How much do you hate taking down the Christmas tree? Most of us enjoy Christmas-time, but it is so sad when it all ends! I can remember sobbing uncontrollably after Eric and I said goodbye to my parents one year. He even kicked me out of the driver’s seat on our way back for safety reasons. ~smile~
Christmas does not have to end so suddenly. We can make the season last a bit longer if we put our minds to it! Think of some ways you and your sweetie can hold onto the Christmas cheer a little bit longer this year. Below are a few post-Christmas tradition ideas to get you started!
- Visit an Orphanage and Pass Out Gifts. You can do this before Christmas or after. It is never too early or too late to light up a child’s face! You may be able to buy more since items will be on sale after Christmas!
- Visit Elderly Neighbors and Bring Them a Tasty Christmas Feast. Again, it is never too early or too late to love on a senior citizen who needs some company. It may seem awkward at first, but if you can break through the initially awkward wall, you may hear some amazing stories! They may even be able to teach you a lesson or two about relationships!
- Go on a Long Weekend. If you are married, consider planning a short trip after Christmas. It will give you both some time together to decompress from the holidays, and something to look forward to so you can beat the post-Christmas blues! If you are dating, make it a family affair. Pre-wedding couple vacations can be a tremendous source of temptation! ~smile~ Have someone else there to share in the fun to keep you safe!
- Have a White Elephant Party. These are the best! Many of us have received gifts that left us scratching our heads. Gather family and friends around for an annual White Elephant party! Have everyone either re-gift or purchase a gift for the event, and wrap it. Impose a spending limit so the gifts won’t be too varied in “quality.” If you re-gift, make 100% sure that the original giver of your gift will not be in attendance. Talk about awkward! ~smile~ If you are not familiar with White Elephant parties, you can find plenty of information online. Or, one of your informed guests can get the party started. ~smile~ (One variation on this is called a “Dirty Santa” party… ~smile~)
- Exchange Gifts Again! One year, Mom forgot about several gifts she had hidden, so I got to have Christmas again! Yay! Consider having a main Christmas, but hold back a few gifts for the days following. Or, plan to exchange some gifts on New Year’s Day! However you choose to do it, keep the giving fun going!
- Make Creative Combinations with Christmas Leftovers. Christmas dinners are amazing, but let’s face it. The leftovers can get b-o-r-i-n-g! So, have some fun in the kitchen. Pretend you are on a Food Network reality show, and see what amazing dishes you can create using Christmas leftovers! You may create a new favorite, or a horrendous dish you talk about for many years to come. Either way, you can make some lasting memories!
- Take Advantage of After-Christmas Sales. You can get a lot of neat stuff cheap after Christmas! If they sell your cologne in a gift set, it will probably be half off (at some places) after Christmas. If there is candy you love, get it the day after Christmas. Wrapping paper, bags, Christmas cards, tissue paper – they can all be found on sale the day after Christmas. See what treasures you can buy and save for next year, or buy and give right away! Never ever pay full price for wrapping paper! It’s just wrong! ~smile~
- Have a Large Family Game Night – Bring out the Cranium, Phase 10, and Monopoly! It’s time to have a family fun night! Games have a way of bringing families together, especially when paired with some yummy snacks! Invite friends or keep it in the family! Either way, enjoy some laughs, some friendly competition, and some lasting Christmas season fun!
Let Christmas last just a little bit longer this year! In fact, celebrate Jesus together all year long! Treasure your time with family and friends. We hope they will be around for many more Christmases, but love on them as if this is their last. No regrets! ~smile~
What are some post-Christmas traditions you would like to start with your sweetie?