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Enjoy a selection of old fashioned Christmas ideas that will help rekindle the magical feeling of Christmas. With ideas ranging from Christmas decorating, baking and activities to enjoy there is something for every age and every family budget.
Instead of thinking of the Christmas season as a whirlwind of events, take time to enjoy the experiences and allow them to have more meaning for your family.
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Christmas has become such a busy and incredibly hectic time of year. Families are constantly running from one event to another, trying to squeeze in as much “Christmas” as possible. The holiday season is definitely not a relaxed affair, and all too often brings more stress than joy.
This year might just be the year to ‘slow down’. To pause, take reflection and enjoy the simple things that Christmas has to offer.
The Christmas season didn’t use to be about having the best Christmas decorations and filling the bottom of the tree with as many gifts as possible. But rather the focus was more on family time, simple gift giving on Christmas morning and spending time connecting those important.
So instead of creating a million to-do-lists this year, perhaps its time to enjoy the simpler times with an old fashioned Christmas.
So what is an old fashioned Christmas? It’s simply an opportunity to enjoy a Christmas that allows you to experience and feel the holiday spirit rather than chasing around desperately trying to create the “perfect Christmas”.
Use these old fashioned Christmas ideas to help you along that journey.
How Do You Celebrate An Old Fashioned Christmas?
1. Buy Less Gifts: In today’s society we are so overloaded with Christmas gifts, that it tends to become the main focus. Not only the number of gifts on Christmas day, but the amount of time beforehand spent searching and buying the perfect gift. In reality, most people can remember what they spent “doing” last Christmas and the one before, but not many can remember what gift they received.
So for an old fashioned Christmas, try buying less gifts and enjoy more experiences together instead.
2. Old Fashioned Stocking Stuffers: Instead of filling Christmas stockings with all the modern gifts, how about filling them with old fashioned and traditional gifts.
Think about small gifts such as small toys, fruit, nuts, candy canes and even socks. Coins also used to be added, which would be a fun surprise.
3. Decorate As A Family: Decorating for Christmas as a family not only is a great way to connect with each other, but it also allows for everyone to bring their little bit of festive touch.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone can be involved with the decorating. It’s a great family tradition to start and as the kids get older they will have fond memories of the special times together.
4. Take A family Christmas Photo: When was the last time you took a Christmas family photo. This could be of everyone in front of the Christmas tree or stockings hung on the mantel.
5. Send out Christmas Letters: How many times do you actually receive a letter in a year, or even two years? It used to be so exciting when a letter arrived in the post, and now it rarely happens. Email and instant messaging has become the norm, but what it has done is remove the excitement.
So for something more traditional, how about writing a letter updating your news and add it to the Christmas card.
Remember that Christmas family photo you took? Add that to the card and letter too.
6. Have An Advent Calendar: Do you have an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas? Advent calendars are very traditional. I’m not talking about the ones that have little toys and other gimmicks in, but the traditional picture version.
A chocolate version would suffice, but a picture advent calendar would be better if you can find one.
7. Sing Christmas Carols: When was the last time you sat around with family and sung Christmas carols? It’s not really a thing that’s done anymore is it!
This has to seriously be one of the best old-fashioned Christmas traditions. Families would gather, sit around the fire, the piano (or both) and simply sing Christmas carols.
This is SO EASY to do, yet it’s something that’s often overlooked.
You don’t need to be able to play an instrument either. If you need a helping hand, just play some Christmas carols and sing along to them. The important thing is that you are connecting as a family.
How To Decorate For An Old Fashioned Christmas
If you would like to decorate for Christmas the old fashioned way, then the decorations need to be kept simple. The glitter and the talking Santa’s need to go!
Instead opt for more natural Christmas decor. There are many ways to do this. Choose the ones that are most appropriate for you and your home.
8. Have a Real Tree: There is nothing quite like a real tree at Christmas time. The pine smell instantly brings a Christmas spirit as soon as you walk into the room.
Instead of buying your tree pre-cut, consider heading to a Christmas tree farm that allows you to choose and cut down your own tree. Undertaking this experience as a family can start an entire new tradition.
9. Hang Homemade Decorations on The Tree: This year it’s time to put all those store bought Christmas tree decorations away and instead opt for homemade decorations. Alternatively use vintage ornaments.
10. Use Greenery and Fruit: There are so many ways to decorate with greenery to give that old fashioned Christmas appeal. Decorate window ledges, box’s and doors. Mantle pieces are also the perfect place to add some greenery.
Use mistletoe, pine cones and other leafy greens. Use these greens as garlands or as wreaths for the front door.
Decorating with fruit also gives an old fashioned feel. Use apples, pears, lemons and cinnamon sticks. Dry orange slices to use as Christmas tree decorations and other ornaments.
This will help remind you of the simpler life away from the commercial decorations.
11. Add A Nativity Set: A nativity set is very traditional Christmas item and also lovely to have in the home. Set up the nativity in a prominent spot to help remind you of the real reason for the season.
