Candy Cane Trail

Capture the magic of Christmas morning by creating a fun trail for your kids to follow when they fist wake up. Purchase a box of wrapped candy canes and lay them on the floor guiding them through the house. Leave a note at their doorway directing them to follow the candy can trail to "present pit stops" that have one present for them to open at each. Each "present pit stop" has a small note that Santa has left them with one nice thing that he saw them do that year. Notes can include things like. "You always know how to look on the bright side, keep up the good work" or "You are always the first to volunteer to help and that is a wonderful way to show you care for others."

"Re-Gifting" with heart

With so much focus on getting toys, children spend very little time thinking about what to give. The sad part is that most children with toy boxes already overflowing are typically the ones who get the most during the holidays. This can cause a big mess when trying to organize new things. Since you're going to have to make room for new toys anyways, start a tradition with your children to pick out old toys in good condition and place them in a large gift-wrapped box. Help them leave the box upstairs on Christmas Eve for Santa with a note to give the items to other children. Have them tell Santa about how much they once loved these toys and how they would like to share them with a new owner who needs them more now. The next morning your children will find the box gone and a special treat like a cookie or candy waiting as a thank you. Keep the letter they write each year in your holiday tradition book.

Christmas Cruising

Some of the best traditions are simple and sweet and require little more than hot chocolate and full tank of gas. About a week before Christmas get the whole family together for "Christmas lights" cruising in the car. Prepare a thermos of hot chocolate and give everyone an insulated cup. Take a journey around your neighborhood (or visit another neighborhood) and check out all the beautiful Christmas lights. Have each person vote on who has the best lights of the season and then stop at that house and take a family picture in front of it. Add the photo to your holiday tradition book or place it in a photo frame.

Reindeer Mix

Make a special "Reindeer Mix" with one cup of oats, one cup of barley, and two spoonfuls of gold glitter. It's a secret recipe that comes straight from the North Pole, and is just what the reindeer need to fuel them for their evening of delivering gifts. On Christmas Eve, instruct your children to leave the mix on the driveway, front lawn, or any other spot where the reindeer might want to rest and enjoy a snack. After the kids have gone to bed, clear most of the mix away, leaving just a few oats as evidence that the reindeer have made their visit.