As a girl who has grown up religiously in the Catholic Church, Christmas has always been one of my favourite holidays. When I was a kid, I obviously loved receiving all the presents on Christmas morning. As I got older, I began to appreciate the true meaning as to why we celebrate Christmas as Christians, and why it is so significant to our faith. But, now at the age of twenty-one, I appreciate both sides of the holiday. In this article I will be sharing some of the fun non-religious ways I celebrate this religious celebration!
1. Build a Gingerbread House
One of my favourite things to do every year is to decorate a gingerbread house. Although it can be frustrating trying to get it to stay in place, it’s become a tradition at this point! It’s a fun activity to do with friends and family, and you can even eat it afterwards.
2. Decorate Sugar/Gingerbread Cookies
There are tons of super great recipes that show you how to make the cookie dough for sugar or gingerbread cookies, and then all you must do is buy the cookie cutters in whatever shape you’d like! Once they’re finished baking and have cooled down, your cookies are ready to be decorated. This is an easy alternative than the gingerbread house, especially if you’re having a hard time keeping the pieces together. Not only that, but you can easily gift the cookies too!
3. Cut Down a Christmas Tree
One of my favourite family traditions we do each year is cutting down a tree! We would spend the day at Sloan’s in Bothwell, Ontario and participate in the many activities they have there. One thing that I love about going there is that after we cut down the tree, we sit by a fire and drink hot chocolate as a family. Then, after a long day there, we come home and decorate the tree with some Christmas tunes blasting!
4. Movie Night!
As soon as the sun goes down a little earlier and the snow starts pouring down, every night becomes Christmas movie night! There’s something about snuggling up in your bed or on the couch and drinking hot chocolate that just makes the whole Christmas movie night so much more magical.
5. Sing Christmas Carols
This is something that I have personally been involved in at my church. Depending on which church you attend, their activities may vary. However, in the past I have gone with some members of my community to Jackson Park in Windsor, Ontario and we strolled around while singing Christmas carols. This really lit up the Christmas spirit in us!
Overall, I appreciate Christmas for both the religious side of it, as well as the fun activities that come along with it. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!