12 meaningful Christmas traditions to start this year
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Whether you’re decking the halls or belly laughing at “Elf”, check out these 12 traditions to help you bond with friends and family this holiday season.
Let’s be real — Christmas comes with a lot of traditions. And by traditions, sometimes we mean — baggage. The holidays can be cozy and warm and filled with love. But they can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and sometimes kind of sad.
The expectations of the season can also add a ton of pressure. You’re supposed to have time to not only think of thoughtful presents, but also brave the scary, jam-packed stores to go and buy them. You’re supposed to make your grandma’s cherished holiday recipe (that just so happens to take half the day to make.) And you’re supposed to be happy and grateful the entire time — even when you receive lottery scratch cards from your Dad, when you gifted him a personalized luxury watch.
But rather than getting caught up in what Christmas is supposed to be or the baggage of what it has been in the past, maybe this year, you slow down, reset, and start creating traditions that do work for you and your chosen family.
Traditions don’t need to be stressful or perfect — they can be whatever you and yours want them to be. Here’s a list of twelve simple and fun traditions that hopefully will help bring you some warm, gooey feelings this holiday season. Let’s unwrap them!
12 traditions to help you bond with family and friends this Christmas
In your family, it could be tradition to go to a Christmas tree farm, get really angry at each other because everyone thinks the other family members have zero “Christmas tree taste,” and then eventually you settle on one that is “fine” but will do for this year.
Then later, you all laugh at how heated you got and you look warmly at your newly decorated tree, thinking, “Wow, actually, this is my favorite Christmas tree yet. I can’t wait to fight with them all over again next year.”
There’s no tried and true formula for getting a tradition right. If it makes you and your loved ones feel good, laugh, and bond, then that’s what matters. Here are some ideas you could start with your family or chosen family this year that might accomplish just that.
1. Decorate together
Decking the halls isn’t just about making your home look red, and green, and festive all over — it’s a chance to make something pretty together as a team and make some memories in the process.
So blast fun holiday music, break out your favorite ornaments, and dance it out as you hang stockings, put up lights, and add whatever decorations means Christmas to you. Maybe make it a friendly competition like, “Who can place the ornaments on the tree before ‘Last Christmas’ ends?”
Tip: If you’re short on time or you’re only interested in decorating for an hour, keep it simple. Maybe just set up a small tree or decorate only the window that you’ll pass the most often.
Make it mindful: As you decorate, consider taking time to share memories of what some of the decorations make you remember from past holidays, and what you’re looking forward to for this upcoming holiday season.
2. Host a holiday movie night
A lot of the holiday season feels like it’s about “doing” something. It’s easy to feel like you’re always running around or making something. Watching a Christmas classic can be a great, low key way to get some quality time, unwind, and bond. So go snuggle up under some cozy blankets with your loved ones, sip on some hot cocoa, and much on peppermint bark as you watch your favorite holiday classic.
Tip: If you can’t decide on “A Christmas Story” or “Elf” or “Home Alone” and it’s getting heated, maybe do a movie marathon schedule for the week and let everyone get a chance to pick their favorite film.
Make it mindful: Before pressing play, put away your phones and be fully present in the movie. Notice the feelings of being cozy on the couch, and enjoy the sounds of the familiar soundtrack or the laughter of your favorite people. (And maybe wait ‘til after the movie to google what else James Caan was in besides “Elf.”)
3. Create personalized ornaments
Add some personality to your tree and design homemade ornaments together. Bust out paints, markers, glitter etc. and make each other bust out laughing at your (potentially terrible) homemade designs. A perfectly decorated tree can be boring, but one that has your best friend’s accidental three-eyed Santa might be just the thing to always make you smile.
Tip: If crafting just makes you think of the hours of cleanup after, try writing cute little notes about the past year and tucking them inside clear ornaments instead.
Make it mindful: Focus on the process rather than the end result while you're crafting. Enjoy the textures, sounds, and feelings of working with your hands. And don’t forget to marvel at your friends and family’s creativity, or attempt at creativity.
