Welcome back to Blogmas 2023! Continuing through Christmas Day, expect to find some fun and informative holiday themed blog posts here at The Confusing Middle. For Day 15, we’ll take a look at some fun ideas that you can implement as new traditions for your family in the years to come. So let’s look at a few heartwarming customs that can make your Christmas celebrations extraordinary.

1. The Annual Ornament Exchange

One cherished Christmas tradition is an annual ornament exchange. Each year, a different family member can be responsible for selecting and gifting a Christmas ornament to every other family member. These ornaments should be a reflection of the receiver’s personality, interests, or experiences throughout the year. This tradition will result in a beautiful and diverse collection of ornaments, each carrying special memories and stories. Your Christmas tree will become a true testament to the love and thoughtfulness shared among family members.

2. Christmas Recipe Swap

Food has always been an integral part of many a family gathering, and Christmas is no exception. This year, your family can introduce the annual Christmas Recipe Swap, where each family member shares a favorite holiday recipe. It could be a cherished secret cookie recipe, a beloved roast turkey technique, or an unconventional twist on a classic dish. Then, compile these recipes into a Christmas cookbook, allowing your family to savor the flavors of the season year after year and keep the culinary traditions alive.

3. The Midnight Snowball Fight

While one can’t always depend on a white Christmas, especially considering where you might live, try to ensure that you have a snowy one, at least in spirit. At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, have a good-natured snowball fight in the backyard. If you don’t have real snow, use soft, fake snowballs to ensure nobody gets too cold or wet, but the laughter and excitement will be very real. This quirky tradition gives a delightful and unexpected start to Christmas Day.

4. Candlelit Caroling in the Neighborhood

On Christmas Eve, don your warmest coats, grab a few lanterns, and head out for a candlelit caroling adventure in your neighborhood. This is a Christmas tradition born from a desire to meet the people in your neighborhood, rather than just being those strangers at the end of the cul de sac. As time goes by, it can become a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer and connect with those around us. After a while, your neighbors will eagerly await your arrival each year, and it will create a beautiful bond that transcends the holiday season.

Christmas traditions are more than just rituals; they are the threads that bind families together and create cherished memories. In my family, these unique customs are a testament to our love and togetherness during this magical time of year.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your family’s unique Christmas traditions? Have you ever considered starting a new tradition to make the holiday season even more special? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the beauty of Christmas traditions together. Wishing you a joyous and unforgettable holiday season!

Feature Photo by Pavel Danilyuk