Glowing lights in the nipping winter air, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, the gaiety and mirth of loved ones spells out that Christmas is near with its pristine warmth and magic. Come Christmas and the entire world sprints into a celebration mode. The holiday season gives ample opportunities to make it memorable but its preparation should not become overwhelming. Let’s plan how to make it enjoyable and magical for an everlasting experience.
Old traditions and new adaptations
The age-old Christmas celebrations have rested on the installation and decoration of Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings on the mantelpiece, Bethlehem star and so on. Cookies and milk for family and Santa plus creation of Nativity scenes depicting Baby Jesus were very popular earlier. With changing lifestyles new traditions are coming up which can be designed to remain etched in the family memoirs as a wonderful magical experience.
Decorate your House and Christmas Tree with Soft Twinkling Lights: A favorite activity during Christmas but this year you can do it with a difference!! Keep a theme of white sparkling lights or make a scheme of red and green lights to decorate the Christmas tree, garden and yard with an intention of making it a seamless blend for an inviting cozy aura. You can also plan to use these lights on your shrubs and plants in the outdoor space to create a winter wonderland. It is so heartening to come back to a beautifully lit up home during the Christmas season. To make the decorations more magical hang family heirlooms, handcrafted ornaments and toys on the Christmas tree weaving memories for future without forgetting the past celebrations.
The Role of Seasonal Scents: Synthetic Christmas trees have totally destroyed the fragrance aspect of this festival. Effect of seasonal scents like pine and cinnamon using candles, potpourri or essential oils as well as the smell of gingerbread cookies are an integral part of traditional decorations. Their sweet odor wafting through the air evokes a sense of nostalgia and togetherness. You are transported into a cocoon of shared values and solidarity. An essential addition to your household to forge a unique magical experience.
Inculcating The Spirit of Giving: ‘To give randomly, to give without reason’. This is one of the most magical elements of Christmas which reinforces a sense of well being and strengthens the community spirit. Gifts can be material, time, compassion or random acts of kindness which go a long way in bringing cheer and joy to the recipient. It is vital to embrace this spirit of giving back to the society irrespective of celebrating the festival for its religious importance or just as a day for fun and frolic. Children learn to emulate such acts of kindness by donating their toys and books to the less privileged. In the process a strong sense of community welfare develops paving the way for a more positive world around us. It is important to understand that celebrations are not meant to be just ostentatious. Meaningful and thoughtful presents can be given by crafting them personally without hurting the family budget.
Watching Movies: You may like to plan binge movie watching on Christmas eve with family and close friends huddled together in their most comfortable pajamas. Lap blankets and a cup of steaming cocoa will make ‘Home Alone’, ‘Miracle on 34 street’, ‘ It’s A Wonderful Life’ or some other favorite a memorable event for years to come.
Clubbed Activities: A clubbed event in the form of baking cookies or singing carols together is another tradition which can be encouraged to foster a spirit of love and togetherness. Kids could draw Christmas cards and write personal notes to express love and gratitude for their family members. It helps to inculcate a spirit of gratefulness for receiving so much from God. These self made cards and notes become invaluable treasures in later life. Plus they become family souvenirs to be displayed on your Christmas tree in the coming years. It creates the perfect everlasting magical experience. You may consider building a ‘Nativity Scene’ with your kids. It is not very popular in homes as personal effort and craftsmanship is needed. If you can manage it depicting Baby Jesus, it will stand out in your neighborhood as a novel decoration. Another clubbed activity which is very rewarding is the sharing of stories and experiences. Just sit by the fire or pour over family albums or talk over dinner. When your family confides in you a beautiful understanding develops which prepares a solid ground for shared joys and tribulations in the years to come. What experience can be more magical than this?
Christmas Music: Create a playlist of your favorite songs including traditional carols and instrumental renditions. It becomes an immersive magical experience when played softly in the background while cooking or decorating with your loved ones. You can make the music sessions even more engaging and enjoyable. Arrange a Christmas Karaoke night or just a sing-along to your favorite musical pieces. Attending concerts or church choir service is also a good option. For music lovers, they can tune in to ‘Mormon Tabernacle Choir’ for their annual event on any major music streaming platform. Music sets the stage for a perfect holiday season.
Food Delicacies: ‘The family that eats together, stays together’ is an old adage which remains true even today. Tasty sumptuous food eaten together at the table with love and laughter is the ultimate binder for all festivals. It gives the perfect occasion to keep family recipes alive. You can cook delectable roasted turkey, ham or roasted beef. These are the traditional Christmas dishes along with cranberry sauce, tonics and sherry. When served with love, food becomes magical and the taste lingers for a long time. If you like trying new cuisines, a number of videos from cultures across the world are available online. Rustle up casseroles, salads, mouthwatering desserts and win warmed hearts. The cherished tradition of baking cookies and gingerbread houses keeps the nostalgia alive. If you are a good cook these items can also be an attractive gift for friends and people less well endowed. To make the whole food section more magical, set up a hot chocolate station complete with whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes etc. What a wonderful way to call it a day! Shining tableware, cutlery, candles and a well laid out table sprinkled generously with tenderness are the perfect recipe for a magical Christmas!!
Local Markets and Festivals: Many cities organize local markets and fairs with fresh farm produce and a variety of festive parades, light displays etc. It is a good idea to go for a stroll in these places and admire the sights. The visit is relaxing, rejuvenating and a fun time with family and friends. The Christmas magic is not limited to your four walls. Go out and enjoy the fresh air, soak in the festive spirit and reconnect with neighbors and fellow citizens for a wholesome experience.
Outdoor Activities: If you live in a place which has snow during this time do go for a walk. The snow clad roads give a pristine appearance which has a calming effect on your mind. You may like to go alone or make it a joint activity with your kids. This becomes a good time to talk and exchange thoughts and ideas. It cements a long lasting relationship for life and forms the basis for a beautiful magical experience. Your adventurous side can set up a fire pit in the backyard, make s’mores and serve mulled wine as part of traditional Christmas celebrations. It is a unique style of hosting guests and will go a long way in making the entire event delightful, unforgettable and magical.
Time for Reunion: The festival of Christmas is not just about fun, food and enjoyment. The essence is to connect with yourself and your people. In today’s fast paced life you may have lost touch with so many associates. There may be hard feelings for a few. Christmas is the right time to let bygones be bygones and pick up the threads for more meaningful relationships. It is so important to leave discord and regrets behind. This is probably the most magical experience you can have this season.
Reflection and Introspection: All through the year you are busy running after schedules and deadlines. This holiday season you can opt for solo activities too. Go for a quiet walk, sit by a water body or relax in a garden with yourself. It gives you time to reflect on the months gone by. It also aids introspection. You may be thinking of changing circumstances or you may be looking for a solution to some problems. It’s the right time to think, plan and execute. You can also make some resolutions for the coming year regarding health and habits. A bucket list of travel destinations can be drawn up. Some deep thought on financial investments and savings may be overdue. In the new year you may like to start journaling, taking up a new hobby or learning some life skills. All such issues can be thought over during this period. The practice of reflection at year end gives a sense of peace and closure to the year going by with fresh energy and intentions for the future.
Conclusion
The annual festival of Christmas has so many realms which propagate the joy of caring and enjoying with loved ones. Observe it with enthusiasm and faith, keeping the essence of this wonderful festival alive. You may like to soak the raisins and walnuts in rum for your delectable Christmas cake next year. Make it surreal, magical and memorable. Merry Christmas!!
