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Annual Cook-Off Plan one night a year when family or friends get together for an Annual Cook-Off event. Set a new culinary theme for each year —Mexican, seafood, breakfast, chili, etc. Have all the participants bring their own prepared dishes. After everyone has sampled the dishes, vote on the favorite. Let the winner take home a trophy, which passes from winner to winner each year (use something unconventional and food-related for the trophy, like a platter or mug, or perhaps empty Canada Dry Ginger Ale cans). Keep an ongoing cookbook that contains all of the recipes, and post it online for everyone to use.
Talent Show One night each year, invite every family member to prepare his or her own routine for "Talent Night". Singing, dancing, playing music or reading a poem they've written are obvious possibilities. But it doesn't have to be a traditional talent — reciting multiplication tables, bird calling, card tricks and slam dunking a basketball are all admirable talents worthy of the Big Show.
Heritage Night Set aside an annual evening to help your family develop a sense of unity and appreciation for their heritage. Start with a speaker, whether a family member or not, someone knowledgeable about the family heritage. Prepare beforehand with research from such resources as the local library, the Internet and grandparents. Feature music, dance and foods that reflect your heritage and culture. Talk about your personal family histories and ancestors, bringing the past to life for your children.
Secret Santa Each holiday season, play "Secret Santa" to a special family in need. There are many families who don't have the financial means to give gifts to their children or enjoy holiday meals with their loved ones. You can find one of these special families through a church, charitable organization or welfare agency. Make sure you find out the names and ages of each child so you can buy appropriate gifts for each of them. Get the whole family involved in choosing the gifts. You may even want to prepare a holiday meal or Christmas tree for the family, too. It's most fun to give the gifts anonymously, even leaving the gifts on the front doorstep and ringing the doorbell, while you have time to disappear. Nothing will put you into the holiday spirit more than giving to those in need.
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