Putting more joy in your Christmas
What Christmas traditions do you have that do not require spending money? Or buying gifts? Can you really have a Christmas without things? I personally do not know. I have lived most of my life in the land of plenty. But traveling to some of the poorest countries in the world really has had an impact on my perspective. There are many places and people in the world who never even question what they will buy for Christmas. Yet they are full of joy at the approach of Christmas.
What do you do when you have little or no money to create a big Christmas? One friend told me that you make the celebration bigger. Homemade decorations maybe, Christmas movies together, hot cocoa or popcorn.
Maybe this year you have chosen to keep Christmas simple for many reasons or just want to add some simpler touches.
Childhood Memories
So ask yourself what memories do you have from childhood? What was fun? Compare Christmas from your childhood with what Christmas looks like now. If you have children at home maybe you can share stories of your childhood Christmas. Most kids love stories. Get the grandparents involved with sharing their stories of childhood Christmas past.
What do you wish for? Personally, I think the gift of time is the best.
Here are a few suggestions for putting more joy in your Christmas
Play charades
Caroling to your neighbors or with them
Lego building contest
Flash mob of Christmas songs
Gingerbread men or houses or Graham Cracker houses
Bake sugar cookies and decorate them.
Make ornaments
Paper chains even the youngest children enjoy doing this.
Have friends or family over just to enjoy time (no gifts allowed) calm, lowkey day, sing songs, put together a puzzle, play a game. Eat soup maybe Andalusian Christmas Soup but keep it simple.
Making gifts for each other from things you have on hand – give a favorite book you’ve read, with your own review or some unknown tidbit about the author. Maybe you have a teacup to share.
Make coupons for backrubs, no chores pass, clean out your car, etc.
Giving something from your wealth of possessions to friends and family.
Write a poem or story for a specific person.
Give extra blankets, coats, gloves, etc. to those in the cold.
Perhaps you will want to purchase a “doing gift” for your family. An experience. This can be a lot of fun but may require some scheduling.
I know that many of you have some great ideas to share. Please do share below!