When we see pictures from Christmases gone by, we so often let out a heavy sigh and say “I wish Christmas was like that again”. Let me ask a question… why can’t it be? What are the Secrets of an Old-Fashioned Christmas?
Take a step back and say “this year will be different”. What made those Christmases gone by so special? Time was spent with family… Watching Snoopy’s Christmas with the family and a big bowl of popcorn. Decorating the tree together. A night out to ride around and look at Christmas lights.
You know what else… Family time did not include cell phones, Facebook, video games, computers and all the other distractions that have taken over our daily lives. Gifts did not come in the form of plastic cards with dollar amounts on them. Yes, it takes time and conversations and listening. It takes disconnecting and reconnecting with each other. So this year bring back the Christmas of yesterday. Bake cookies together, watch those classic Christmas shows, get a group and go Christmas caroling at a senior home, go shopping with your kids. Start a new tradition. Give up Starbucks for a week and send Christmas cards… in the mail, not an e-card. Invite everyone to your home for an old-fashioned Christmas and don’t be afraid to let everyone know what you are doing and how much it means to you.
The secrets of a old fashioned Christmas….. you taking the first step to make it happen.
An old-fashioned Christmas that fits your household
Choose one familiar ritual you want to make time for. A favorite film, a meal, or unpacking an ornament together can be enough. Let people join in comfortably rather than asking the whole season to look like the past.
For the main guide, read how to build a family ornament tradition. For care between seasons, see my ornament storage guide.