The Meaning of Christmas in Your Brown Haven Home

Built with hand-picked details that reflect your family, your Brown Haven home is where the spirit of Christmas can be felt all around — on the couch where you curl up next to your kids, around the kitchen island where Santa’s cookies sit to cool, on your deck under the night sky, as the stars twinkle like Christmas lights. 

No matter what’s going on in the outside world, the true meaning of Christmas can always be found right at home. Whether most of your family is local to your Brown Haven home, or you will be celebrating virtually with family from out of town, your home is where family comes together through the special traditions you know and love.

Celebrating the Holidays

Holiday Meals:Made with love and care, there’s nothing as delicious and comforting as a holiday meal. Whether you and your family look forward to your favorite, tried-and-true recipes each year, or you like to experiment with something new, your spacious, pristine kitchen is the perfect place to bring your family together and share the joy of the season. If you will be celebrating virtually, set your phone, tablet, or computer on your kitchen island as you cook “together,” so you and your family can be a part of each other’s meals.

Christmas Capsule:Over the years, one thing is always constant — the love you share with you and your family in your home. On Christmas morning, have your family members write a letter about all of the things they are grateful for, and place them in a sealed container. At the same time next Christmas, open the letters and read them aloud to each other before writing new ones and placing them back in the capsule.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt:If you and your family like to play board games or do puzzles around the holidays, you’re going to love getting creative with virtual fun. Try a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt, where one person reads off items for everyone to find in their home (i.e. something red or green, an old Christmas movie DVD or CD, your stocking, a holiday photo, etc.) Whoever brings the item back first wins a point. Make it even more fun by having everyone share something about their item during each round!

Winter Wonderland:When you need a moment to unwind and savor the simple pleasures of the season, your peaceful, private deck outside is the perfect place to retreat to. Turn this open space into a winter wonderland with your favorite decorations, from twinkling lights, garlands, and candles to red and green blankets and pillows, miniature Christmas trees, festive plants, and everything in between. After you enjoy Christmas dinner, head outside with your family for some fresh air and quiet joy under the night sky. 

Arts and Crafts:There’s nothing like taking the time to slow down, relax, and dive into a fun arts and crafts project. This is also a great way to clear your mind and get creative while bonding with your family. From DIY wreaths, ornaments, and table settings, to classic painting and drawing, there are so many ways to unleash your artistic side around the holidays. Once everyone is finished, host an “art show,” both in person and virtually if needed, where everyone dresses up in their holiday best and shows off their masterpiece.

Holiday Songs:“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Just like Buddy the Elf, we believe that a little singing creates a lot of happiness! Designate a time with your family to cozy up in your great room with hot chocolate and sing your favorite holiday songs together. Take a look at Christmas playlists on Spotify or Pandora to get inspired for your festive sing-a-long (which can also be done virtually, of course)!But as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Christmas Photo:Turn a Christmas photoshoot a yearly tradition! Every year, gather around in the same position, whether inside your home or on your front porch, and snap a photo to place in a scrapbook. Write captions and memories along with the photo that you will love to look back on as time goes by. 

Movie Marathon:One of the best parts of the holiday season is getting to enjoy the coziness of Christmas movies with your family. Curl up on the couch with blankets, pillows, and fun seasonal treats, and indulge in a few of your favorite films. Revisit classics like A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, and It’s a Wonderful Life, as well as modern treasures like Elf, Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Family Stone, and more.

Holiday Memories:It can be hard to be away from out-of-town family members for the time being, but sharing holiday memories with your loved ones is sure to fill your home with happiness. Take a moment to talk about memories from years past that you hold dear to your heart. Reminisce about funny moments around the dinner table, mishaps in the kitchen, or other good times that made your holidays special to you and your family. Embrace the spirit of Christmas and tell everyone what you’re grateful for this year — whether they’re near or far, your family is always with you.

This past year has truly shown us how special home is, especially around the holidays. From the tree in your great room to twinkling lights on your deck, show us how you decorate your Brown Haven home for Christmas! We would love to see how you and your family enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. From all of us at Brown Haven Homes, we hope you have a happy and safe holiday.