The holidays are excellent for spending time with your loved ones. Most people look forward to the gifts that come with the holiday spirit. Some like the food and family bonding. Whatever the reason you like Christmas for, it’s time to change up your old routine. It can get boring and stale dressing up, having dinner, or seeing extended family year after year. Try out these alternative ways to spend your Christmas to create some new traditions and eliminate some old ones.
Skip the Gifts
Whether you and your family want to skip gifts completely or come together for a family-sized present, diverge from the traditional gift exchange on Christmas day. Some people believe Christmas is only about presents and gift-exchanges. While this isn’t bad, Christmas can be about a lot more. For many people, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones or people you care about. It’s also a relaxing and much-needed break from work or school. While gifts are nice, enjoying personal and family time is nicer.
Go Camping
While everyone else is staying inside for the holidays, spend yours outside. Enjoy nature’s beauty alone or with others. You can even celebrate Christmas while you’re camping. Simply do your normal traditions but outside rather than in your home. It’s a good idea to rent an RV for warmth. Just be sure your RV is properly maintained to avoid issues. A holding tank heater and pipe heater will protect your RV from cold elements and provide the most comfortability.
Have an Alternative Dinner
Typically, Christmas dinner includes turkey, roast beef, ham, stuffing, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and various alcohols. There is nothing wrong with having these foods, but since Christmas is celebrated worldwide, change up the menu with different cultural food traditions. Fish, duck, rice, dumplings, empanadas, tamales, or pasta are all Christmas dinner traditions elsewhere. You can also have a vegetarian or vegan dinner instead. With the rising popularity in plant-based diets, you will have no problem making this type of dinner.
Give Christmas to Someone Else
If you can, give the gift of Christmas to someone else this year. Not everyone can afford a Christmas tree, presents, food, or decorations. Those in need will appreciate your generosity. If you find the traditional celebrations between your family boring, then bestow the festivity on someone who isn’t familiar with it. You can also volunteer your time at a local charity or food bank to give back to the community.
Don’t Do Anything
You read that right: one of the most efficient ways to change up the Christmas season is to not do anything. While everyone is running around stores looking for gifts or dinner ideas, you can kick-up your feet and enjoy the time off. Watch your favorite movie or show, read a book, or don’t do anything. Use this extra time to sleep or meditate. You will feel calm and at ease during one of the most stressful times of the year.
