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Establishing traditions within the family unit is a excellent way for parents to instill particular values and ideals in their children while also binding the family together through ritual. Traditions give families something to rely on and look forward to, especially during the hectic holiday season. This year consider implementing a few new traditions into the family. Several moms from the Dallas/Fort Worth area were kind enough to share traditions that their families take part in each holiday season in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. 

• Purchase a new ornament each year, being sure to write the year on the bottom of it.
• Watch the same Christmas movie(s) every year together.
• Host a caroling party for friends. Learn a few simple Christmas carols together and carol together as a group in one's neighborhood.
• Have siblings give each other the same type of gift each year. (i.e. book, particular toy, new ornament)
• Participate in city holiday activities.
• Attend candlelight Christmas Eve services at a place of worship.
• Donate to a charity either through monetary means or through service projects.
• Introduce children to the Elf of the Shelf.
• Make the same type of food every holiday season (cinnamon rolls,peppermint bark, chocolate candy).
• Use an Advent calendar to mark down the days until Christmas.
• Give the Christmas tree a different theme each year.
• Prepare a large breakfast for the family to enjoy on Christmas morning.
• Load up in the car to drive around town and enjoy the Christmas lights.
• Work together to make presents for neighbors and friends.
• Create a homemade ornament together for the Christmas tree each year.
• Read Christmas books by the light of the Christmas tree.
• Open one present on Christmas Eve, saving the rest for Christmas morning.
• Buy each member of the family a new pair of pajamas to wear on Christmas day.
• Have a birthday party  to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus.