15 Fun Christmas traditions to create with your grandchildren (or kids)

These are easy and simple Christmas traditions that focus on spending time together with your grandchildren (or kids) and don’t require a lot of money. They are all about creating the treasured memories that make Christmas so special!

1. Read a selection of Christmas stories, leading up to Christmas.
   Visit the library and borrow a selection of Christmas stories or maybe buy a new one each year and create your own collection. Over the years we have gathered quite a number in our family but you can never have too many!
   
   
2. Share the Nativity Story.
   Even if you are not religious, this is a lovely story to share and a great way for children to learn the origins of Christmas as part of their education.
   
   
3. Visit the Christmas Shop at Ballantynes. 
   Check out the beautiful display of decorated trees (if you're in Christchurch, New Zealand that is!) You can add to the fun by travelling there by bus and having a special morning/afternoon tea together. Another nice tradition is to let each grandchild choose a new decoration from the display for their own tree. Don't forget to name and date!
   
   
4. Write a letter to Santa.
   Help your grandchild (or child) write a letter to Santa. Be sure to tell Santa their name, their age and some of the good things that they have done and helped with during the year. They could politely request something that they might like to receive for Christmas, remembering to thank Santa of course!
   
   
5. Create an Advent calendar.
   Advent calendars are a fun way for children to track time in the countdown to Christmas. There are many commercial advent calendars to buy but why not have fun creating your own!
   
   
6. Make some Christmas decorations or a wreath.
   Children delight in making Christmas decorations - make some to decorate your tree or home (lots of ideas on Pinterest).
   
   
7. Visit Ballantyne's Christmas window display.
   Marvel at the wonderment and joy that little people experience when they view decorated Christmas windows in many of our department stores or malls.
   
   
8. Adopt an 'Elf on the Shelf'.
   The mischievous antics of this cheeky little character will bring so much delight to children in the lead up to Christmas.
   
   
9. Experience the gift of giving at Christmas.
   Take your grandchildren shopping to choose a gift for a child less fortunate than themselves. There are so many in need, check out your local community to see where you can deliver them to.
   
   
10. Bake some Christmas treats.
    Bake some special Christmas cookies or treats to give to friends, teachers, neighbours, Santa - anyone special in your little one's life.
    
    
11. Decorate a gingerbread house.
    Make and decorate gingerbread houses, to share with family and friends.
    
    
12. Prepare some reindeer food.
    Prepare some bags of reindeer food for children to gift to their friends, ready for Christmas Eve (rolled oats, sliced carrots and a sprinkle of magic glitter dust).
    
    
13. Go on a Christmas Lights Tour.
    As Christmas nears, bundle your family into the car when it begins to get dark and go on a Christmas Light Tour in your neighbourhood. Heighten the festive experience by having some Christmas carols to sing along to.
    
    
14. Wear some festive clothing.
    On Christmas Eve, get into the festive spirit by wearing some new Christmas PJ's or santa hats.
    
    
15. Watch some Christmas movies.
    In the week leading up to Christmas, watch some Christmas movies together. Cuddle up together with a hot chocolate and some popcorn to make it special and memorable!