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Creating Christmas Traditions

For kids and adults alike, a sense of continuity over the years can bring even more joy and warmth to the Christmas holiday season. You probably already have some traditions that you associate with Christmas. Share these with your kids, but try to create new ones just for them. Here are some ideas.
Girl decorating Christmas tree
Updated: December 1, 2022

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Honoring your heritage

Some of the strongest traditions are associated with cultures and have been passed on for generations. Research your family's history and country of origin in order to find traditions to revive. For instance, if your family claims French descent, try making a Bûche de Noel. This Yule log-shaped cake is eaten as part of Réveillon, a celebration after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Your kids will love trying to make the cake look as much like a log as possible -- and the chocolate's not bad, either!

For another fun and challenging way to celebrate your heritage, find the lyrics to Christmas carols in the language of your ancestors. If you choose songs that you already know in English, you'll have the tune down pat, and your kids will pick up more quickly on the meaning of the foreign phrases. If you're German, for example, look up the words to "O Tannenbaum," or if you're Italian, for "Buon Natale." Are you unsure what your heritage is? Start by finding the origin of your family name.

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