Family Traditions by the Fire

There’s something about the warmth and glow of a fireplace that brings people together. For centuries, families have gathered around fires to make memories and enjoy each other’s company.

During the holidays, traditions like roasting chestnuts and hanging stockings neatly in a row on the mantel are familiar fireside traditions. In the true sense of the word, traditions are customs handed down from generation to generation, and they can be created at any time. If your family is lacking in the tradition department, perhaps it’s time to start a new one? Here’s some inspiration….

Play a Game
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned game around the fire. Some ideas are Scrabble, Yahtzee, Apples to Apples or any card game. Here’s another idea – construct a puzzle together. This is a fun activity for extended family and friends, since it’s easy to converse while working on a puzzle. They are great mediums for conversations.

Tree Decorating Party
Why not invite the extended family or a group of fun friends to help decorate your holiday tree? Create the mood by lighting a fire and serving snacks and fun beverages. If children are there, give them a crafty project to create ornaments for the tree. Every time you look at the tree throughout the holidays, you’ll recall memories from that special day.

Watch a Movie Fireside
Make a big batch of popcorn, get the DVD player ready, and light a fire! You can help everyone get into the holiday mood by watching classics in the warmth of a fireplace. Children and adults alike enjoy holiday movies this time of year. Some ideas are It’s a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase. Each year, everyone will look forward to the special night when you all sit down to enjoy a show together.

Read the Classics Together
If you have small children, and even if you don’t, reading stories by the fire can be a wonderful holiday tradition. Make a big plate of holiday cookies, mix up some hot cocoa and pull the classics off the shelves. Some favorites are Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Night Before Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. Make it a party by inviting other families. Have everyone bring a snack to share, along with their favorite holiday book. Take turns reading and start making memories!

Traditions bring us closer together and are reminders of what is truly important in life – family and close friends. With a little planning, you can start traditions that will create lifelong memories!

From all of us at Harman, enjoy the holiday season.