I find that as I get older and although I love Christmas, I'm quite sad that my family has no specific Christmas traditions. Don't get me wrong, we are a loving family and we all enjoy Christmas very much but it's a pretty generic festival for us - eat and drink loads, be merry and exchange tons of gifts. As we have a new baby in the family this year, it's got me thinking about how we can make it magical for her this year and every year. Maybe I'll be able to persuade my family to start some of these Christmas traditions.
1. Christmas Eve Box
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This is one of the cutest Christmas traditions for families with kids. Christmas starts on Christmas Eve so get the holiday kicked off with a box of magic that includes new pajamas, a story book for bedtime, reindeer food and a Santa Key (see next point!).
2. Santa's Key
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Put the key in the Christmas Eve box or simply present it to your kids at bedtime for them to hang on their bedroom door. Sample message - Dear Santa, This magic key works just for you, Please open the door and come on through. Thank you for coming to our house tonight. Thank you Santa for the gifts you bring.
3. Jar of Acts of Kindness
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This is a great way to teach kids about giving and not just receiving.
4. Christmas Bucket
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The Christmas Bucket is a fun way to count down the days in December until Christmas instead of a traditional advent calendar. The bucket is filled with 25 numbered gifts and envelopes, each containing a small item or activity. Gifts can be new or old, big or small. The fun is in the unwrapping and excitement, not how big the gift is inside.
5. Advent Blessing Jar
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An alternative to the traditional advent calendar.
6. The Christmas Giving Jar
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This is a Christmas tradition that starts at the beginning of the year. Save your pennies all year and decide who is deserving of it at Christmas.
7. Keepsake Ornament Album
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The best way to understand this is to click on the source and read Kelly's awesome little story.
8. Candy Cane Hunt
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A perfect Christmas tradition kids and adults can enjoy together.
9. Date Night Stockings
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Some Christmas traditions can be enjoyed without the kids. This is an easy way to strengthen your marriage all year long, and can be as thrifty or as extravagant as you want to make it!
10. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
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Keep everybody occupied while the Christmas dinner is cooking.
11. Meaningful Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions for Families
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Click on the source for ideas if you want your Christmas traditions to reflect the original meaning of the holiday.
12. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
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Source: Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Printable ...
A variation on the scavenger hunt. Ideal if your street has a wealth of houses decorated for the holidays. Even get the neighbors involved!
13. Snowman Pizza
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If you already have a Christmas movie night, pimp it up with snowman pizzas. And if you don't already have a Christmas movie night - why not?
14. Trim the Tree
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Of course, some of the most well-beloved Christmas traditions will never grow old. But how about some new ideas? Check them out here: 27 Stunning Christmas Trees You Can Create at Home.
15. The Christmas Game
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Click on the source and Vickycat will explain it all.
16. Divinity Recipe
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Why not find or develop a new recipe that you can all indulge in on Christmas Eve?
17. Santa's Beard
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This is so unbelievably cute.
18. Play "You've Been Jingled"
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Source: You've Been Jingled
This is such a fabulous way to get your neighbors involved in your Christmas. Again, the source will take you to a page where you can get all you need to start this as one of your new Christmas traditions.
19. Preserve Your Child’s Christmas List in an Ornament Every Year
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Source: Fifteen Homemade Christmas Ornaments - ...
What a charming idea!
20. Indoor Snowball Fight
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Source: DIY Snowball Fight
Now you don't need to worry if you don't have a white Christmas.
21. Reindeer Food
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Source: Magic Reindeer food with FREE ...
Make a new tradition of taking the kids out to sprinkle magic reindeer food on the lawn on Christmas Eve.
22. Light a Candle
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Source: Celtic Christmas Traditions
The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve has a number of purposes but primarily it is a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they traveled looking for shelter.
23. Photo-books
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Source: Self Esteem Gift Books from ...
Give your children photo-books every year about themselves and the year they've had and the people they are becoming! A great self-esteem boost and a wonderful keepsake.
24. Write a Letter to Your Child
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Source: Christmas Traditions- Write a Letter ...
Say all those things you never find time to say throughout the year.
25. Matching PJs
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Source: Family Christmas Pajamas: Matching PJs ...
Is anything cuter than you all looking the same on Christmas morning?
26. Busting through Gift Wrapped Doorway to Get to the Tree
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Source: Christmas Traditions: Gift Wrapped Doorway ...
Not much can match the excitement of children on Christmas morning.
27. Christmas Gingerbread House
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Source: Unavailable Listing on Etsy
If you've never made a gingerbread house, maybe this year is the year to start.
Any of these appeal to you? If not, don't worry. Search Pinterest for Christmas traditions and you'll be overwhelmed with ideas. Or if our readers tell us of their own traditions there might be one there you want to adopt. Please share!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I consider starting new Christmas traditions?
- Starting new Christmas traditions can bring freshness and excitement to your holiday celebrations. It can also help create lasting memories, strengthen bonds with loved ones, and enrich the festive spirit.
- Are these Christmas traditions specific to a particular culture or region?
- While some Christmas traditions may have cultural or regional origins, the ones suggested here are meant to be universally appealing and can be adopted by anyone, regardless of their background.
- How do I choose which traditions to start?
- Choose traditions that resonate with you and your family's values, preferences, and lifestyle. It's essential to pick those that everyone can enjoy and participate in together.
- Can I modify these traditions to suit my family's needs?
- Absolutely! The best part about traditions is making them your own. Feel free to adapt, combine, or tweak any tradition to make it fit your family's unique dynamic.
- How can I ensure that the new traditions last?
- Consistency is key. Make sure to participate in the tradition each year and involve all family members. Sharing stories and memories associated with the tradition can also reinforce its significance.
- Do these traditions require a lot of preparation or resources?
- Not necessarily. While some traditions might require some planning or resources, many can be simple and cost-effective. The emphasis is on the experience and the memories created, not on extravagance.
- Can I introduce more than one new tradition each year?
- Of course! It's up to you how many new traditions you'd like to introduce. However, ensure it doesn't become overwhelming or take away from the joy of the season.
- What if a new tradition doesn't resonate with my family?
- It's okay. Not every tradition will be a hit, and that's fine. The idea is to try and see what sticks. If something doesn't work out, you can always replace it with another one the following year.
- How can I involve children in these new traditions?
- Children often bring a magical element to Christmas traditions. Involve them in the planning and execution, ask for their input, and ensure that the traditions chosen are age-appropriate and engaging for them.
- Can these traditions be adapted for a solo celebration?
- Definitely. Many of the suggested traditions can be modified to suit a solo celebration or even a virtual gathering. The essence is to create moments of joy, reflection, and connection during the festive season.