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Favorite Christmas Traditions: New and Old

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

With Christmas just around the corner, you may be wanting to add to your list of holiday traditions, or maybe even start fresh. I searched through Pinterest and found some different things to try this holiday season. To start off, I want to share a few of my favorite holiday traditions I grew up with.

Getting Pajamas on Christmas Eve

I have always loved the tradition of getting a new pair of PJs on Christmas Eve to wake up in on Christmas morning. You can never have too many pairs of cute pajamas!

Matching Aprons for Christmas Baking

My mom and I started the tradition of buying matching Christmas aprons to do all of our holiday baking in. I think this is such a cute way to be festive while cranking out all of those delicious Christmas cookies.

Ornaments

Every year for Christmas everyone in my family gets a new ornament. It typically reflects something in their life like their favorite show, hobby, movie, ect. When the kids move out they get all of their ornaments from throughout the years to have for their first Christmas in their own house.

Christmas Movies

Though ABC Family waits until December 1 to start Christmas movies, in my house, Black Friday is the first day of the Christmas season. From the classics like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” to “Elf” to the cheesy Hallmark movies, nothing beats cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good movie.

After looking through some different ideas, I chose a few advent calendar alternatives, DIYs and fun new holiday treats.

25 Days of Workouts

Whether you are still recovering from Thanksgiving or want a jumpstart on your fitness (so you can enjoy more Christmas cookies, of course), try a 25 day workout challenge.

25 Days of Beauty

If you aren’t nuts about a 25-day workout challenge, maybe you would prefer 25 new beauty products. Spoil yourself and look good while you do it.

25 Days of Christmas Spirit

Write down everything you want to do this Christmas season, and create your own experience advent calendar. This is a great way to make sure you make time for all of your holiday favorites!

DIY

If you are on a budget or just feeling crafty, DIY holiday decorations are a great way to get the whole family involved in making the house look festive.

Christmas Pancakes

Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to add spirit to your breakfast. Pour your batter into well greased metal cookie cutters, and enjoy the perfect Christmas breakfast.

Frozen Whip Cream Cutouts

Add a festive treat to your morning coffee or your favorite hot chocolate. Spread whipped cream on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and stick it in the freezer until firm. Break out those cookie cutters again, and turn your whipped cream into trees, snowflakes and gingerbread men.

Christmas Cookies in a Mug

For those of us stuck in a dorm until mid-December, I thought I would add a way to get your holiday cookie fix without an oven. Sadly I wasn’t able to find a good sugar cookie in a mug recipe. I do suggest using a chocolate chip recipe, and substituting regular chocolate chips for peppermint chips. This is probably the closest thing we can get to Christmas cookies in the dorms.

Hopefully you have discovered some new traditions to try. I know I will be investing in the 25 days of beauty next year. There is one thing to remember this time of year: No matter what traditions you grew up with or are now starting, the most important thing is to spend the season with friends and family, and to not forget what Christmas is really about.

 

Images via: Google Images and Pinterest

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS659…

https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=holiday+traditions&term_meta%5B…

My name is Sarah Pippin, and I am from Marshalltown Iowa. I am studying Communications with a Writing Certificate in Writing for Media, and a minor in Cinematic Arts at the University of Iowa. I am involved in service projects around campus and Iowa City as a member of Alpha Phi Omega Omicron. I also host Pippin Talk a talk show on Saturday's from 11am-12 on KRUI Iowa City 89.7 FM. I LOVE all things makeup and fashion. You can check out my blog at http://sispip85.wix.com/allmadeup I am an avid Grey's Anatomy, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Gossip Girl, and Gilmore Girls fan.
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