Even Traditions Change – How to Introduce New Christmas Joys!

We all have them – our family Christmas traditions. Yet, sometimes, don’t we secretly wish we could swap-out just one or two, especially as we grow a little older! Perhaps it’s the cake baking, which you’ve traditionally done, and which now leaves you exhausted (or the cake a little under- or over-done!). It might be the stressful task of choosing gifts for adults who already have everything they could wish for, or getting up at the crack of Christmas dawn to pack the car with pressies and food and to head to the rellies for a heavy mid-day dinner. Whatever it is that bugs you about Christmas, or bogs you down with responsibility and stress, why not farewell old, unmanageable traditions for new and more joyful ones! Here are some suggestions to whet your appetite:

Bake a different one

Baking a traditional fruit cake is hard work, not to mention expensive! If you’re the family festive cake baker, why not canvas the rellies to ask what their favourite cake really is – because a lemon drizzle or strawberry cream sponge is a whole lot less work than a full-on fruit cake! You can still Christmas-it up with your favourite frosting and candied Christmas decorations, and it will be devoured in a trice!

More fun, less ‘stuff’

Let’s face it, most of us want for little, and we’re unlikely to have room for more. Instead of giving unnecessary gifts this Christmas, why not book ahead at a favourite restaurant where the adults (and even the older teens) in the family dine out instead of buying each other gifts. Save gift-giving for the littlies and have more time for enjoying watching them as they open their presents under the tree.

Clear the clutter!

There’s a lot going on in a family home on Christmas day. From laying the table, cooking dinner, and possibly heading off to church, it can be mayhem. If family is coming to yours this Christmas, let the gift giving take place, European style, on the evening of the 24th. That way, there’s time to enjoy the giving and receiving, and all the ribbon and wrap is out of the way come Christmas day!

Cook my fave!

Let everyone take responsibility for Christmas dinner, but give it a twist by asking those (of cooking age) who will be attending, for their favourite festive recipe. Then, assign one of the recipes to each cooking-age member of the family to prepare. On Christmas day, ask those whose favourite recipe it is, to give a short commentary on how they feel the dish turned out. Give a prize to the cook who receives the most praise!

Holiday reading

Holidays are for whiling away the time with a great book – especially one that comes highly recommended. This Christmas, ask the rellies (children too) to bring along a favourite book of their own which they’re happy to gift away. Pop the adults books into one box and the children’s reads in another then have a lucky dip. If the dipper isn’t happy with the book they take out, they can then have the fun of trying to swap it for another! Alternatively, instead of everyone spending time hunting out gifts for each other, you could ask your Christmas guests to buy a new book for the swap.

Take the pressure off

Hosting Christmas is stressful. Instead of having everyone come to yours for Christmas, consider hiring a bach for the festive period. Instead of gift giving, those who are coming together for Christmas can all help with the rental cost. Instead of a full-on Christmas dinner, make it a more casual affair with a barbecue, picnic, or finger food. What could be more relaxing!

Christmas traditions are special but they don’t need to be static. This Christmas, turn the tide on stress and responsibility by introducing traditions that benefit everyone and bring less stress, and more joy, to the occasion.