💙 Pop on the Wintertime Piano playlist for a cozy take on some holiday classics while you get your craft on.
4. Volunteer together
In a perfect world, we’re volunteering and giving back all the time. But life tends to get in the way. Don’t beat yourself up for not volunteering more though. Instead maybe use the holidays as an excuse to not only bond with your loved ones but to also commit to doing one sweet act of giving back together.
It doesn’t need to be big like volunteering at a food bank (though that would be a great one!). It can be something small like everyone meeting at a local charity spot and donating one toy or book they no longer use.
Tip: Choose a smaller activity that fits your family and friend’s schedule and abilities to make it easier for everyone to follow through.
Make it mindful: After volunteering, ask everyone how it made them feel and maybe share some love for all that you have to be grateful for.
5. Write letters to Santa — or to each other
Every year, we see kids excitedly write letters to Santa. But why can’t we also join in on that fun? Maybe this year, you and your loved ones have a letter writing party to Santa, or to each other. Writing letters can be a good way to share what you love about one another, express gratitude, and talk about your hopes for the coming year. You can even wait to read them until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning and turn the letters into a fun gift opening moment.
Tip: If you do have little ones who want to write to Santa, make it extra fun by “mailing” the letters in a decorated box.
Make it mindful: While writing the letters, encourage everyone to focus on gratitude and specific warm and fuzzy memories in their letters. Here are eight more gratitude exercises you could practice throughout the holiday season.
6. Go caroling — or host a family karaoke night
There’s a reason caroling has been around for so long. It’s fun and a great way to spread holiday cheer. But if singing door-to-door sounds terrifying to you, don’t stress. Instead, maybe host a family and friends karaoke night at home with a playlist of your fave holiday hits.
Tip: If singing in public sounds like a nightmare, but you do enjoy singing privately or with loved ones, maybe try something small and do a one song sing-along around your own Christmas tree as you decorate the tree.
Make it mindful: Before singing, set an intention, like spreading happiness or wanting to be silly. Focus on the joy it brings you, not the quality of your performance.
7. Bake holiday goodies together
Is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking in the oven? Okay, actually, yes, eating baked cookies is better — way better.
So this holiday season, why not get all your friends and family together to spend time eating said cookies? And also to bake and decorate them too. Baking treats can be fun, low stakes (even ugly baked goods are yummy), and most importantly everyone can sit as you decorate.
Tip: After you’ve done a thorough “taste test” of all the baked goods, consider packaging up the extra treats and giving them away to your neighbors, co-workers, and teachers.
Make it mindful: Slow down and savor the process. Notice the smells, textures, and flavors as you bake. These eight tips can help you practice some mindful cooking.
8. Read a holiday story before bed
If you’re looking for a break from technology or the stress of the holiday season, reading can be a great way to quiet the mind and create a sense of calm for you and your friends and family. Hosting a cozy story night might be a simple but meaningful way to slow down and enjoy the season with your loved ones. You could pick a chapter or two from your favorite holiday book and read it aloud together while drinking peppermint tea.
Tip: If you’d rather give your eyes a rest, consider listening to a chapter from a Christmas themed audiobook or a Sleep Story.
Make it mindful: While listening, visualize the story and give yourself over fully to the experience without distractions.
💙 Have the whole family jump aboard The Christmas Express for a magical train ride through the heart of Christmas in this cozy Sleep Story.
9. Make a “year in review” scrapbook
Somehow December always gets here and we think, how’s it already the end of the year? It was January ten minutes ago. Rather than getting sad at how much time has passed though, use it as an opportunity to celebrate the highlights of the year. Host a scrapbook making night with your family and friends and have everyone fill it with their favorite photos, ticket stubs, and other meaningful keepsakes.
It can become something you and your loved ones can add to every year and it gives you something tangible to look back on as a family.
