Unique holiday activities to try with your family

What are your family’s Christmas staples?

Most likely, it includes a hearty noche buena with more food that you can possibly eat, going caroling with cousins, and extended family reunions in buffets.

These Christmas traditions are always something to look forward to. But since this time of year is the one opportunity you get to really bond with your family — especially if you have members returning from work abroad — you can make this celebration different from the last by creating new traditions. Create unique memories this season by giving back to society.

Each year, decorating the Christmas tree is a family activity. Choosing ornaments and hanging up lights is a way for parents and kids to bond. The result is a glittering, bedecked tree which lights up the house and gets everyone into the holiday mood.

If your family usually purchases Christmas decors, create a new opportunity to bond by making DIY Christmas ornaments with the children.

To give back, make it a family activity to help set up decorations in NGOs, orphanages, and charities. Give their ornaments and trees a special touch by incorporating a more personalized feel.

Getting together with the whole fam on Christmas? Gear up for lots of reunion photos, but this year, give them a makeover.

It can be as simple as choosing a new color scheme. You can also go for a theme and make everyone come in costume. The latter will make for some really interesting family photo ops.

If you don’t have the time to organize a theme, take your family photos at SM Mall of Asia’s most recent attraction — a colorful Christmas circus display! Unveiled early in November, this also boasts a 50-ft Christmas tree.

Also consider taking orphans and street kids from NGOs to enjoy the decorations. Take wacky shots at the ticket booth, pose by the cute animals in circus gear, and snap a group photo with the glittering Christmas tree as the backdrop.

The spirit of giving doesn’t just entail finding the perfect gifts for your family and friends.

Find ways to give back to your community. There are people from impoverished communities who don’t get to celebrate it as we do, with lights and food.

Spread the spirit of sharing to those who don’t get enough love. Donate food baskets or take the time to volunteer at orphanages.

With SM Cares Bears of Joy, buy a stuffed toy for a loved one, and SM will give another to a child in need.

Create heartwarming memories that your loved ones and the less fortunate can treasure in the years to come. This holiday, nurture the spirit of giving among your family and friends. — Rappler.com