7 heartwarming, easy holiday traditions you can start at home.

1.Count down to the holidays.

Whether you’re counting down to Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah or any other celebration, the mere act of counting down adds excitement to the upcoming holiday —especially for children. Counting down can be as simple as marking off each day on a big calendar together at dinnertime. Or, buy a ready-made advent calendar and count each day down with a fun little treat. These days, stores stock non-denominational ones that can work for your holiday. Lastly, if you’re feeling creative, consider a do-it-yourself advent calendar. Etsy, Michaels and Amazon have creative ones you can fill with your own treats as you count down to the big event.

2.Break out a favourite recipe and bake together.

They say the heart of the home is in the kitchen, so why not start by creating an easy new holiday tradition there? There’s nothing like spending time in a warm kitchen while surrounding yourself with the smell of delicious, freshly baked treats. So, grab a favourite tried-and-tested recipe and bake up a storm. While the goods are cooling, head to your local dollar store for cute containers and ribbons, then package and distribute to neighbours and family. Most importantly, these holiday gifts will become a great new holiday tradition that the family and your recipients will start to look forward to each year. Win-win.

3.Turn decorating the house into an event. 

Whether you’re trimming the tree, hanging a wreath, stringing lights or creating garlands, make it a family affair. First, turn on some holiday music. Second, heat up some hot cocoa. Then, get younger children involved by letting them unpack items or hand you things. Repeat every year, increasing the importance of tasks as kids grow older. Meanwhile, be sure to capture the memories on your camera or smartphone. This heartwarming tradition will be one everyone will remember for years to come.  

Personalized holiday cards are a great way to keep friends and family updated on what’s happened over the past year. They’re also a great opportunity to start a new tradition. So, put on your holiday outfits and snap a family picture on your smartphone.

Next, send your favourite image to Shutterfly or Vistaprint to turn into holiday cards for you. Once delivered, have every family member write a brief note about what’s they’ve been doing over the past year. Need ideas on how to take a fun picture? Check out this article.

Tis better to give than receive and there’s no better way to share this lesson than by involving kids in some good old-fashioned giving.

Start by enlisting the kids to help you choose a couple of their favourite toys online or in-store. Then drop them off together at a local charity collecting gifts for those less fortunate. 

 Best of all, you can pick up the same item for your child at a later date, because you know they will definitely like it!

6. Spend a Sunday in matching pj’s. 

Oh, what fun! Get in the holiday spirit by spending a lazy Sunday at home in matching pj’s. 

Walmart and Indigohave them (right down to matching outfits for your pooch!) or order online from this store. 

You’ll be all dressed for a Christmas movie marathon, so break out the popcorn, plump up the pillows, settle in and enjoy!