Memories in the Making
- Nina Ross
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Slow, joyful traditions your family will look forward to year after year.
Cookie Hookie
Pick a random weekday in December, keep the kids home, and spend the day in pajamas baking, tasting, and laughing together. Flour on the counter, frosting on your cheeks, it is the perfect pause from the holiday rush. Maybe the elves will leave a gingerbread kit for the family to build or ingredients for a favorite cookie. Teach the kids to make their favorite baked good (ours is chocolate chip pumpkin bread). Whatever you choose to bake, do it slowly, let the kids make a mess, and soak in the memories.
Living Room Sleepover
One night, move the whole family to the living room for a sleepover by the tree. Blankets everywhere, a Christmas movie marathon, snacks for dinner, and Christmas lights glowing until morning. It is a night you will all remember.
Cocoa in the Car
Start the car, bundle up in pajamas, fill mugs with hot chocolate, and take a slow drive to admire the neighborhood lights. It is simple, cozy, and surprisingly magical, the kind of memory that sticks. If your neighborhood is not filled with lights, go downtown or look for a local holiday light show, like the Maine Celebration of Lights in Cumberland or Sparkle Celebration in Freeport.
December Donations
Turn giving into a daily adventure throughout December. Fill the space under the tree with items to donate and let the kids help each day. Watching the pile grow is exciting for them and it is a wonderful way to teach generosity in a joyful, hands-on way.
Let the Old Year Out, Let the New Year In
Just before midnight, open the back door to literally let the old year out. It is a simple, meaningful way to say goodbye to the year behind you.
At the stroke of midnight (or noon with the kids), open the front door to welcome the new year. It is a joyful way to invite fresh beginnings and set the tone for the year ahead.
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