12 Kid-Approved Ideas That Will Make The Holiday More Memorable

... because sometimes the sweetest gifts are the ones that don't require wrapping paper.

Before Christmas

Say thanks, and then say it again.

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While Thanksgiving memories are still fresh, encourage everyone to write down what they’re most thankful for and stick the notes in a jar.

You'll laugh just as hard when you open it next year and remember that Jenna (age 8) was thankful for her goldfish...that she had for a month...two years ago.

Put up the tree, then sleep under it.

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A Christmas Tree Slumber Party is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Grab some pillows and blankets and cozy up by the fluorescent (but oh so, soothing) lights.

Pass it on.

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With so many new gifts coming their way, show your kids that giving is just as fun as receiving. Encourage them to raid their playroom and choose a few of their favorite toys to donate to charity.

Have a flour fight.

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Hear us out on this one. Sure, it's messy ... and will probably require hours (okay, maybe days) of clean up .... but this is one of those things that your kids will always remember, like Disneyland. You can have the Swiffer ready but make sure to throw a few handfuls yourself.

Christmas Eve

Go outside and look up.

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Head out to the yard and scan the night sky. Wait until you see an airplane and tell your kids that the red light is Ruldoph's nose.

Turn everyone into Santa.

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Get silly with shaving cream and add a beard to the whole family. Yea, Mom ... you too. Kudos if you capture the moment and use it for next year’s Christmas card.

Grow a Candy Cane Forest.

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Sprinkle RedHots in the grass and watch them “magically” grow into a Candy Cane Forest overnight.

Christmas Day

Capture the moment.

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Put a disposable camera in each stocking so the whole family can capture the joy of Christmas. Sure, Tyler (age 2) might get a lot of shots of the floor but you'll melt when you see his unique perspective on the day.

Add another plate.

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Add an extra dinner plate to the table so your children know there’s always room for someone new.

Reflect on the past & then add in the present.

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Create a photo album with pictures of the ornaments on your tree. Jot down where you got them and explain to your little ones why they're special to your family.

After Christmas

Make breakfast together.

Pumpkin Princess / Via thepancakeprincess.com

Use your first "nowhere to be" morning and have the whole family make breakfast together. Use yesterday’s pie filling to create delicious spiced pumpkin pancakes so you won't have to hit the store!

Celebrate the New Year a little early.

One Good Thing / Via onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Break out the Sparkling White (grape juice) and shred mounds of leftover wrapping paper. Practice throwing the colorful confetti when the timer hits "0" and then bag it up for your real New Year's Eve celebration.

Here's to a great 2014 and an even sweeter 2015!