
As if a visit from Santa Claus is not fun enough? Here are 7 special ways to add some excitement to classic traditions. Not only are these fun for little kids, but they are also great for older kids.
How do you open your stockings? Are the gifts wrapped or unwrapped? Do you open stockings first, last or somewhere in between? Whatever your tradition, here are 7 ways to add a new spin and make Christmas more magical.
7 Clever Ways to Make Christmas More Magical
1. Scavenger Hunt
Have a big ticket item or a family gift? Have Santa leave little clues around the house for the kids to find the last gift. Wrap a small gift with a tag that says, “open last.” This will be the first clue.
2. Hide and Seek Stocking
Much like having to find your Easter Basket, hide stockings around the house and have your kids search for them. This can be something to do before or after presents are opened.
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3. Wrap Each Child’s Presents in their Own Paper
Assign each child their own wrapping paper. Make sure they are very different to avoid any confusion. There are a couple of ways for the child to figure out which presents our theirs.
- Make a note that reads,
“Merry Christmas, Sending joy too!
The Presents [“in Green,” “with Snowmen,” etc.,] are just for you!”
- Leave a piece of the wrapping paper in the child’s stocking
- If your kids sleep in separate rooms, then try #4
4. Wrapping Paper on the Door – (Prevents Peeking!)
After the kids fall a sleep. Tape wrapping paper around the door. When the kids wake up in the morning they will have to break through the wrapping paper.
5. Leave a Big Ticket Item in the Stocking
Have a small, special gift? Wrap it and put it in the toe of the stocking so it’s the last thing they grab.
6. Fill Boots or Shoes
On December 5th (eve), it’s an old German tradition to leave a boot outside to be filled with chocolates and candies. This could something that can be done anytime throughout the Christmas season, or on Christmas Eve. When your child wakes up they will find their shoes filled with candies and chocolates.
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7. Find the Pickle
Another German Christmas tradition. A pickle ornament is hidden on the tree Christmas Eve. When the kids wake up, the first child to find the pickle gets to open the first present.
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