There are a variety of holidays coming up, and while it's good to stick with family traditions, it's also nice to change it up. So here are some ways you can do that!
1) Let your kids create a new tradition. It's amazing what they can come up with. It might be a new food they want, or something a friend does, but give it a shot and let them call the shots!
2) Explore a culture in your background that you might not have done previously. If you have any German ancestry, try celebrating St. Nick's Day or the Feast of St. Martin. Celebrate St. Lucia if you have Norwegian ancestors.
3) Explore a culture that you don't have in your family history! This can really be amazing to learn how people celebrate winter holidays around the world - especially in countries that don't have a cold and snowy winter.
4) Get outside! Nothing will recharge you like brisk weather. Just make sure to play it safe and bundle up well.
5) Take a traditional cold-weather drink, like hot apple cider or hot cocoa, and change it up a bit. Add nutmeg or ginger to cider, and use candy canes as stir sticks in hot cocoa.
6) Use the holidays as a tie to remember others. Give thanks for what you have - and then help those who don't have much to give thanks for by volunteering at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving, or for a Meals on Wheels program (which are often closed on Thanksgiving and need other people to help out).
7) Celebrate Epiphany in a unique way. Epiphany is the day we commemorate when the Magi came and gave gifts to the baby Jesus. Our family celebrates by "giving gifts to Jesus" in our own way. Our kids pick out toys or clothes or food that they want to give away, and then we have a birthday party for Jesus at home and set them aside for the appropriate charities.
8) Pick some special food that your kids don't get the rest of the year, and tie it in to the holidays. For us, that means chocolate waffles with strawberries and cool whip or powdered sugar on Christmas Eve. It doesn't have to be fancy, just fun.
9) Try to sleep. Nothing will make you feel "not fresh" like being sleep-deprived and sick.
10) Smile. Even if you're feeling stressed and burned out, just the act of smiling will help lift your spirits.
11) Notice the small things. So much is overdone during the holidays, so notice the more humble efforts, like a child's decorations, or the perfect way the mall clerk gift wraps your purchases.
12) Spread festive joy. Smile, even when the stores are busy. Say thank you. Trust me - I used to work in retail, and this makes a huge difference.
13) Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone tries to make the holidays "perfect" - but really, people won't remember if you made yourself crazy getting every loop of tinsel right. They'll remember being together and having fun.
14) Keep it all in perspective. Whatever your religion, appreciate this time of year for what it really means to you. If you're Christian, it's about the gift of Jesus and thanking God for blessings. If you're Jewish, it's about the traditions of Hanukkah and God's miracles. Every faith tradition has their own reasons for celebrating the season - and if none applies to you, at least look at this season as a chance to bring joy to those around you and share in love of family and friends.
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