It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with festive parties, traditions old and new and a landscape soon to be blanketed in fresh snow. Here are three worth-it ways to enjoy the month!
SEE THE LIGHT
December 21 is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Mark the occasion with a darkest-day dinner. Turn off the lights set the table with candles or a string of twinkly lights. You can even take the party outside and light some sparklers. It’s a chance to switch up your typical Thursday evening, teach your kids a bit about astronomy and celebrate the fact that even though winter will linger on for months, at least the sun will stay out a bit more each day from here on out.
LET IT SNOW
How happy are you waking up to a blizzard? Perhaps you think it’s pretty, but we bet your thoughts turn to needing to shovel the driveway, wondering whether the roads will be treacherous, hoping school isn’t cancelled. Your kids on the other hand — they couldn’t be more excited! And they’ve got the right attitude. Embrace their enthusiasm and go out and have fun in the snow. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, go sledding — do whatever provides the most frosty fun!
GO TRADITIONAL
Traditions are all around us during the holidays, and we say go with it! But do it in your own way. If that’s cooking recipes that have been part of your family for generations, do it with pride. Or think of something that feels fresher or simpler or sillier. Listen to holiday music every day. Do a special craft or set out decorations. See a performance or go to a service. Exchange a special gift. As parents, it’s up to you to decide what feels right, but it’s also on you to start making the memories your kids will remember when they’re grown.