Holiday Cheer with a Twist: 10 Traditions to Start This Season

If you’re like the better part of American families, you’re already set in your traditional ways. Dinner is the same every year, the same relatives show up with gifts and fruitcake, and the setting is one you could draw you’ve seen it so many times. So why not try something new this year? Without having to put the tried and true traditions to the wayside, here’s 10 fun ideas that you can integrate into the rest of the festivities. Who knows? You might start a great holiday trend to enjoy with your loved ones!

1. Holiday Time Capsule: This tradition can be fun, though chances are the camera shy members of your family will balk at it. Bring a video camera and pick three or four questions to ask every family member present a few pre-determined questions, such as “What was the best thing about this past year?”, “What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?”, and “What part of dinner are you really looking forward to this year?” You can even ask some more hefty questions, such as their ideas on world events and politics. Finish the video and bundle it away for next year when it’ll be fun for all of you to watch. Then you can make another one and find out how much your opinions have all changed in one year.

2. Candy Cane Auction: This tradition is great for families that play a lot of games when they get together. Make it a rule this year that the first, second, and third place winners of each game will get a pre-determined number of candy canes for their winnings. At the end of the evening, bring out things you’ve picked up at dollar stores, garage sales, or just things around the house you want to get rid of and hold an Annual Candy Cane Auction. Not only will the bidding be fun for them, they’ll come out of it with a souvenir of this fun time.