In the busy lives we lead today, I am always searching for ways to enjoy my holidays more completely. I certainly will not scale back my amount of joy, but sometimes we can learn so much from old fashioned ways. Here are 8 ways to celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas.
1. Singing Christmas Carols
Whether it be singing door to door or in your living room around the “piano”, Christmas songs bring the nostalgia. Kids love to sing and we all have our favorites. Think of chestnuts roasting over the open fire and Rudolph and his shiny nose. I always loved Silent Night because I could make it sound very pretty with my voice.
Love this vintage caroling book because it has all the old wording.
2. Cutting down your Christmas Tree
Last year, we did this. It was so fun. We didn’t have to hike any hills or drive very far. We just found a tree, used a saw and tied it up on top. It was really peaceful, and it felt very natural. My then 2 year old ran around shouting “this one”, then “this one”. It took less than an hour and our tree was not perfect. It was one of our favorite moments of last season.
3. Cooking Holiday Dinner together
We have all been there. Big menu, impressive side dishes and cleaning house has everyone in a shuffle when you are hosting Christmas. Cooking together always sounds like a great plan until you run out of time and the three year old, spills the brown sugar on the floor. This year, the night before Christmas I will allow myself twice the time to cook the items for that night. Put on the Tree lights and let my kids slow me down. That’s a promise.
Want an easy side dish, that will knock the socks off your guests. Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes
4. Invite Friends and Family to Decorate
This is the season we love to be with the people we love. Invite someone over to decorate the house or the outside. Return the favor. Sometimes those impromptu gatherings can be the most fun. Just like the olden days.
5. Send Meaningful Christmas Cards
My list is growing. I include people who have touched our lives, like social workers who helped us with the adoption of my youngest, college friends and old neighbors. I know how I feel when I get a card from someone I haven’t seen in a while. Sorry, Mark it is much more meaningful than Facebook.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet with all your addresses that you can roll forward each year. You can literally upload the addresses to the card printer or print labels. I will say that I really procrastinate hand lettering all those cards.
My FAVORITE Christmas Cards: Paper Culture.
Paper Culture plants trees to replace those they use for their cards. They are not cheap, so no guilt if you just can’t. However I usually buy 100 cards, so I like knowing I have put a little back into the world. Also, they are crazy cute designs.
6. Popcorn Garland, anyone?
Think popcorn garlands, clove oranges and pine wreaths. Love the tradition of creating joyful decorations out of foods and living things. Plus the glorious smell of an Old Fashioned Christmas.
7. Get All Dussied Up
Do you remember getting all dressed up to go to the grandparents for Christmas? These kids are celebrating in style.
8. Help those in need
Of course, being charitable to others on Christmas is so important. You can make pies for the local church or visit with the senior citizen next door. Whatever you have in your heart, but you will get back so much more than you give
8 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas
In what ways would you like to celebrate an old fashioned Christmas. Leave us a comment.
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