| When parents begin having children, they become | | | | interest-appropriate for your children. No TV is |
| conscious of the need to create memorable | | | | allowed! When the evening is done, spread |
| holiday family traditions that their kids will look | | | | sleeping bags out on the floor under the |
| forward to year after year. Since Christmas lends | | | | Christmas tree and sleep together. In the |
| itself to memory-making, here are 3 great | | | | morning, how about some Christmas tree-shaped |
| yuletide traditions that are perfectly suited for | | | | pancakes? As children get older, the activities can |
| young families that will stay relevant and | | | | be modified: even teens love the challenge of |
| enjoyable even when the children are teens. | | | | having a family "stupid talent" show. |
| -- Christmas Campout | | | | -- 12 Days of Christmas |
| On the last full weekend before Christmas, how | | | | Beginning on December 12, start leaving gifts on a |
| about setting aside an evening for an "Annual | | | | neighbor's step anonymously. Your children will |
| Christmas Campout?" This tradition takes a | | | | love being a "Secret Santa" to a neighbor widow |
| considerable amount of advanced planning, but the | | | | or to someone who's been through rough times |
| resulting fun is well worth the effort. | | | | lately: the kids will learn to think of others, which is |
| Starting at 8 pm, everyone gets to open a | | | | what Christmas should be all about. The gifts |
| present: a brand new set of pajamas: even Mom | | | | should be simple: a plate of cookies, a 1/2 dozen |
| and Dad! After changing into pajamas, the | | | | red balloons, a little ornament, etc. Always include |
| festivities begin. You can play games, sing songs, | | | | a "you are cared for" note and reference to the |
| read stories, bake cookies, make a craft, or | | | | 12 Days of Christmas with the gift. |
| whatever you think is age-and | | | | |