Creating Cherished Holiday Traditions with Your Kids: Making Magical Memories That Last đâď¸
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are filled with a unique excitement that only this time of year can bring. Thereâs something magical about gathering as a family, creating moments that donât just live in our memories but in our hearts as well. For me, as a mother of three, the holidays have become an opportunity to build traditions that my kids and I look forward to year after year. Through these cherished holiday traditions, we build joy, laughter, and closenessâand I know these memories will stay with my children forever.
If youâre a mom looking to create meaningful holiday traditions with your kids, here are some ideas to make the season special. These simple activities help deepen family bonds, create lifelong memories, and bring everyone together.
1. Baking Holiday Treats Together
Baking treats together is a fantastic tradition that adds warmth to your home (and some delicious smells!). In our family, we set aside a day to bake holiday cookies, from gingerbread to sugar cookies, where my kids decorate each one with their favorite designs. This doesnât have to be picture-perfect; the fun is in the messiness! Kids love being part of the processâfrom rolling the dough to adding sprinkles. Plus, baking together is a great opportunity to teach kids about patience, measuring, and creativity.
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2. Create a Holiday Countdown Calendar
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. You can make your own holiday countdown calendar using small boxes, envelopes, or even by stringing up mini stockings. Each day, your kids get to open one slot to reveal a small gift, a holiday activity, or a sweet note. In our family, we mix it up by including both treats and activities, like "movie night with popcorn" or "make hot chocolate with marshmallows.â This builds anticipation, adds a dash of surprise, and allows us to spend time together each day as a family.
Here are some ideas and supplies for your DIY countdown
3. Holiday Movie Nights with a Twist
Movies are a staple of any holiday season, but you can make it extra memorable by turning movie night into a special tradition. We choose one night a week in December, pick a holiday classic, and set up a cozy space with blankets, hot chocolate, and popcorn. My kids love when we let them âticketâ our family, giving us permission to sit on their âcinema couch.â Some of our favorites include Home Alone, The Polar Express, and Elf. Watching the same movies each year becomes part of the holiday nostalgia theyâll remember as they grow up.
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4. Decorate the Tree Together and Add Personal Touches
One of the most cherished holiday traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. While many of us like to create a perfectly arranged tree, try letting your kids take part in the decorating process. Every year, we add a new ornament that represents something memorable from the year. One year it was a tiny soccer ball for my sonâs love of sports, another it was a mini book for my daughterâs reading milestones. These personalized ornaments make our tree special and give us the joy of reminiscing about each past year as we decorate.
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5. Write Letters to Santa (Or Keep a Holiday Journal)
Writing letters to Santa is a wonderful activity that can spark imagination in young children. Set aside time to sit down with your kids, help them write letters to Santa, and let them express their holiday wishes. For older kids, a holiday journal might be a fun tradition, where they can write down what theyâre thankful for and their favorite memories of the season. Over time, this can become a family keepsake full of heartfelt notes and memories.
Get festive with holiday stationery! Check out our Fun Holiday Activities for Kids
6. Family Outing to See Holiday Lights
Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa to-go, and head out to see the neighborhood holiday lights. Our family enjoys driving through decorated streets and visiting local light displays. We pick a day each December, and each year itâs a fun surprise for my kids to see what new displays are around town. This tradition gives us quality time together and reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.
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7. Handmade Holiday Cards and Crafts for Loved Ones
Making holiday cards or crafts is a meaningful tradition that lets kids be creative while teaching them about kindness and giving. Set up a crafting station with paper, markers, glitter, and stickers, and let them create cards for family members, friends, or even neighbors. You could also create handmade ornaments or small gifts. These crafts become little keepsakes that hold sentimental value for everyone who receives them.
Stock up on crafting supplies to get creative!
8. Reading Holiday Books Before Bedtime
As a quiet wind-down tradition, we choose one holiday-themed book to read before bed each night leading up to Christmas. Books like The Night Before Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are classics, but we also add in new stories each year. This tradition brings a magical end to the day and helps my kids feel cozy, loved, and connected to the season.
Looking to expand your holiday book collection? Check this out!
9. Giving Back as a Family: Teaching Kids the Joy of Giving
One of the most beautiful parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to give back. Whether itâs through donating toys, volunteering at a local shelter, or baking treats for neighbors, we make it a priority to do something kind for others. This tradition teaches my kids empathy and the joy that comes from giving to others, especially during a season that can easily become focused on receiving.
10. Create a New Yearâs Eve Celebration for Kids
New Yearâs Eve can be an exciting tradition too! We celebrate with an early countdown, letting my kids make their own noisemakers, setting up a mini dance floor, and ending with a countdown at âmidnightâ (a bit earlier than the actual midnight!). This tradition is one my kids absolutely love, and it allows us to celebrate the arrival of a new year together.
Planning a kid-friendly New Year's Eve party? Here are party supplies and decorations to make it a night to remember!