Our world, a constantly busier and more stressful place to live, has slowly but surely lost many once treasured Christmas traditions. That can change, however, by using the Christmas season to take a little break and bring back the spirit of the holiday by celebrating a more traditional, old-fashioned Christmas.

1. Decorations

Essential to any true Christmas celebration, decorations are a big source of Christmas spirit. By choosing the right decorations, you can help the entire family get into a festive mood.

Start with an old-fashioned Christmas tree. Traditional decorations were all hand-made. Take a day early in December to get the whole family together to create the decorations such as stringed popcorn and chains made from colorful paper. Play Christmas music, serve eggnog and get everyone into the spirit.

Make an outing to an area antique or thrift store and try to hunt down some traditional decor. Old-fashioned ornaments made from blown-glass or wax can often be found for an excellent price. Christmas tins will add a traditional touch as fruit or candy dishes as well.

2. Baking and Cooking

After the Christmas tree, nothing says Christmas is here more than the scent of baking and cooking. Hot cider, fresh baked cookies, and delectable pies are key elements of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Just because not everyone can bake doesn't mean that they can't all be involved. Kids can get into the action by cutting out Christmas shaped cookies from the dough and then adding decorative sugar and sprinkles after baking.

3. Christmas Day

There is no shortage of traditional fun to be had on Christmas day. For example, have someone dress up as Santa Clause and personally deliver the family's gifts.

Make the gift exchange time special. Don't just tear into them en mass, give everyone a chance to open them separately. This gives everyone a better chance to show their appreciation, and people get to watch their reactions.

A white Christmas is a special treat, since you can engage in some great old-fashioned activities. Go outside and have a snowball fight or go sledding. Then come home for a heart warming mug full of hot cider or cocoa.

Make these fun traditions an annual part of your family's Christmas celebration. As the years go by, add extra bits of old-fashioned flavor to the holiday and enjoy the spirit of a truly traditional Christmas season.