This sponsored post on holiday traditions is brought to you by Sverve. All words and opinions are my own.
Having holiday traditions has always been really important to me. One of the first traditions I can remember from when I was very young was how we celebrated Christmas Eve. My Mom’s side of the family would gather at my Great Grandmother’s house; it was the one time of year they all made a point to get together.
Now that Bubbles is getting older and is able to anticipate and appreciate much of the season, we’re working on building her traditions. Here are some that we’re participating in this year that you might like to start with your own kiddos.
Personal Christmas Tree
This year she has a small tree of her own in her bedroom. This is something my parents let me do, and I really looked forward to it every year, so it was a tradition I definitely wanted to pass on. The tree is loaded with unbreakable and plush ornaments, plus some battery-powered Mickey lights so it’s really kid-friendly.
Book-a-Day Advent
For a fun spin on a traditional advent, starting on December 1st we’ll be reading a new Christmas-themed book each day. Bubbles will love this one, especially, because she’s a huge reader. Plus by selecting a wide variety of books it will be a fun way to share holiday traditions from around the world.
Christmas Eve Gifts
On Christmas Eve, let kiddos open one gift. Pick something that will help build excitement, like a new Christmas DVD that everyone can watch together or a new outfit to wear on Christmas Day. Or maybe even a small toy (like a doll or stuffed plush they can drift off to sugarplum-land with).
Giving Gifts to Others
I also want to instill the sense of philanthropy in her at a young age. So we’ll be shopping together and choosing gifts for either an angel tree or a toy drop-off box. She already a sweet and kind girl and I want to nurture that.
If you’re planning to give gifts – whether to your own family or to others – and need some suggestions, make plans to stop by a Walmart Holiday Toyland event during December at participating Walmarts. We’ll be attending a local Walmart Toyland the first week or so of December, so be sure to stop back by and see what toys caught our eye.
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.
Love your new traditions. I always wanted my own little tree growing up, but never had one. This year, however, my girls saw a blue tabletop tree at the store and I told them they could get it and make their own ornaments for it. They put it up today and are so proud of it. We are also doing the book advent, which I started last year and the girls loved. Thanks for sharing.
That is seriously so sweet! I love that they made their own ornaments, even more personal for them
We are planning on doing a small personal tree for my son this year also!
I love the idea of their own small tree in their rooms! How fun!
I love the personal tree idea. My boys and I always do a Christmas Eve box as part of our tradition too.
I love that she has a personal tree. That would definitely get my girls in the Christmas spirit! I am going to go to my local Walmart to see all of the toys and get ideas of which ones we could get to give for our church giving tree. Great Idea!
Tradition has always been very important in our family. I want my children to have lots of things to remember about their childhood.
These are some wonderful traditions! We did the book-a-day advent last year and enjoyed it so much, that we’re doing it again this year!