Tip: If scrapbooking feels like way too much time and energy, maybe create a digital photo album or slideshow instead.
Make it mindful: As you look through your memories, take time to really take it in and feel grateful for all the wonderful experiences you and your loved ones have had this year.
10. Plan a pajama day
We all dream of days where we can sit and literally do nothing, except be with friends and family. The holidays can be a perfect time to finally make this dream a reality. Pick a day and invite your loved ones over to cook a big breakfast, play games, watch movies, and just relax in sweats or pajamas.
Tip: If cooking is too much, dive into those leftovers or treat yourself – order takeout.
Make it mindful: Make this a screen-free day. Focus on staying present and savoring the little moments (here are nine tips to help), like laughing over how many blankets your sibling is currently wearing.
11. Start a family advent calendar
It’s nice to have a little something to look forward to every day. With your nearest and dearest, consider having a night where everyone comes over to make their own advent calendar filled with activities you could do together instead of treats. You might write down simple ideas like “make hot chocolate,” or “hide the pickle ornament in the tree.” Then each day, open a new card and do the activity together.
Tip: If you’re short on time, plan quick and easy activities like, “Everyone go hang up your stocking on the fireplace.”
Make it mindful: After each activity, pause and reflect on the joy of doing something small and fun together.
12. Explore holiday lights together
Sometimes we’re too busy to take in the sheer magic of the season and all of its decorations. Maybe make a night with your loved ones to drive through a local light show or walk around a decorated neighborhood. This can be a fun way to start an easy tradition where the only thing you have to do is take in all the beauty that’s around you.
Tip: Pack snacks and a thermos of hot chocolate!
Make it mindful: While exploring, take a moment to pause and soak in the sights.
💙 Learn how to Savor the Moment (and how it can benefit you) this holiday season with help from Jay Shetty.
Christmas traditions FAQs
What are the easiest traditions to start with loved ones?
A tradition can be whatever you want it to be. But easier traditions to follow through on tend to be ones that are simple, small and don’t require much time or effort. Some examples are:
Light a candle together: Every night in December, try taking turns lighting a candle and sharing one small thing that made you smile or laugh that day.
Sip a warm drink by the tree: Spend a few minutes each morning or evening standing by your Christmas tree and enjoying some hot cocoa or your favorite beverage.
Reminisce over Christmas dinner: Go around the table and bring up one memory from a past Christmas that meant something to you.
How can I make meaningful Christmas traditions with my loved ones?
Traditions usually mean more when the emphasis is not on the activity itself but more so on the bonding time you shared with your loved ones. Focus on slowing down and savoring the moment as opposed to simply checking off a holiday task. These eight tips can help you take it all in.
If you’re baking with your family one night, take time to enjoy the scents, tastes, and laughter. Maybe add a gratitude jar and have everyone write down something they’re thankful for during the season.
How can we involve young children in creating new Christmas traditions?
Kids thrive on connection and routine, so simple traditions can be perfect for them. Small intentional activities help make them feel included. Some fun and easy examples you could try with kids are:
Sitting by the tree and reading them a short story
Singing a Christmas carol with them
Making holiday crafts like ornaments with them
Drawing on construction paper together to make wrapping paper
What are the best Christmas traditions when celebrating away from home?
Being away from home at Christmas can be really lonely and tough. But creating small rituals that anchor you in the moment, like lighting a candle, saying a quiet toast, or reflecting on what you’re grateful for can help to make it a little easier.
If you’re still missing family and friends, Facetime is a great way to stay in touch and still see your loved ones. Maybe even try opening presents or singing carols together.
What are some holiday traditions for a family that celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah?
Blending Christmas and Hanukkah is a fun way to celebrate connection across traditions — and maybe even get double the presents. If you’re in one of these families, focus on making moments that honor both.
You could write down one thing you’re thankful for each night of Hanukkah and then display those notes as ornaments on your Christmas tree. You could also light the menorah and read a Christmas story in the same evening.
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