The Network Writing Mom

What makes your holiday special? Last night, my best friend and I talked about activities that make our holiday seem magical.  We shared our definite favorites, like giving to others. As part of a Dora Christmas Carol contest, Twittermoms and Nickelodeon recently asked bloggers about their favorite holiday activities with their kids. What a wonderful topic! My husband, son, and I have a few traditional, holiday activities. Here’s a look at our family’s favorites.

1. Decorating the house — my grandmother used to set up her Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. While I’m not always ready on that day, we start getting things out of the closets and storage. It’s fun as we plan where the tree will go and have a “mini-Christmas” just opening the boxes and admiring the decorations.
2. Looking at neighborhood lights — we enjoy looking at all the Christmas lights and know the best, neighborhood displays. We love spotting the new, creative, or funny lights. Our son likes most any kind that moves. The last couple of years, we’ve visited one neighborhood where they collect donations for Hospice in exchange for donating their huge Christmas light displays for the public.
3. Making cookies and fudge — another holiday activity that was passed down from my mom and grandma. My son and I have re-created their recipes every year. My husband helps me with the fudge to make sure it turns out the right flavor and consistency. Sometimes, the cookie decorations change (especially as our son grows older), but this tradition is a must-do every holiday.
4. Watching Christmas movies — we watch some favorites, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (the animated version and then Jim Carrey’s version), and Charlie Brown. I watched all those as a kid, too. My husband and son have added to our list with Spongebob’s First Christmas, The Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation.
5. Giving to Someone Less Fortunate — we donate to the Salvation Army bell ringers, to our son’s school, and often to a new place. The importance of doing this is not in the amount we give. We feel grateful for what we have and feel there’s a responsibility to help others. Though it’s nice to do throughout the year, the holidays amplify the feelings of gratitude and giving.

What do you do with your kids? Do you have favorite holiday activities? I’d love to hear what makes your holiday special.

Check out Twittermoms and Nickelodeon for their wonderful topic starter — it’s bringing out holiday spirit.

Watch Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure Dec. 6 on NickelodeonGet the Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)Favorite Holiday Activities with Kids

Watch Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure Dec. 6 on NickelodeonFavorite Holiday Activities with Kids