15 Holiday Traditions to Make the Season Special

Creating traditions for our families is such a gift, it’s how we bring magic into our children’s memories and weave a sense of belonging and joy into every holiday season. I remember our first Christmas with newborn Camden and how it hit me: we were the ones who got to start traditions our family would hold dear for years to come.

As our family has grown, so have our traditions, each one adding its own layer of joy and connection. The ones I’m sharing here are some of our most treasured, and they’re what make the holiday season truly feel magical for us all.

Christmas traditions to start with your family

Santa Hats and the Christmas Tree Farm

Traditions don’t have to be complicated. We knew that every year we would have to pick out a Christmas tree, so we found a way to make the experience extra special. When my oldest boys were toddlers, we purchased personalized Santa hats and blasted Christmas tunes all the way to the Christmas Tree Lot.

We made a night out of picking the very best tree. We snapped the cutest pictures, made our claims for why our tree was clearly the best, finally settled on one of our choices, loaded up the tree, and blasted Christmas music all the way home.

Just the simple fact that we slowed down, and went into the night with intention made it all that more special. Since that night we have only ever gotten our tree this way and we all look forward to it every year!

Decorating the Tree and the House Together

Decking the halls is a family activity in the Mamian house! I admit, this may be due to the fact that we go ALL out when decorating and absolutely need everyone to pitch in. Once we bring out tree home from the lot, we take time decorating it together. From there, we decorate the house inside and out. And yes, we do have a snow machine out front.

Along with the main tree, we add a few holiday touches to the kids’ bedrooms, letting each of them create a festive space of their own and display ornaments that are special to them.

Shop the Products That Bring Our Holiday Traditions to Life!

Holiday Games

You know we can’t let the holiday season go by without bringing in a little competitive edge! From sparkler challenges to a peppermint mocha and gravy challenge, you can find our favorite Family Holiday Games here. These are great to incorporate into all your holiday gatherings with extended family and friends, too.

Santa Ribbon and Tags

Every year, we order unique Santa ribbons and tags from Etsy to wrap “Santa’s” presents. This little touch keeps the magic alive and the kids believing!

Matching or Themed Holiday PJs

If you follow me on Instagram you know I am a sucker for getting my family to wear ridiculous matching pajamas. The only time of year they give me no guff is Christmas. In fact, my kids look forward to seeing what holiday pj’s I gift them each year.

I try gifting them at the beginning of the season (Nov 1st in our house). That way they can enjoy them all season long. Oh, and they are required to wear them on Christmas morning. I just love being snuggled up with all of them under one roof. It’s the absolute best!!

Christmas Lights and Hot Cocoa

Mike is Mr. Christmas (and a three time Holiday City Lights Champion), which means he has to scope out all the Chrismtas light displays around town.

We have made it a tradition to load the kids up in the car, hot cocoa in hand (topped with a generous amount of whipped cream), as we head out to drive around our town looking at all the best holiday light displays.

This is another one where it’s super simple activity with a little extra intention.

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are a must! We used to pick up inexpensive ones from Trader Joe’s or World Market (early November is the best time to get them!). Now, each kid has their own, and this year I’m even sending them out to Cam and Owen.

Operation Christmas Child

To give back, each child chooses and shops for a child their age through Operation Christmas Child. This tradition has become a special part of our holiday, teaching the kids about kindness and empathy. The holiday season is truly about giving after all.

Elf on the Shelf

I know, I can hear the groans from parents on this one… but I will let you in on a little secret. The Elf on the Shelf traditions becomes way easier if you purchase a ready-to-go kit. We used the Elfin’ Around Kit last year, and have already purchased it again for this year.

Make sure to purchase yours before they sell out in late November. You can use the code SAVE5NOW for $5 of your kit!

Breakfast With Santa

We started going to Breakfast with Santa about 12 years ago and it quickly became one of our most beloved traditions. A quick Google search should help you locate one near you.

Our family attends the Santa Breakfast in Downtown Disney every year… because what is better than Disney AND Christmas?

We love the hot cocoa bar that comes around to each table, the delicious family-style breakfast, and getting a special meeting with the big man himself. The restaurant even hands each child a personalized stocking stuffed with holiday activities when you arrive and you leave with a carton of milk and cookies to take home. It’s absolutely the BEST!!!

Creating a Holiday Playlist

We love curating a holiday playlist to fill our home with seasonal tunes. It becomes the soundtrack to the entire season!

Sibling Gift Exchange

When our kids hit an age where they started wanting to buy gifts for each other, we decided a sibling gift exchange was in order. The kids draw names and go about it in Secret Santa style.

It’s one of their favorite Christmas traditions. They look forward to being the best gift giver. We exchange the gifts on Christmas Eve and everyone tries to guess who had their name. It is the sweetest thing to watch. I highly recommend this one, especially for larger families.

Holiday Date Night

Mike and I have started a tradition of going on a holiday date each year. It’s a special time just for us amidst all the holiday hustle and a good reminder to slow down to enjoy the season together.

Holiday Movie Nights

Nothing says holiday season like movie nights! We make it cozy and festive with our favorite holiday movies and snacks. Check out our holiday movie watchlist here!

Gingerbread House Party

Along with cookie decorating throughout the whole season, I host a gingerbread house decorating party every year with friends. The party is complete with candies and icing for everyone. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!

No matter what tradition you decide to start with your family my best advice is to keep it going. The longer the tradition goes the more nostalgia will build. This way you end up looking back 20 years later, as I am now, grateful you kept it going!

Want to know the best part of all? As our 2 oldest have left the house, it is these traditions that they are excited to come back home and experience. They are even carrying on some of these traditions in their own homes with friends and partners. That’s holiday magic if you ask me.

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Mama Munchkin

Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).

Life at Home

15 Holiday Traditions to Make the Season Special – From Our Family to Yours

October 15, 2024

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