In 2015, there are many new trends in holiday entertaining. Families are looking to include more fun and excitement in their family gatherings. Many are establishing new traditions when it comes to both food and activities. A few of the most popular trends are include the following.
Instead of the traditional fare, many families are choosing to keep things simple by having a chili or soup bar. Every family brings their own chili or soup recipe to share. Some may choose to bring their favorite cornbread or biscuit recipe. At the end of the day, recipes are exchanged and a new tradition is established. Chili and hot soups make for a great meal when the temperatures drop. Kids can spend time outside and come in and warm up with hot cup of their favorite soup.
Bring on the Music!
While some families gather around the television to watch their favorite football teams, others gather around the table and share family stories. Set up a small stereo or CD player and let everyone contribute to the playlist. For families that love to dance, let everyone shows off their dance moves or teaches younger family members the old favorites of eras gone by.
Make It Wild!
Hunting has become increasingly popular in many areas. In addition to the traditional ham and turkey, include meat entrees made of vension, bison or elk. Wild meats are often healthier than domesticated meats because they have less fat and higher levels of certain nutrients. Venison stew and bison chili are two favorites that are extremely satisfying on a cold, windy afternoon.
Admit One with Each Christmas Card
Encourage everyone to bring a Christmas card to the celebration. You can also supply the materials and allow each person to make a Christmas card. The cards can be gathered at the end of the day and sent to Veteran's Hospitals to be handed out to the servicemen and women that are being cared for at the facility. They can also be sent to local nursing homes. If you have a friend or family member who is active military and missing the gathering because they are deployed, gather the cards together and create a “gift box”. Include the cards and any other non-perishable items they migh like to receive. It shows them they are not forgotten and will brighten their holiday when they are far from home.
Create a Graffiti or Picture Wall
If you have an empty piece of plywood or paneling, paint it with chalkboard paint. Allow each person to draw a picture or include a comment along with their signature. At the end of the day, take a picture of the wall and email to everyone who attended. If they choose, they can include a photograph of themselves or their family to personalize their contribution.
Offer Photo Opportunities
Much like a high school prom, create a back drop that includes the year of the celebration and anything that represents the theme of the day. Allow everyone to have their pictures taken as a memento. Family members can have pictures taken with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles or the entire group. This is a great way for people who don't always get to make it to the family celebration to create memories that will last a lifetime. Pictures can be included on a DVD disc or emailed individually. If individuals want a disc of all of the pictures, they can bring their own disc or offer a dollar or two to cover the cost of the discs.
New trends become future traditions. Families who are willing to try new things can create exciting new holiday traditions that can be built on year after year.
