Let Nostalgia Creep Into Your Christmas Celebrations
Here Are Tips for a Classic Christmas Reimagined
Christmas is a time of tradition, filled with cherished memories and time-honored customs that bring joy and warmth to our hearts. If it isn’t it should be.
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are seeking to embrace the classic Christmas experience, returning to those timeless traditions that have woven the fabric of the season for generations. This year BoomerGal is exploring some heartwarming tips and ideas for rekindling the magic of Christmas and creating a festive atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and timeless memories.
I’ve discovered that Christmas is for the child in all of us. The excitement of everything that leads up to the big day, and infusing the memories of days gone by when we were children, waiting with anxious anticipation for those pesky reindeer hooves on the roof, the packages under the tree and all the joy and love we shared with family and friends.
Together, let’s bring back those memories of great traditions, and just for a brief moment in time, close our eyes and REMEMBER. You might need a tissue to wipe away a tear or two.
ILLUMINATING THE SEASON WITH VINTAGE DÉCOR. Enchant your holiday with the timeless art of decorating your home with the allure of handmade ornaments, twinkling candles and delicate garlands. Go deep into your closet or storage unit and bring out the traditional decorations, not the easy to purchase ones at Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Walmart and other stores. Hang the stockings with care on your fireplace mantel and put on some Christmas music, even if it’s just for you.
BAKING HOLIDAY TREATS. There is nothing better than the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goodies from your past. Whether it’s gingerbread cookies or the freshly baked fruitcake, this tradition will definitely take you back when you stood with your mother or grandmother in the kitchen. Of course, the best part is sampling all of it, and even better is giving it away and sharing with others.
FRESH SCENTS. One of the best ways I’ve discovered the Christmas spirit of old is to bring in a freshly cut tree. Short of that, go to your local nursery and buy some sprigs of pine and locate them in your living and dining areas. If you prefer a simpler version of fresh scents, go to Amazon and purchase pine and Christmas scents in a bottle and spray around your house. Memories of your childhood will come flooding back, I promise.
EMBRACING FAMILY GATHERINGS. At the heart of any Christmas tradition is the joy of gathering with family and loved ones. Live it to the fullest and be sure to create new memories on top of all those years past. Take the time to break out the photo albums and relive those wonderful days.
DECK THE HALLS WITH YULETIDE CHEER. In my home, it’s always time for Christmas spirits. And by that I mean cocktails of all varieties. I go to Pinterest to find exotic mixtures, and to the local wine shops for their special offerings and recommendations. We always bring a bottle in a bag as a house-warming gift for parties with family and friends. Bring something and don’t be a scrooge.
THOUGHTFUL GIFT GIVING. The whole idea of exchanging gifts is an expression of thoughtful gratitude and love during the holiday season. Take the time to pick out meaningful presents that capture the spirit of the recipient. Make it a handcrafted treasure or a cherished heirloom and create that connection and joy that symbolizes the essence of Christmas.
PARTAKING IN HOLIDAY EVENTS. If your community is anything like mine, it will be chocked full of fun events. There are museums on tour, specialty lighting ceremonies, boat parades, zoo lights, lavender fields ablaze with Christmas lights, and a host of other celebrations that are truly traditional. Get out and see the sights and be sure to bring your camera.
THE COUCH POTATO SYNDROME. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s OK at this time of year to roll around on the sofa and watch TV. There are plenty of Christmas traditions starting with the Hallmark channel, White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Miracle on 34th Street which brings to life the real Santa, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas (yes, it’s good even for adults), and the hilarity of Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. There are hundreds to choose from so go have fun with hot cocoa or a cocktail of your choice.
SPREADING KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY. It’s that time of year when generosity extends beyond your four walls. Whether it through acts of charity, volunteer work, donations, or simple gestures of goodwill, the tradition of giving back to the community is the true essence of the holiday spirit. Make a positive impact on someone’s life less fortunate than yours. You will reap the rewards ten-fold.
With that, you should be able embark on your journey to a classic Christmas with timeless traditions. Delving into the past can bring back a treasure trove of heartwarming rituals that add meaning to our holiday season. As we embrace the customs of yesteryear, we have the opportunity to create new traditions that will be cherished for years to come.
From our BoomerGal home to yours, may this season be a time of rekindling the rich meaning of the holidays, and may it bring you and your loved ones an abundance of warmth, joy and wonder.
If you’re stumped for a gift, head to our Amazon store for loads of ideas.