Christmas is a magical time of year full of joy, togetherness, and making lasting memories. As a parent, you have the special opportunity to start new holiday traditions that your kids will cherish and look forward to each year.
In this post, we’ll explore ideas for fun Christmas traditions that will bring your family closer together and create memories to last a lifetime.
Have a Christmas Movie Night
Set aside one night before Christmas to have a special Christmas movie night with the whole family. Make some popcorn, break out the hot chocolate, and get cozy on the couch together. Let the kids pick out their favorite holiday movie classics like:
- Elf.
- The Grinch.
- Home Alone.
- The Santa Clause.
- The Polar Express.
- A Christmas Story.
Take a fun family photo in matching Christmas pajamas to remember your special movie night. Capture the kids snuggled up under blankets and all smiling together. They’ll love looking back at the photo and remembering your new Christmas tradition.
Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a beloved tradition that kids of all ages enjoy. Here are some tips for how to get the whole family involved:
- Let each family member pick their favorite cookie recipe or make a batch of classics like sugar cookies or gingerbread men.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the decorating station. Set out frosting, sprinkles, candy, and any other desired toppings.
- Once baked and cooled, gather around the table for a decorating party. Let the kids take the lead in decorating their cookies however they wish.
- Display the finished decorated cookies on a platter or arrange them nicely on a tree-shaped cookie tray.
- Package up cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to give as gifts to teachers, neighbors, or family. The homemade treats make thoughtful Christmas presents.
Getting the kids involved in baking and decorating makes for a fun Christmas tradition they’ll look forward to each year. Let their creativity shine through in the cookie decorating, and they’ll beam with pride over their tasty masterpieces.
Drive Around to See Christmas Lights
Load the family into the car after dinner and drive around local neighborhoods to see the dazzling Christmas light displays. Make sure to rug up in cozy clothes – it’s chilly out there! Here are some tips to get in the holiday spirit:
- Play festive Christmas carols or holiday songs during your drive. Sing along together!
- Bring hot chocolate or warm apple cider to sip.
- Drive slowly through neighborhoods and down streets known for amazing light displays. Make a list of the best houses to see.
- Return on Christmas Eve or a few days before to see the most spectacular houses. The lights are so much fun!
Driving around to see the incredible Christmas lights is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit. The kids will ooh and aah over the brightest, fanciest displays. Make it an annual tradition!
Have Breakfast with Santa
On Christmas morning, he set out a plate of cookies and milk for Santa, along with some carrots or other treats for his reindeer near the Christmas tree.
When the kids wake up, let them run down to see that Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk! Watch their faces light up with joy.
Then, prepare a special Christmas breakfast to continue the magic of the morning. Some fun ideas include:
- Pancakes in fun holiday shapes like trees, snowmen, or stockings.
- Waffles topped with fresh fruit.
- A breakfast casserole.
- Cinnamon rolls, muffins, or donuts.
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows.
- Fresh fruit like orange slices.
Let the kids open stockings stuffed with small gifts first before moving on to the gifts under the tree. Drawing out the morning builds the anticipation and excitement!
Making Christmas morning extra special with traditions like breakfast with Santa helps create magical lifelong memories.
Take a New Family Photo Each Year
On Christmas morning, before the present opening madness begins, gather the whole family together in front of the Christmas tree for your annual holiday photo.
Do your best to take the photo in the same place each year – this way, you can watch how your family grows and changes! Here are some tips:
- Use your fireplace, the front of the Christmas tree, or a festive holiday backdrop.
- Have everyone wear matching holiday pajamas or sweaters in red, green, or white.
- Include any pets in the shot! Dress them in silly antlers or Santa hats.
- Take candid shots rather than posing. Try to capture natural smiles and laughter.
- Compile the photos each year into a special Christmas album.
Looking back at the annual Christmas family photos will bring back happy memories and show how much your family has changed over the years. It’s sure to become one of your favorite traditions.
Make Handmade Ornaments
Instead of buying ornaments every year, try making them as a fun family project. Get creative with materials like:
- Salt dough that air dries into cute ornament shapes.
- Popsicle sticks hot glued together into designs.
- Painted clothespins are clipped onto the ribbon.
- Painted wooden circles decorated with markers, stickers, or glitter.
- Pine cones covered with peanut butter and birdseed.
- Air-dry clay sculpted into detailed shapes.
Let the kids take the lead in designing their ornaments. Date each one on the back and add your child’s name before hanging them on the tree. Seeing their homemade ornaments each year will bring back wonderful memories of creating them together.
Conclusion
Creating meaningful and memorable holiday traditions is so important for families during the Christmas season. It often doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Simply spending meaningful, focused, quality time together will be cherished.
