2015 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM NOVEMBER 25, 2015 Page 35
page, have them write down what the
holidays mean to them. Taking new photos at
the holidays are good way to help preserve
these memories, too.
Another good way to remember what
happened in the past year, described in the
blog “Fresh Ideas for your Unique Family,” is
to “give each child a special new ornament
representing something significant in their
life from that year This gives them a chance
to celebrate their accomplishments and
encourage their character development.”
When your children grow up, they will have a
special collection of their own ornaments to
remember childhood holidays.
Giving back
If you are looking for a way to replace the
commercialism of the season, you can
volunteer as a family and find ways to give
back. In “15 Meaningful Holiday Traditions
and Fun Family Activities,” Jen Betterly says,
“your family can donate toys or used clothing,
help package and organize food in a local
food bank, [or] buy Christmas presents for
needy children.”
For those who still do gift giving, you can
add a unique twist. Susan Colombo said her
family makes a “present pie” for Christmas
Eve dinner. She said, “There is one present
per person (small in size) with a ribbon
or string tied to it,” and “The presents are
stacked up in the middle of the table with a
string going to each place setting. After dinner
you get to pull on your string and get the
present at the end of the string.” This way,
the children find it easier to wait to open the
other presents on Christmas day.
During the holidays, many enjoy getting
together to bake cookies or make Christmas
candy, and children enjoy decorating the
cookies. A cookie exchange with friends is
also fun, and you end up with a variety of
goodies without having to do a lot of extra
baking.
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