relevant," says Post. "And handwritten reigns supreme."