5 Ways to Craft the Ideal Vacation Experience

This season holds a special place in my heart. The holiday vibes – the sights, sounds, and aromas – truly captivate me. What stands out the most during these times are the cherished traditions my family and I have cultivated over the years.

Such traditions serve a profound purpose. They foster a sense of belonging, reinforcing the notion that we’re part of a greater whole, drawing our family even closer.

Given the significance of traditions, I’d like to share five holiday rituals that my family and I hold dear:

1. Ornament Exchange: Every Christmas morning, ever since I can remember, I’ve opened a unique ornament. These ornaments are symbolic, representing milestones or special moments from the year. For instance, I have an oversized engagement ring ornament for the year I got engaged and a Santa-as-a-teacher for when I stepped into the world of teaching. While decorating the tree, I share the stories behind each ornament with my children. Their gleeful reactions and sharing their own ornament tales tug at my heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoy hunting for the perfect ornament for them annually, and our tree, laden with memories, is a sight to behold.
2. Book Countdown: Though this tradition has gained traction in recent times, it’s one I adore. In the nights leading up to Christmas, my kids unveil a holiday-themed book, and together, we dive into its pages before bedtime. While some are fresh stories, many are beloved tales from previous years. There’s unparalleled joy in revisiting these narratives, especially under the soft glow of our Christmas tree.
3. Christmas Tree Sleepover: Each year, as a prelude to Christmas, we organize a sleepover right by our Christmas tree. Donned in our festive pajamas, we indulge in story reading, treat munching, and film watching. The highlight? Cuddling beneath the shimmering lights of the tree. It’s a night eagerly anticipated by both the young ones and adults alike.
4. Card Wall: We genuinely appreciate holiday cards from friends and family. The excitement on my kids’ faces as they unseal each envelope is infectious. As a ritual, we display these cards on a wall that separates our kitchen and living room, allowing them to spread cheer throughout the festive period. Reluctantly, they’re the last decorations we pack away, signaling the end of the season.
5. Sending Cards: Given my fondness for receiving cards, I pour considerable thought into our annual dispatch. Everything, from the photographs to the card’s design, undergoes meticulous scrutiny. I love the process of choosing the ideal card that encapsulates the spirit of our family for that year.