From advent calendars to sledding, December brims with opportunities to build memories. Of course, we here at CCA encourage you to check out the delightful holiday books written by our contributors, like Dachshund Through the Snow by Michelle Medlock Adams, Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker, M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman, and A Christmas Kindness by Cheryl Malandrinos. But beyond cozying up to a crackling fire with a book and a sleepy child, there are many other heart-warming activities your family can participate in this time of year. Here are a five of my favorites.

• Visit local holiday Christmas sights. Many museums deck the halls for the holidays, botanical gardens crown plants and pathways with lights, and towns create window exhibitions featuring seasonal characters and festive music. Your family can take in the sights and sounds as you stroll through these typically free displays. At the very least, drive through neighborhoods at night, when most people turn on strings of lights. Don’t forget to check out your local church for live manger scenes, which provide a great opportunity to experience the circumstances around the birth of Jesus.
• Dress in matching pajamas, prepare popcorn (or a more seasonal treat—we bake and decorate sugar cookies) and pour mugs of hot chocolate for the family. Then snuggle up on the couch to watch a Christmas movie. Some go-to titles include The Polar Express, Elf, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Santa Clause, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. (Okay, I know there are more out there… go ahead a list them in the comments.)
• Consider doing an act of kindness, such as shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk. Or, your child may enjoy participating in Operation Christmas Child. People fill a shoebox with gifts and practical items to send to others around the world.
• Attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service. This is a treasured tradition in my family which always included boisterous Christmas carols and ended with everyone holding a candle and singing Silent Night. We would leave the church with our hearts full of gratitude as well as hope rekindled as we commemorated Christ’s birth.
• Before opening presents, gather the family in a circle and read aloud the story of Christ’s birth found in Luke 2. Upon conclusion, pause for a moment of prayer. You might be surprised at how profound an impact this simple shared time leaves on your family.

These are the traditions most precious to me. What would you add to my list? Please tell me in the comments.

And happy holidays! ~~ Lori Z. Scott

Be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement! #christianchildrensauthors #christianbooks #christianauthors #christmas #christmastraditions