Parenting expert Demi Austin Thomas shares how you and your kids can build Christmas memories that will last for generations.
1. Teach Your Kids to Budget
Try giving them a prepaid credit card and telling them to make a list of their recipients, prioritize the money and track your spending. After Christmas review their experience and talk about how it could be improved. (Teaches kids and teens financial responsibility for life and forces creativity in their gift giving decisions.)
2. Look Beyond What Money Can Buy
Help them find ways to volunteer to help others. Giving back is the best way to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Look for churches that make up baskets, soup kitchens that need help serving, etc.
Plan family cooking nights. In my family the elders take this opportunity to pass on cherished family recipes. Note: collect all the recipes and put them in a book as a gift for mom.
3. Fun Family Memories
Board games make fun family get together nights but why not amp it up and host a family game tournament. Start now and let the winners play the winners in a New Year’s Eve playoff. Make it even more fun by guessing the winners.
Family selfie photo booth. Pick up accessories from the local dollar store and encourage everyone who stops by to take selfies. And of course, the family can take as many as they want. Choose your backdrop or set up your own and keep it up all season. Create a family holiday hashtag for tracking and sharing on social media. Example: #thomasville2019
Play hallmark movie holiday bingo, every time you see an iconic moment you put a token on your game board. You can get the game at hallmarkchannel.com or at hallmark gold crown stores nationwide.
4. Affordable Activities Around Town
Check out all the free or affordable activities in your town. Most cities have parties and light shows or Christmas tree lightings. Many churches have hot cider parties. Have your kids do the search and let them pick the activities.