This year, I know many families are leaning on traditions (or creating new ones) to keep the holiday season as jolly as possible.

Here are some unusual and fun ideas to try with your family this winter – including the one my family made up!

SECRET SURPRISES: Put together a gift basket for someone in your neighbourhood, and leave it on their doorstep to make them smile. Whether it is silly or sweet, the size doesn’t matter. It’s about letting someone know you are thinking of them.

THE CHRISTMAS PICKLE: Hide a pickle in the tree, and the first person to find it gets a small extra gift. Sure, you can buy a pickle ornament, but I suggest you go crazy and hide a real dill pickle in there!

WINTER SOLSTICE: The shortest, darkest day of the year is celebrated around the world by many cultures. Look up the traditions of your ancestors, or make up your own! Whether you spend the day in pyjamas or make your own lanterns, here are some ideas to get you started: https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/

FIND A CHRISTMAS TREE:CLARK GRISWOLD STYLE
This past year my family and I created a new tradition for our family. Have you ever watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? In the movie, Clark Griswold created this tradition every Christmas to take his family into the ‘Great Outdoors’ to find the ‘Perfect’ Christmas Tree.

We’ve now started this same tradition. The only difference is we don’t cut down the largest tree where the branches shatter the windows in our house, and flying squirrels don’t attack our family (thank goodness!).

It’s those “small” moments, when you drink hot chocolate with your children in the fresh mountain air that remind you: these traditions are what my children will remember and will tell their children, and maybe even carry on every holiday as well. And if you haven’t watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it’s definitely worth a watch this holiday season. Christmas wouldn’t be the same for us without watching that movie!

What does your family do every year? Share your special traditions in the comments. Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire someone to try something new.