A Christmas to Remember Try These Holiday Traditions
Some families celebrate dozens of big and small holiday traditions each year. Others feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating them. In truth, anything can be a tradition — even something as simple as wearing pajamas while opening Christmas presents. But if you’re still feeling stumped, we’ve compiled a few simple ideas to get you started. Host a Christmas Movie Marathon Many families have favorite holiday movies they must watch every year. And you can become one of them! You’ll have plenty of choices, from annual animated favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to black-and-white classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” There are also countless modern and comedic choices, like “Elf” or “Christmas Vacation.” Decide whether you want to go cute, sentimental, or funny, and queue up your favorite streaming service together. Bake the Night Away Christmas cookies factor into many holiday traditions because they taste great and allow everyone to work together. Don’t leave all the baking to a parent — get the kids involved! They’ll love helping
to measure and mix ingredients, and they’ll especially love the taste test. Along the way, they’ll acquire kitchen skills and create lasting memories. You can crank up the Christmas tunes and dance while you bake, let each family member pick a cookie type each year, or make a habit of building gingerbread houses. The goal is to have fun and make something delicious.
Get Creative with Ornaments
each year and hang it up; they’ll get much more excited to help decorate the tree.
A Christmas tree is much more special when your family members get to put their special touch on it. Fortunately, there are many ways to do so with help from your local craft store. Get some supplies, sit down as a family, and create ornaments with your own unique flair. The artistically challenged can try a different spin on this tradition by starting a Christmas ornament collection. Let each child select a new ornament
The most crucial aspect of your holiday tradition is that it’s meaningful for your family. Maybe the above traditions aren’t for you, and singing Christmas carols or wearing ugly Christmas sweaters suits you better. The secret is to find what you all love and stick with it. Traditions aren’t about what you do but that you do it together.
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Kyla Whitehead, Liana Carrozza, Ashley Bruce, and Christopher Bruce attended the Mental Health Counselors Association of Palm Beach’s meeting at The Retreat in Lake Worth on October 14
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Ingredients
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6 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into large chunks
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4 garlic cloves, sliced
1 sprig rosemary
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2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, sliced
15-oz can diced tomatoes plus liquid
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
2 large carrots, cut into rounds 1/2 cauliflower, broken into florets
Milk, to desired consistency
Directions
1.
In a pot, boil potatoes until tender.
2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and rosemary and stir until softened. 3. Pour tomatoes into mix and add water. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove lid and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and simmer. 4. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in milk to desired consistency. 5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spoon hot vegetable mix into pie dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until top is golden brown.
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