Family Friendly Christmas Traditions to Start This Year
'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by indulging in some good old-fashioned family fun? Christmas is all about making memories with your loved ones, and one way to do that is by creating traditions, new and old. From special ornaments to Christmas Eve fun, here are 10 family friendly Christmas traditions to start this year!
Advent Calendar Fun
Count down to the big day with an Advent calendar. We love wooden advent calendars filled with chocolates, tiny toys, or acts of kindness, opening a new door each day brings a sense of excitement to the season. To make things super simple, grab an advent calendar from Amazon. These are perfect for kids and make for a fun, festive Christmas activity every day!
Find the Pickle
Pickle ornaments are one of my favorite Christmas traditions from when I was a kid. This tradition is so simple and fun! You simply hide a pickle ornament on your tree on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning. Then, whichever family member that finds it first gets an extra small gift or cash. My family opted for cash and it was always a treat!
Elf on the Shelf
I know, I know Elf on the Shelf is a little annoying BUT kids absolutely love it! What we love most about Elf on the Shelf is that it makes festive memories all December long AND gives your littles extra motivation to be on their best behavior the whole month long. To take the stress out of moving the elf, we have a digital guide to make elf memories quick and easy!
Christmas Eve Gifts from Mrs. Claus
I recently heard about this tradition and can’t wait to try it out this year! For this tradition, you grab a Christmas Eve bag or box to fill with gifts from Mrs. Claus on Christmas Eve. We’re planning on filling our bags with festive PJs, hot cocoa, and this Christmas book (my kids LOVE Pete the Cat!).
Christmas Stocking Surprises
My family has always been BIG on stockings and it’s one of my favorite childhood memories (TBH, I still love it as an adult!). Opening Christmas gifts is always so fun, but there’s something extra special about cleaning out those stockings. Instead of filling stockings with junk, we love to fill them to the gills with high quality items we’ll actually use! Check out our favorite stocking stuffers here.
One and Only One Gift From Santa
If a Christmas tradition simplifies a mom’s life it’s a huge WIN! Growing up we always received one, unwrapped gift from Santa that was under the tree on Christmas morning. Everything else was wrapped and from whoever purchased the gift. I love this tradition for a few reasons, 1) the one gift from Santa feels extra special 2) you can go ahead and wrap the other gifts and put them under the tree throughout the month AKA no hiding gifts all month long or staying up super late putting gifts under the tree 3) parents get credit for the amazing gifts they purchased!
Cookies for Santa
This one may not be new, but it’s always such a special memory! We love spending Christmas Eve making cookies for Santa. This tradition can be as simple or complex you’d like. You can buy premade cookie dough or make and decorate sugar cookies from scratch! We love this cute plate for putting the cookies out by the fireplace!
Annual Ornaments
I am obsessed with a Christmas tree full of memories and heirloom ornaments! To get that memory filled, curated look, we love gifting an ornament to each member of the family that represents something significant from that year. For example, this year Graham started Kindergarten so I will get a Kindergarten themed ornament for him. Some other favorites we’ve had are a custom home ornament, clay people ornaments, book club ornament, and Christmas in Heaven ornament.
Christmas Caroling
This Christmas tradition is SO fun! Grab a few neighborhood families, some favorite Christmas songs, and go door to door caroling! Make sure to bring a wagon with treats for the kids and a special drink for the parents to make the evening extra fun. Now that’s spreading Christmas cheer!
Sponsor a Child
There is nothing better than giving back over the holiday season! We love to find a specific family to sponsor by purchasing them the necessities and gifts for Christmas morning. You can check with local churches and organizations for programs that match families. If you’re in the western suburbs of Chicago, I am planning on using Community Santa Project. This tradition is a great way to teach your children about giving back and being a helper in the community.
Merry Christmas!!
xoxo,
Kyle