You may wish to add baby Jesus when you set the nativity up, or you may choose to wait until Christmas morning to celebrate the arrival.
12. Paper Snowflakes: As a kid, I was always making paper snowflakes at Christmas time. They are easy to do and can be used for decoration all over the house.
The kids can enjoy creating different shape and size snowflakes.
13. Make Stockings: There is a huge range of stockings available in the shops, but how about making your own. Homemade Christmas stockings are actually really simple and they look really great. They would be a great addition to the mantel or sitting under the tree.
14. Make The Christmas Paper: The presents under the tree can certainly act as a Christmas decoration, so it is appropriate to add this here. The old fashioned present wrapping was simply undertaken with brown paper and ribbon. It’s surprising how amazing this looks and so simple and cheap to do.
15. Make Use of Candles: The old-fashioned way of providing lighting was to use candles. In today’s modern world, candles are used for creating atmosphere and they would certainly do that for a Christmas feel. Light some candles or oil lanterns and enjoy the glimmer of light that they bring.
Traditionally candles were used on Christmas trees instead of lights. Whilst this wouldn’t be recommended now, the best way to replicate the feel of this is to use battery-operated candles. Sit back and enjoy the simple glow that they would provide.
Drink some hot cocoa, eat some Christmas cookies and relax listening to Christmas music with candles flickering. It sounds so peaceful and festive doesn’t it!
16. Make Paper Chains: Paper chains have to be one of the best old fashioned Christmas decorations. Kids of all ages can enjoy making them, and they can be draped across ceilings and walls. Grab a paper chain kit or cut up the pieces yourself. This will become a new tradition as it is so much fun.
17. Set Up A Train: Have you ever wanted one of those trains that circle around the base of the Christmas tree? This could be your year! The kids will love it and it will bring back the inner child in your too.
Old Fashioned Christmas Food Ideas
Christmas is a great time for baking. It is also a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids creating lots of delicious Christmas treats. Whether there are Christmas parties to attend, or just to enjoy with the family, it’s the perfect time to hit the kitchen.
18. Christmas Cookies: Everyone loves the fresh smell of cookies right out of the oven, and this is such a fantastic old fashioned tradition. Bake some cookies to leave out for Santa Claus, packing them up in little bags to give to friends, or simply eat and enjoy them!
There are so many easy and delicious Christmas cookie recipes to choose from, that you can make different recipes throughout the Christmas season. Don’t forget to grab some Christmas cookie cutters too so that you can make some cute Christmas characters.
19. Gingerbread House: Instead of making a gingerbread house from a kit, do it the old fashioned way and make it from scratch! Once the gingerbread has been cooked, everyone then gets to enjoy decorating it.
This is one of those Christmas activities that is always a traditional favourite. Follow an easy gingerbread house tutorial to help you along.
20. Make Eggnog: Eggnog is another one of those Christmas essentials that is easily bought in the shops. But it tastes so much better and far more traditional if you make it yourself.
The great thing is that there are many awesome eggnog recipes to choose from to suit all tastes.
21. Christmas Candy: Do you love the old style Christmas candy? How about making it for yourself?
If you have ever thought about making some old fashioned candy, now would be a great time. The candy can even be bagged up to form little gifts for friends and neighbors.
Other Old Fashioned Christmas Traditions
Aside from all the ideas above, there are lots of other old-fashioned Christmas traditions that you can undertake.
22. Christmas Dinner: Christmas dinner menu’s have become quite elaborate over the years. The old tradition for Christmas dinner is the full roast.
Decorate the table, place all the roast vegetables in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. You could even carve the meat at the dinner table (although it would be easier and less messy to do this in the kitchen!).
Turn off the lights and use the candles to create a truly old fashioned atmosphere.
23. Christmas Carolling: It is very rare to now have people come knocking on the door singing Christmas carols, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done! Head out as a family or a group of friends and spread some cheer.
Take some candles in holders instead of using a torch and soak up that Christmas spirit.
24. Visit A Christmas Market: There are lots of Christmas markets around. This is a great chance to spend time together and browse the various homemade crafts.
Look out for some hot chestnuts and mulled wine to complete the experience. This is an easy way to feel the Christmas spirit.
25. Read The Nativity Story: How about getting back to basics and sit and read the nativity story together. Or attend a church service or nativity.
This doesn’t have to be left for Christmas day, but can be enjoyed earlier in December. The Christmas story is what it’s all about after all!
26. Watch Holiday Movies: There is nothing better at Christmas time than snuggling up on the couch, with a big bowl of popcorn and watching Christmas movies. There are so many family movies to choose from.
For some traditional movies you could choose Its a wonderful life, Scrooge or The Snowman. Elf, The Polar Express and The Grinch have also become popular movies to watch each year. Watching movies is such a fun family thing to do together and you can literally blitz a whole heap of Christmas movies in a couple of weeks.
Need some more Christmas ideas? Check out these easy magical Christmas ideas the whole family can enjoy. You will find more printables, simple recipes, decorations and more.
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