Christmas Tradition -on the Cheap Part VII

In Part I of Family Traditions for Christmas-On the Cheap I covered why I think traditions are important and the three ways that folks come by their traditions, A-got them from their family B-consciously decided on a tradition and C-a chance occurrence or idea is repeated and become tradition. My first examples were my family’s tree trimming tradition (A & B), our ornament exchange (A) and our Advent calendar (B). In Part II I covered the Advent Wreath A&B), Part III Jesus’ Birthday Cake (A&B), Part IV Gingerbread Houses (C), Part V Twas the Night Before Christmas, Part VI the Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve Service.

Today the Light Drive

This one is pretty informal, but every year we try to get out and drive around one evening to see the Christmas lights on peoples homes (B).

Some people make this into a much bigger tradition-and it would be easy and inexpensive (aka frugal aka cheap) to do so. I’ve heard of folks who dress their kids up in their PJ’s and then they drive around while listening to Christmas music. All you have to do is formalize it a little bit by having certain elements stay the same. You could add in a special treat either before or after the drive-Say hot cocoa and some of the Christmas cookies.

If you don’t know where to drive, ask around. Usually there is SOME neighborhood within driving distance that has folks who go nuts with the lights. For us, it is off of Rt. 12, which is a well driven road, but back on a cul-de-sac where I never would have noticed it if my dear MIL hadn’t told us about it. There is actually a sign posted that says “no buses”-so it’s a pretty popular place to drive!

Related posts:

1. What Would You Do-Adding to the Holidays?
2. Classic Frugal Upstate
3. Hectic Much?
4. Christmas in July