My hubby and I are having a hard time getting in the Holiday spirit these last couple years. BOTH of our parents have become Snow Birds so they are in Florida during the holidays while we are here in Chicago. It isn't possible to spend the holidays together with them. But since they moved things have been so different around the holidays. They were the ones that hosted the family parties and so on. Our house isn't big enough to do that. And the brothers and sisters don't want to host a family party. We don't have work parties to go to, and our friends don't really get into having a holiday party. So how do we make the holidays a joyous occasion again? How do we make it still feel like Christmas? We still try to do little things with our teenage son, but it just isn't doing it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
2006-12-07 15:41:19 · 6 answers · asked by fiestyredhead 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
Since you are in a different situation these last couple of years, it may be important to start your own tradition, something just you and your family do together. It may be picking out a tree, going for a drive and looking at christmas lights with christmas music on or whatever you feel is important to you. Thinking of the past is nice but it will remind you of what you dont have. Make it something special this year and continue the tradition.
2006-12-07 15:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by raccoons 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily have to host anything at anyones house. How about renting a hall and doing something where the costs are shared with all. You can also try getting a private room in a nice restaurant to host a dinner party / reunion.
It's also nice to have a secret Santa thing where each of you have selected the other to purchase a small gift. This along with some sort of photo slide show of previous holidays with the whole family which you many have enjoyed would certainly put you in the holiday spirit!
Finally I think that you are focusing on yourself but have you thought about doing for others who are less fortunate. You mentioned a teenage son - how about volunteering at a soup kitchen or toys for tots event? Giving to others is another great way to get in the spirit!
2006-12-07 15:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by CuriousOne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Music! Sing, play an instrument, play Christmas CDs, walk down the street together singing Christmas carols.
2. Do something for the needy. Give a toy to Toys for Tots or a book at Barnes & Noble. Pick up a Santa letter at the post office from a needy child or parent and answer it yourself as Santa's Elves. Go to one of the legitimate Hurricane Katrina sites and help someone registered there. Answer the requests of the children of a jailed person at Angel Tree.
3. Go to church. Not just to services, but see what activities they've planned.
4. Attend a Christmas play or concert.
5. Host that family party anyway. Or, go out with your brothers and sisters to a restaurant or to church or to some other Christmas outing.
6. Make a video or audiotape to send to your parents.
7. Ask your son what he wants to do, and do that with him.
8. Visit a nearby old folks home in lieu of visiting your parents. (Arrange this with the staff there first.)
Hope this helps!
2006-12-07 15:52:23 · answer #3 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other people posted some good ideas, here are some additional things that put me and my wife in the Christmas spirit.
Read "The Spirit of Christmas" by Henry Van Dyke.
Here's a link to an online version, http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Text/The%20Spirit%20of%20Christmas%20-%20Henry%20Van%20Dyke.html It really changed how I celebrate and view Christmas.
I agree with what one of the other posts... take time to help somebody else. There are lot of other lonely, hurting people out there and it would mean so much to them to help them, especially during the holidays.
I also like going to Christmas plays/concerts. A couple years ago we went to a living nativity where you take a tour in a mock Bethleham and they recreate the events leading up to Christs birth. I'm sure there is probably a church around you that hosts a similar thing.
Another thing my wife and I enjoy doing is reading short Christmas stories to each other before bed during December. We usually alternate who reads. One of our favorite short stories is "The Gift of the Magi".
2006-12-07 15:49:56 · answer #4 · answered by plebes02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nicely what do lights fixtures and ornament might want to do with the beginning of christ? Christians do care yet their fingers are tied. you spot actual christians note this vacation because the beginning of Christ. they arent assume to care about a plastic nativity scene on the city sq., they're no longer assume to care about the lights fixtures and the decorations and the tree?? hunni the tree is a PAGAN ritual. and the church knows THAT and so now some church's wont put up a tree because they dont opt to look pagan. NO the position interior the bible does it say put up a tree, lights fixtures and a duplicate of the nativity scene. so relax and only celebrate the way you want to. in case you honor Christ's birthday then attempt this, pray and celebrate his beginning and life. you're complaining that the commercialism isnt extra glaring, it really is really a good situation. advantages to you!
2016-11-24 22:20:30 · answer #5 · answered by wiltshire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow how sad. my house is small also so i have the july 4th party. the rest are at my sisters houses. we all concluded (the adults) we are fortunate to basically get what we want within reason of course. so for the past few years the adults have adopted a needy family instead of exchanging gifts. and the young ones actually kick in. we buy the dinner and gifts for the family. it feels so good to know we helped a family have a great christmas.
2006-12-07 15:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by cindy p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