5 No Fuss Holiday Traditions

December 2, 2011

But with the business of the holiday season, it can be hard to keep up with some of the more elaborate traditions (like making homemade fruitcake) that have been passed down from generation to generation.

What’s a busy family to do? Simplify. When you are finding that you can’t keep up with traditions of times past, it’s time to create new, meaningful traditions for the present.

Here are 5 no fuss holiday traditions that we have started in our home that both are fun and family friendly.

1. Get everyone a new pair of pajamas

For some reason, getting new pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve is a huge hit around here. We try to opt for something festive and comfortable, and choose a style that flatters most everyone. The added bonus is that when everyone is wearing fairly coordinating pajamas it makes for great family photos, without really trying.

2. Take a drive around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights

If you drive around town long enough you’re bound to find a neighborhood that has amazing holiday light displays. Pile in the car, buckle in, stop for hot cocoa and seek out your local festival of lights.

3. Read the real Christmas story

Take a few minutes to sit together as a family and read the Christmas story as it is told in Luke Chapter 2 versus 1-20 of the Bible. If you are celebrating Christmas, it’s a good idea that your children are reminded as to why.

4. Attend a Christmas Eve Service

Even if you aren’t a usual churchgoer, there’s something special about gathering with others and singing traditional Christmas carols by candlelight. Check your local paper for a listing of candlelight Christmas Eve services near you.

5. Decorate cookies

Decorating cookies is my go to activity for most holidays. I think it is because they’re fun to make and great to eat! Cut out sugar cookie dough using Christmas-themed cookie cutters and bake the dough to perfection. Fill small paper cups with various colors of frosting, small candies and sprinkles. Plastic spoons (for younger kids) and knives work great for spreading the frosting. Decorate an extra batch to bring to an elderly neighbor or friend.

Have you had to tweak any of your holiday family traditions? What traditions are popular in your home? Share your favorite traditions below!

With her background as an International Nanny Association Credentialed Nanny specializing in caring for multiples, Michelle has been partnering with parents in raising their children since 1994.

With her extensive experience in newborn, infant and child care, and with her passion for setting herself apart from her peers by providing top-notch service, Michelle is regularly called on by the most popular parenting magazines and websites to share her knowledge and expertise. She has been featured on Parents.com, Parenting.com, and BabyTalk.com and regularly contributes to ModernMom.com, Momtastic.com, and other popular parenting websites.

Michelle has contributed to TWINS Magazine and wrote a chapter for the best-selling Experts' Guide to the Baby Years. Michelle has also authored four books of her own entitled, Nanny to the Rescue!, Nanny to the Rescue Again!, Working Mom's 411 and A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists. She also co-authored Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care.

Michelle is an active member of the nanny and baby planner communities. In 2004, Michelle was honored as the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year> and received accolades from President George Bush for her dedication to improving quality in-home child care. Michelle serves on the advisory board of the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals and has served on the board of directors and as vice president of the International Nanny Association. She has also served as the executive director of the International Nanny Association and as a trainer for The Academy of Coaching Parents International.

Michelle currently serves as the editor in chief of Longhorn Leads, managing the content across their portfolio of care related sites including www.eNannySource.com, www.GoNannies.com, www.NannyPro.com, and www.4Nannies.com, in addition to serving as the executive director of Morningside Nannies, the company’s award-winning placement agency.

Michelle is a national speaker, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to moms groups across the nation. She and her husband Jeff, reside on Cape Cod with their daughter, Abigail, and their son, Luke.