When it comes to the true meaning of Christmas, every family is different. The values, bonds, hopes, fears, dreams and beliefs of a family can be demonstrated via a few honoured Christmas traditions like these.
Donations
Those inline skates that were SO vital a few years ago, unwanted clothes, unopened toys cast aside, pots, white goods, old Christmas decorations – donating unwanted items is a great habit the year through. At Christmas, the importance of giving is amplified tenfold. Churches, libraries and local councils often have Christmas gift programs through which donations are easy and trustworthy.
Winter Walks
Family bonding time needn’t be as traumatic as a ski holiday or strapping Dad into some inline skates. Walk or drive somewhere nice and go for a walk together. Simple. The UK landscape is arguably at its best during the winter months (unless it’s raining instead of snowing!)
Ice Skating
Once, ice skates tended to only be on the Christmas lists of Victorian little girls, however a resurgence in interest has led to little (and big) boys and girls eagerly squirreling away a pair of skates for regular winter use. For those who fancy a quick spin around any of the UK’s fantastic artificial ice rinks there’s the thrifty option to hire ice skates on site. Rates are generally very reasonable.
Watching Christmas TV
Frank Lloyd Wright (architect of the Guggenheim art gallery in New York) said “Television: Chewing Gum for the eyes” Well, by all accounts he had a particularly sordid and tragic personal life, and perhaps knew nothing of a sleepy winter afternoon in front of the TV letting classics like Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman and Die Hard (greatest Christmas movie ever!) wash over him to the subtle hum of Granddad’s snores!
Open One Present on Christmas Eve
A little precursor to the excitement of the next day. This is great one to placate terminally overexcited children!