Family traditions help to define family identity and establish culture by creating fond memories and highlighting family values. Christmas traditions in particular reflect how family members choose to spend the special season of love and giving with each other.

These family Christmas traditions can be personally modified for your family:

- Holiday traditions do not have to be limited to Christmas Day traditions. Start the festivities by decorating the tree, caroling, baking Christmas cookies, and preparing for the big day.

- Christmas traditions for families can include an educational component for the children. Give each child a special new ornament representing a significant achievement and encourage character development and growth. Or teach a lesson about giving (instead of receiving) by having each child shop for his or her siblings. Young children can practice writing by writing a letter to Santa, which also gives them the chance to reflect on the year.

- Schedule family time, like movie nights, sleepovers for the whole family, and dinners. Invite neighbors and extended family members to join – the more the merrier!

- Different Christmas traditions around the world all include gifts. Christmas morning is always full of energy and excitement, so make it into a memorable experience for everyone.

- Creating Christmas traditions can be a valuable experience for the whole family. Ask each member of the family to come up with ideas for new Christmas traditions and decide which ones to try that year.

- Don’t be afraid to start strange or unusual Christmas traditions. The point of traditions in Christmas celebrations is to be with family and friends, regardless of what other Christmas traditions you follow.

- A nativity scene or a Christmas pageant could be a fun, creative Christmas tradition for the whole community. Anybody can take part in setting up the nativity scene, and those with artistic talents can share their gift with others. Children can learn Christmas carols and perform them at a Christmas pageant that everyone attends. This way, everyone is involved in creating a meaningful and memorable Christmas tradition that also brings together the whole community.

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