Top 10 Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Family This Year
The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories and meaningful traditions with your loved ones. Whether you're starting a new family or adding fresh traditions to your existing celebrations, these ideas will help make your Christmas extra special. Here are the top 10 Christmas traditions to start with your family this year:
1. Decorate the Christmas Tree Together
Make tree decorating an event by turning on holiday music, serving hot cocoa, and letting everyone add their favorite ornaments. Consider adding a new ornament each year to commemorate milestones or special memories.
2. Create a Christmas Countdown
Instead of a traditional advent calendar, make a family activity calendar. Include activities like baking cookies, watching holiday movies, and going on a Christmas lights tour.
3. Have a Family Pajama Night
Buy matching Christmas pajamas for the whole family and dedicate a night to wearing them while watching festive movies or reading holiday stories.
4. Bake and Decorate Cookies
Set aside a day to bake cookies as a family. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and candies, and share them with neighbors, friends, or local charities.
5. Host a Christmas Eve Box Opening
Fill a special box for each family member with small treats like pajamas, a holiday book, and hot cocoa mix. Open them together on Christmas Eve to set the tone for the big day.
6. Write Letters to Santa (or Future You)
Encourage kids to write letters to Santa, while adults can write letters reflecting on the year or setting intentions for the next. Save them to read next Christmas!
7. Take a Family Photo Tradition
Create a yearly tradition of taking a family photo in front of the tree, outdoors in the snow, or with a festive theme. Compile the photos into an annual holiday scrapbook.
8. Volunteer Together
Give back by volunteering as a family at a local food bank, shelter, or toy drive. Teaching kids the importance of generosity is a beautiful way to embody the holiday spirit.
9. Go on a Christmas Lights Tour
Pile into the car, grab some blankets, and drive through neighborhoods known for elaborate light displays. Play holiday music and make it a magical evening.
10. Host a Family Game Night
Dedicate a night during the holidays to playing board games, card games, or holiday trivia. Add festive snacks and drinks to make it even more fun.
Bonus Ideas
- DIY Ornaments: Craft personalized ornaments each year and watch your collection grow.
- Christmas Morning Breakfast: Create a signature breakfast menu your family enjoys every year.
- Story Time: Read classic holiday stories like The Night Before Christmas as a bedtime ritual.
These traditions are not only fun but also strengthen family bonds, creating cherished memories that will last for years to come. Pick a few that resonate with your family and start making this Christmas the most memorable one yet!