Family Favorite Christmastime Activities

Okay, our family loves the holidays...playing, seeing family, taking pictures...It's all so much fun for us. So, I made a special list ust for this occasion on everything our family loves to do/play/see/ect...

1. "The Christmas Tree Ceremony" - the day after Thanksgiving, we put up the Christmas tree, decorations (our parents aren't "outdoor" decorators, so don't count on a big lights show by our house) and we make hot chocolate and watch the movie "Elf" (the Will Ferrel one that came out about 2 years ago...something like that).

2. "Lamb Family Name Game" - we always put everyones name in a hat (preferably a Yankees one, all of you Lambs against our Red Sox rivalry) and draw names until everyone has a different name. Then, sort of like "Secret Santa" but not so secret, we buy a gift for that person and we open them late on Christmas Eve night.

3. "Temple Lights Show" - when we were in Utah, we would always go down to the lights show at the Salt Lake City temple lights show and just walk around with our family and look at all of the nativities and, of course, the lights...

4. "Make-a-List" - we all sit around together at the table at the end of November and make a list (three things from Santa, and an unlimited list for our parents). It's really enjoyable.

5. "Family Talent Show"- nearing Christmas (whenever, really) have everyone exhibit two or three talents, make a list and a program, and have that show. We love doing this.

6. "Christmas Tree Sleep-Over" - if there is any room, pull up an air matress or just some blankets around the tree one night and let the kids (or everyone, if you have room) sleep-over in front of the tree. If you do have enough room, put up a little play tent or a fort!! :-)

7. "Sledding" - in Utah, we would always go sledding. Sledding can occur wherever you have good, packed snow on a light hill (too steep might actually be dangerous). If you know somebody who has a nice hill, call them up. It can be an activity for tons of people.

8. "Family Party" - a couple of days before Christmas, throw a small party with your inside family. Make a chocolate bafe and put up some party signs. Add your own unique style and flair. Do whatever makes you happy.

9. "Picture Party" - this isn't really a party. Just take a ton of pictures and take the family time to post them on your blog. Gather everyone around for this activity. It is a lot of fun to take turn with the cameras so that everyone can have their moment to shine.

10. "Service Activity Project" - fill a goody basket full of little things like candies, candles, cards, mini-toys, ect. and make them just big enough to fit into a basket of some sort and then send them to an elderly neighbor or a friend.

That's pretty much all of the holiday cheer that comes out of us. I hope you guys try some of these traditions in your home as well. Merry Christmas!! :-)