Holiday stories connect us to traditions, express our collective values of generosity and love, and help us tune in to the spirit of the holidays, no matter how you celebrate. Now, sprinkle in food traditions, fragrances and family to create an atmosphere ripe with sentiment and wonder.
In North America and the United Kingdom, parents have long settled in with their children on Christmas Eve to read “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. It’s short enough to keep even the littlest ones entertained and has enough drama to engage older children, especially if told with a bit of flair. Read the classic poem (or opt for a video of the story). Make the event even more special with sugar cookies and cups of milk for dunking. Set the stage for extra drama with a complementary scent, like St. Nickerdoodle. Remember to leave a plate and mug for Santa Claus!
Families around the world celebrate the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah! Whip up a batch of delicious potato latkes, drop some Winterberry Apple Tea wax in your Scentsy Warmer and gather the kids for a game of Dreidel and the story of the holiday. Keep the littles entertained with the adorable tale of “Hanukkah Bear” by Eric A Kimmel.
African Americans and Pan-Africans may choose to celebrate Kwanzaa, a non-religious, non-political holiday that brings families together and honors African American culture. Share the stories of the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 to Jan. 1). Make some seasoned olives for the children to sample and astound the family with the bravery in “The Story of Ruby Bridges” by George Ford. Create the perfect atmosphere for this seasonal reflection with our Spiced Ember Glow fragrance.
Germanic and Norse traditions give us the story of Yule, which is celebrated for 12 days starting on the winter solstice. Essentially, the festival salutes the return of light. Set a fire in the hearth (or play one on television) and share the folklore behind this tradition. The Buche de Noel is a Christmas cake shaped like a log that perfectly enhances the theme, especially if you include darling marzipan mushrooms. An Iced Pine Scentsy Bar will help bring the forest indoors.
Don’t forget to share plenty of your own family tales and legends. Personal stories preserve family history. And they also set an example of perseverance and continuity. The family didn’t start with the children, and it won’t end there, either. Explaining how great, great grandparents made huge sacrifices to emigrate or build a life helps children understand that life is filled with both sorrow and joy, which is the point of the season.
What are your family’s holiday traditions? How do you celebrate your culture during December’s global holidays? Share in the comments.
