Candy Canes, Cookies and Eggnog… oh my!

Do you always put up your Christmas tree on the first weekend in December?  Is It’s a Wonderful Life firmly entrenched in your holiday viewing list even though you’ve seen it more times than you can count?  Do you faithfully go down to your local playhouse every yuletide to watch this year’s version of the Nutcracker?

Can there be anything more enjoyable than creating memories year after year with your family and friends?

Great as they are, even the best holiday traditions can get a little stale. If you're looking for some new traditions to start this year, or a way to ramp up the old ones, here are some ideas that might add a little sparkle:

• Make some eggnog—just like George did! George Washington's recipe was famous in his time—they say only “the most courageous” would try it. Check out some eggnog history, and the recipe at time.com.
• Have a cookie party. Have everyone bring a dozen or more cookies.  Then decorate, exchange, and eat! Don't forget to share recipes.
• Throw a themed party— maybe a Winter Wonderland theme with snowmen everywhere. Candy canes are still a fairly inexpensive purchase. Take a look at these ideas on Pinterest  for decorations, foods and other party favors.
• Instead of traditional greeting cards this year, why not create some holiday music? Share some favorite songs, or perhaps record a family sing-along or child's recital. Don't forget to create an attractive cover or envelope.
• Instead of—or in addition to—an advent calendar, why not share a holiday book with the family daily? Either check out some library books or add some new ones to your family's bookshelf.
• If a holiday dinner seems like too much work, why not start a holiday breakfast or dessert and coffee tradition?
• Holiday traditions don’t have to just be for family and friends. Why not send holiday wishes to a soldier?

For more inspiration, think of ways to incorporate your interests (food, art, travel?), or activities involving the five senses (music, eating, sculpting?). Be sure to take plenty of photos, and keep safe.