Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, there are recurring themes that come along with the holidays—food, family, fun and gift exchange to name a few. With so many things to be thankful for and celebrate, the possibilites are endless to put a twist on your holiday traditions. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Skip the gift exchange & volunteer: Anthony J. DeAngelo said it best, “The most important things in life aren’t things.†Instead of spending money on gifts for family and friends—which most people don’t even remember what gift they got for last year, host an event in your local area to benefit the elderly, the hungry or the sick. Or gift a holiday dinner to a family in need. Check out volunteermatch.org.
- Switch up the holiday dinner menu: There are plenty of ways to put a twist on your holiday menus. From serving duck instead of turkey to hosting a Mexican or Korean inspired dinner–here are a few unique holiday recipes.
- Plan a family cook-off challenge: Most families have one or two would-be chefs. Staging a family cook-off can be a fun way to put a twist on yearly holiday recipes. Check out sheknows.com for tips on planning a family cook-off.
- Host a family talent show: Everyone loves a good laugh and most of us are always looking for ways to share our talent. Talent shows are a great way to get the entire family involved in planning and celebrating the holidays while showcasing your unique talents.
- Go global: Did you know New Years Eve is celebrated on the beach in Rio de Janeiro? Discovering how other cultures celebrate the holidays around the world is an excellent way to create long lasting memories with your family.Here are some of the best places to spend the holidays.
Happy holidays!