Christmas Traditions

Think of family traditions as inexpensive little ways to create lasting family memories…no matter how silly the tradition, it will be remembered for a lifetime!

So, take a break from the mall madness, and make a little “merry” this season with family traditions!

Need some inspiration? Read on…

String Presents – Growing up, my parents always had a string present for us. It was always the last gift, and it was often the big gift. They made a trail of string that we followed throughout the house until we ended at the gift. I remember finding my first sled at the end of a string! My children have grown to love this tradition, and I already know what will be waiting at the end of the string trail this year!

Family Olympics – Another tradition that my parents started, and we’ve continued! Our family plays a board game each night of Christmas break, and the winner gets 1 point. At the end of the break, the family member with the most points chooses a restaurant for a family dinner.

Puzzles – Working a puzzle during the Christmas break keeps everyone busy!

A Christmas Story – Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t watch A Christmas Story at least once!

Reindeer Food – When the children were little, we would make reindeer food and scatter it on the lawn on Christmas Eve! It’s a simple mixture of oatmeal and glitter! The glitter makes it sparkle, so the reindeer can see it!

Cookies for Santa – Every child should make cookies for santa…just make sure to use your favorite recipe! Yummy!

Tamales on Christmas Eve – It’s a Texas thing, and it’s a delicious Christmas Eve dinner!

Big Breakfast on Christmas Day – In between opening stockings and opening presents, we enjoy a big breakfast!

Cookie Exchange – My daughter and I have hosted a mother/daughter cookie exchange for the past 9 years! We start testing new cookie recipes in early December before we pick “the cookie” for the exchange. Learn how to host a cookie exchange!

Spring Break Gift – We always surprise the children with our spring break vacation destination by wrapping it up as a gift. Once they open the box, they will discover a series of clues to help them determine where we are going!

Mulling Spices – My mother used to always simmer a spice mixture on the stove during the holidays that made our house smell wonderful! Simply simmer 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon allspice.

Twas the Night Before Christmas – A must read for Christmas Eve!

Christmas Lights – Drive around and check out all the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.

Advent Calendar – I’m amazed that as teenagers, our kids are still excited to do the advent calendar each day!

Fudge – Homemade fudge…what a treat!

• Best Fudge Recipe
• Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 oz. can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1, 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Directions:
• Combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar and salt in a large saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Boil 4 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir in miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips, walnuts and vanilla. Stir until marshmallows melt.
• Pour into a foil lined, 8-inch square pan.
• Cool.

Spiced Tea – A friend gave us spiced tea as a gift many years ago, and Christmas is not complete for my daughter without enjoying a cup of spiced tea with her grandmother!

• Spiced Tea Recipe
• Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups tang
• 3/4 cup instant iced tea powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger

• Directions:
• Mix together and divide into jars to give friends!
• Yield: 4 cups Spiced Tea mix
• Instructions: Add 3 teaspoons of Spiced Tea mix to 1 cup boiling water. Enjoy!

Make a little merry for less this Christmas by enjoying family traditions!

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Written by:
Kristl Story
TheBudgetDiet.com
(It’s a diet for your wallet, not your waistline!)

Kristl is the CEO of her family and also the maid, the cook, the coupon queen and yes, the bargain shopper. She’s not a financial planner or an accountant, just a mom that knows how to live the good life on a budget! Kristl’s tips have been featured in publications like Consumer Reports, All You Magazine and Good Housekeeping. Discover more frugal living tips at TheBudgetDiet.com