The holiday season is full of magical moments to celebrate with your family. Some of the most priceless memories are created through annual traditions that stay in your heart throughout the years. Here are 10 ideas you could start this holiday season.
1. Make an ornament.
Spark your family’s creativity by using materials at home to create a holiday ornament every year. Or visit a local art store and choose a ceramic ornament to paint.
2. Take a family photo in the same spot.
Look through the pictures with your family every year and celebrate how much you’ve changed and grown. Great spots at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to preserve memories and measure growth include Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass, the largest water clock in North America, the carousel, the Ruben Wells locomotive, one of several dinosaurs or next to the femur of a Sauropod that has a built-in yard stick, and the Snow Globe.
3. Interview family members.
Ask your family members what their favorite holiday moments were for that year. Record them to relive in future years and to hear how the kids’ voices have changed.
4. Sponsor a family.
Partner with a local organization to provide gifts, food and other support to a family this holiday season, while teaching your little ones philanthropy in the process.
5. Explore neighborhood holiday displays.
Fill a thermos with hot cocoa, pack some favorite snacks, load your favorite holiday playlist or sing your favorite carols, and hit the road to find the best holiday light displays.
6. Decorate your own ugly sweaters for National Ugly Sweater Day.
Did you know that the third Friday in December is National Ugly Sweater Day (December 17, 2021)! In honor of the day, you can make a memory with your family by decorating your own ugly sweaters and wearing them all day long!
7. Learn about holidays around the world.
From Jewish Hanukkah to Ethiopian Orthodox Genna, there are many special holidays to discover and recognize this time of year!
8. Have a holiday movie night.
Pop some popcorn, warm up some hot chocolate, throw on your PJs and snuggle up for an evening of your favorite holiday movies and TV specials.
9. Support a local food pantry.
Here’s another chance to teach your little one how to give back to those who may not have as much as your family does.
10. Visit The Children’s Museum.
Check our web calendar to determine which Santa you want to visit. Share your wish list with the Jolly Old Elf. Catch a live production of Christmas Quest in Lilly Theater. Countdown to Noon on New Year’s Eve. The Children’s Museum is full of holiday traditions for the whole family in Jolly Days Winter Wonderland — and it’s all included with museum admission! For an additional registration fee, you can sign your family up for Breakfast with Santa, a North Pole PJ Party and Santa’s Workshop.
Whatever you choose, we hope this holiday season is full of magical memories for you and your whole family.
