Here are some last-minute Christmas traditions under ten dollars! There are so many things I want to share that I had to limit myself to the top ten that I love and have enjoyed with my children. I hope this episode blesses you, and while it is last minute, you can do some of the activities all year long.

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First of all, what is a holiday tradition? My definition is one that your family celebrates year after year. These things can consist of but not be limited to decorating the house, buying or setting up a Christmas tree, baking cookies or bread for the family or to share, taking pictures for Christmas cards, volunteering or visiting those who are in need, purchasing gifts for those in need, singing carols, Christmas get together’s, tree lighting, and local activities and parties, celebrating the days leading up to Christmas with an advent wreath and prayers and so much more.

What is on your Christmas tradition list? That is the first place to start. Look at this list and see what items you want to keep and what needs to go. One year I cut out all of my local friends from my Christmas card list – then next year out of state friends came next. I kept my list to immediate and extended family only. Why? Because writing and sending out cards was a huge stress factor in my life and something had to go. The next year I removed all of the baking for those who were not directly related, such as accountants, hairstylists, and more. It was again, just too much! The only baking I do is for immediate family and those that come for the actual Christmas meal.

Christmas traditions for our family revolve around our faith and this is something I consider very important. We celebrate the countdown to Christmas with an Advent Wreath. We pray using the Scriptures and lighting one candle each week as we count down to Christmas. The children made and decorated a wreath at church one year, and we used it for many, many years. The candles cost less than ten dollars and it is a wonderful celebration. My favorite book is The Season of Light which is available on Christian book’s website.

There are many holiday traditions that we cherish and as life goes on you can be sure they will change through the year, but spending time with family is precious and should be treasured. As a young mom, I wanted to create my own holiday memories with my new husband. (Story on the podcast.)

The first thing is to clarify with your spouse what you want your holiday to look like. That helps alleviate all of the issues that can crop up from misunderstanding. I made a point to look at things in a realistic way realizing you can not make everyone happy all of the time. Another is that I would strive to not allow my feelings to get in the way and to let things roll off that are meant to harm, or perhaps were said in innocence. I’ve been married for over 42 years so this method worked for us.

Ask your children what they want to do to create Christmas memories. You may be surprised at what they say!

I wish we were gathered in a large room drinking a hot beverage and sharing Christmas ideas and suggestions for under ten dollars and in that way we could learn from each other! While I love podcasting I do miss visiting with all of you at homeschool conferences as I did in past years.

I pray that you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, or whatever holiday season you are celebrating and enjoy your family and friends. You are all so special to me and I appreciate you!

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