New Holiday Traditions to Start With Your Family via. The Pacific Standard | www.thepacificstandard.com

This post has been sponsored by Nestlè Coffee Partners. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tis' the season to celebrate traditions old and new! Since introducing Evie to our family earlier this spring, the holidays have taken on a whole new meaning. This year we're making a point to incorporate family-friendly activities to make traditions for years to come. As a kid, I could remember my mom coming home from Safeway, her arms full of bags with ingredients for holiday baking. She’d bring out the classic cookie cookbook, pour a cup of Starbucks® Holiday Blend Ground Coffee and we’d get to work! While, both Kevin and I have always loved celebrating the Christmas season as a couple, we were even more excited to introduce Evie to holiday activities that we did growing up.

The holidays can be a busy time, but making a point to slow down and experience the little things can make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite traditions to get your family into the holiday spirit.

Sugar Cookie Decorating

Much of this tradition hasn’t changed! In fact, we’re still using the same sugar cookie recipe (but now I'm the one who gets to enjoy Starbucks Holiday Blend!) To get started arrange stations for each of the steps involved. Here you can designate a large cutting board to roll out dough or cutting our different cookie shapes. I’ve found that having the dough prepared ahead of time keeps everyone entertained. To those in charge of decorating keep sprinkles handy (and easy to reach) in small glass containers with icing ready to be piped in pastry bags. If you notice your crew’s attention starting to stray switch things up and rotate stations. Even though the activity is geared towards younger members of the family, I always find that everyone home ends up getting involved.

Cookies or baked goods also make for a sweet gift as well. We always make a point to bake a few extra for friends and neighbors! There’s just something special about experiencing old Christmas traditions that bring back memories.

Neighborhood Light Walk

A great way to get the entire family into the spirit is to take a stroll around the neighborhood. Many towns also have annual light shows or parades that show off stunning light exhibits. There are always light displays throughout our community, which we always make a point to see.

Typically, we’ll all bundle up, brew a pot of Starbucks Holiday Blend Ground Coffee, load up a thermos and set out on a stroll. The nice thing about Starbucks Holiday Blend Ground Coffee is that it’s also available in K-Cup® pods, so there’s something for every coffee enthusiast to enjoy!

If you haven’t enjoyed a mug, I’d highly suggest picking up a bag or box on your next Safeway run! The seasonal blend is layered with notes of sweet maple and herbs for a balanced and satisfying taste that will continue to add to your holiday memories!