Creating Holiday Memories

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By Anya Britzius • Photos by Terry Brennan

One of the most cherished parts of the Christmas season is spending time with family and friends. Looking for a few new traditions? Here are some festive activities to do with loved ones.

1. Host an evening of caroling and hot cocoa

Gather a crew to go caroling in the neighborhood or find a local assisted living facility. Afterward, treat the carolers to a hot cocoa bar. Set out toppings they can choose from—whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, sprinkles and caramels. Cheers!

2. Make a Christmas ornament

Spend time with your family and make a special ornament for the year. In the years to come, you can reminisce when hanging it on the tree.

3. Volunteer together

Get creative in making a difference this season. Volunteer to bring homebound church members to holiday services or shopping. Deliver a meal to someone, get involved with a Thrivent Action Team or collect presents for those in need.

4. Make a blessings jar

Start by decorating a jar, and each day have family members write down a blessing. Then pick a day (such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve) to read all of the blessings and reflect as a family.