This post was sponsored by T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
While I was growing up, Christmas meant a lot to us as a family. My mum and dad would try to make our Christmas holidays as merry as possible, and in the Caribbean you didn't really need much. We were surrounded by family members so it was always a joyous occasion. My grandmother lived next door, and so did aunts and uncles, which meant lots of cousins. On most Caribbean islands, families usually stay together in the same neighborhood, so there is always that support when it's needed. When we migrated to the US, it was a bit different. Family was scattered everywhere so our celebration was a little different. We would call each other to connect during the holidays, and this is still something that we currently do. My brother lives in Canada, while most of my family are either in the UK or somewhere in the Caribbean. My husband's family are all in New York City, so for the past couple of years, every year, we have traveled to connect during the holidays. We've gone back to New York City, Canada and even the Caribbean, but this year will be a tad different. Now that my parents are no longer with us, I've decided that I want to start a few new traditions with just my little family. Here in Colorado, it's just me, my husband and our four children, Kristal, Kyle, Mikael and Madison. I want to do things together with them that shows that family is everything, especially when they're all that you have.
So how can you create your own family traditions? Here are three easy things you can do.
1. Cook together
The holidays isn't the same without the smells of ham, turkey or even a casserole baking in the oven. Give each family member something that they can do and may even look forward to. Even the youngest can join in by mixing the ingredients together. My son Kyle likes to make banana pudding, while Kristal loves making cheesecakes, so for the holidays we will all be in the kitchen cooking together.
2. Decorate the tree together
With my eldest away at college, we wait until she gets home so that we can all decorate the tree together. Make it a holiday tradition that your family anticipates doing every year. You can even make homemade decorations that you can hang on the tree each year.
3. Take a family portrait each year
We haven't done this as yet, but this is one thing that we plan on doing yearly. Make it something that they yearn to do while creating unforgettable memories. When you look back on all the holidays that you've celebrated together throughout the years, it will be sure to bring forth many smiles to your face.
When it comes to celebrating the holidays and making traditions, T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods usually has me covered. From holiday clothing, holiday decor, entertaining essentials and even holiday gifting, I'm able to find what I need there. It's been a long standing joke between my husband and I, that I can't ever go into one of these stores without coming out with more than I said I was going for. As soon as he hears me say "I'm going to...", his response is usually "uh-oh". 😂
Like myself, T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods appreciates the fact that family is the greatest gift, and to celebrate that fact, they're hosting the Gift My Gathering contest* to inspire everyone to connect and celebrate what truly matters the most – each other! This holiday season, they will make it possible for five families across the U.S to come together and celebrate at a holiday gathering. Families that wouldn't have been able to do so prior, or families that haven't seen each other in quite some time. How amazing is that?
From now through November 28, 2017, you can visit giftmygathering.com and share how they can help you gather with the people that matters most in your life this holiday season. And to make it even more special, T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods have teamed up with Carla Hall so she can share her tips and tricks to make your holiday gathering even more enjoyable.
What traditions will you create this year?
*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Gift My Gathering is sponsored by The TJX Companies, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C. and Puerto Rico, 18 & older. Begins 8:00 a.m. ET on 11/13/17 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 11/28/17. For official rules, visit giftmygathering.com.
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