9 Real and Simple Ways to Have an Old-Fashioned Christmas This Year
Inside: How to have an old-fashioned Christmas by focusing on simple homemade food, handcrafted gifts, and family-centered decorating and traditions.
The endless shopping, the picture-perfect decorations, the pressure to impress. It doesn’t have to be like this. In fact, it shouldn’t. Let’s go simple this year. Try making paper snowflakes, bundling up to watch a parade in our hometown, and delivering a plate of homemade cookies to our doctor’s office.
Let’s explore how to have an old-fashioned Christmas with a small budget and a big heart.
Homemade Food (But NOT to Show Off!)
Let’s start with the heart of any old-fashioned Christmas: homemade food. But here’s the thing – we’re not doing this to impress anyone. We’re doing it for the love of family and the joy of sharing.
Sweets for the Family
Gather the kids and whip up some classic Christmas cookies. Sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and thumbprint cookies with jam are all simple and delicious. Don’t worry about making them Instagram-perfect. The memories you’ll make are what matters.
Treats to Share
Don’t forget about your neighbors and friends! Bake up a batch of fudge or whip up some homemade hot cocoa mix to share. Package them in mason jars. Include a handwritten note. Spread some old-fashioned Christmas cheer.
Make Your Own Gifts
Now, let’s talk about gifts. There’a a part of the holiday, but not the whole point. There is nothing wrong with a homemade gift and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Homemade Creations
If you know how to knit, make soap, make bread, these all make great gifts. Really. Really!
Craft Ornaments from Nature
If your kids want to give gifts of their own, suggest homemade ornaments. Take a nature walk and collect pinecones, acorns, and pretty leaves. Then, get crafty. Paint the pinecones, glue glitter on the acorns, and turn the leaves into unique ornaments.
It’s a Wonderful Life Inspired Christmas Angel Bell Ornament with Stainless Steel Angel Wing Charm. New Larger Size and Now Comes with 2 Interchangeable Ribbons. (Stainless Steel)Nordic Ware Verry Merry Bundt
Kurt S. Adler Vintage Coca Cola Vending Machine with Santa Christmas Tree Ornament Coke New
Lenox Holiday 2-Piece Cookies for Santa Set, 2.20, Red & Green
Cozy Country Christmas Cookbook (Seasonal Cookbook Collection)
Sew a Festive Apron
For the cook or baker in your life, sew a festive apron! Choose a fun holiday fabric and a simple pattern, and stitch it up carefully. They’ll think of you whenever they wear it while whipping up their old-fashioned Christmas treats.
Decorate as a Family
One of the best parts of Christmas? Decorating together! Gather the whole family and make your home a cozy, festive haven. These old-fashioned Christmas decorating ideas will give you simple ideas for the whole house.
String Popcorn Garlands
Pop some corn, grab a needle and thread, and start stringing! This classic decoration is simple, fun, and a great way to get everyone involved. We like to alternate popcorn with cranberries and put this outside for the birds after a day or so.
Cut Snowflakes from Paper
Remember making paper snowflakes as a kid? This is actually fun and the result is quite pretty. Fold up some white paper, break out the scissors, and let your creativity run wild. Hang them in the windows for a charming, old-fashioned touch.
Hang Vintage Ornaments
Scour the thrift stores for vintage treasures. Each one holds a special memory or story. Share those tales with your loved ones as you hang them on the tree. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the past and create new memories for the future.
Make Holiday Traditions
This is not just a meaningless phrase. What are your holiday traditions? Making cookies on Christmas Eve Eve? Delivering homemade caramels to your neighbors? Driving around and looking at lights the last Saturday before Christmas? It doesn’t matter what they, so much as you have them.
The ones below are just ideas.
Sing Carols by Candlelight
Gather around the piano or stand in a circle, holding candles. Sing those beloved Christmas carols that have been passed down through generations. Don’t worry about hitting all the right notes – it’s about the joy of raising your voices together in celebration.
Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Snuggle up in your coziest pajamas and read this classic tale aloud. Take turns reading each stanza, allowing everyone to be part of the story. Watch the children’s eyes light up with anticipation as you near the end. It’s a moment of pure magic.
Leave Cookies for Santa
Don’t forget about the big guy in red! Before bedtime, leave out a plate of homemade cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. In the morning, see the joy on your little ones’ faces when they discover the crumbs and the empty glass. It’s a simple gesture that keeps the wonder alive.
Go to Community Events
These small-town gatherings capture the magic of the season in the simplest ways. This year step outside your front door and join in the festive spirit around town.
Attend a Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nothing says Christmas quite like a twinkling tree lighting up the town square. Bundle up the family, bring a thermos of hot cocoa, and count down together as the tree comes alive with lights. Many towns even include a caroling group or a Santa sighting—perfect for creating cozy memories with a big dose of holiday cheer.
Visit a Local Holiday Market
Skip the mall and head to a holiday market or craft fair. Wander through the stalls, discovering handmade goods, unique ornaments, and local treats. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind gifts, but you’ll also be supporting local artisans. Sometimes, the best presents come with a story and a personal touch.
Watch the Christmas Parade
Is there anything more charming than a small-town parade? Bundle up, grab some blankets, and find a spot along the route to cheer on the local floats, marching bands, and maybe even Santa himself. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season with your neighbors, and the kids will love the excitement!
Volunteer at a Community Event
Many community centers, churches, and charities have holiday events that could use a helping hand. Whether serving cocoa at a winter festival or helping at a toy drive, volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to spread joy and give back. It’s a simple act of kindness that makes the season brighter for everyone.
These memories of a hometown Christmas will be cherished for years.
Focus on Family Time
At the heart of an old-fashioned Christmas is quality time with family. Put down the phones, forget about work, and enjoy each other’s company.
Play Board Games Together
Dust off those old board games and have a family game night! Laugh, strategize, and engage in some friendly competition. From Monopoly to Scrabble, there’s a game for everyone. The memories you’ll make are far more valuable than any material gift.
Watch Classic Christmas Movies
Grab a cozy blanket, make some hot cocoa, and settle in for a movie marathon. Introduce your kids to the classics you grew up with, like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” Share your favorite moments and create new inside jokes. It’s a tradition they’ll carry on with their own families someday.
Take a Snowy Nature Walk
Bundle up and head outside for a winter wonderland adventure. Breathe in the crisp air, listen to the crunch of snow beneath your feet, and admire the beauty of nature. Point out animal tracks, have a snowball fight, or make snow angels. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with each other.
Give Back to Others
Here are a few simple ways to give back and make a difference.
Volunteer at a Local Charity
Spend a day at a soup kitchen, help out at a toy drive, or visit a nursing home. Giving your time and energy to those in need is a powerful way to embody the true spirit of the season.
Bake Treats for Neighbors
Spread some cheer to your neighbors with homemade treats! Whip up a batch of molasses cookies or bread, package it up, and deliver with a smile. It’s a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of community. You never know who might need a little extra kindness this time of year.
Be Generous
Consider small gifts or tips for people you interact with a lot but aren’t familiar with.
FAQs
I know what you’re thinking – this all sounds great, but can I really do it?
Don’t worry! You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to make meaningful gifts and decorations. The key is to start simple and focus on the sentiment. Even a heartfelt card or a framed photo can be a cherished gift. You can print these old-fashioned Christmas wall art prints and frame them. Easy. And remember, it’s the imperfections that make it charming!
The beauty of an old-fashioned Christmas is that it’s not about spending a lot of money. Use what you have. Borrow from friends and family. Get creative with thrift stores and nature. The memories you make and the love you share are priceless.
Just be upfront with them. “Not so many gifts this year, kids,” let’s keep it simple. We don’t use most of our stuff anyway! Presents aren’t that big a deal. So, don’t make it such a big deal!
This is about slowing down, savoring the moments, and focusing on what really matters. Most importantly, remember to be present and grateful for the blessings in your life. That’s the true magic of an old-fashioned Christmas. Wishing you the best.
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.