Holidays are a time for creating memories, sharing laughter, and celebrating the warmth of family and community.
As the twinkling lights go up and the air fills with the sweet scent of seasonal treats, there’s undeniably magical about the traditions that make this time of year so special.
From age old customs passed down through generations to new rituals that spark joy and connection, holiday traditions are the heartbeat of the season.
Even if you’re looking to revive a cherished family custom or create brand-new moments of celebration, these 20 holiday traditions will fill your home with magic, meaning, and a little extra sparkle.
Let the season unfold as you discover simple, fun, and heartfelt ways to make this holiday season one to remember for you, your loved ones, and generations to come.
20 Timeless Holiday Traditions
1. Advent Calendar Countdown
What it is: A fun and festive way to count down the days to Christmas, with a small treat or activity behind each door or window.
How to Do It: Choose or create an Advent calendar filled with chocolate, toys, or special activities. Each day, a new door is opened, revealing the surprise inside.
The activities could include things like “Watch a Christmas movie,” “Donate a toy,” or “Bake cookies.”
Why It’s Special: It’s a daily reminder of the excitement building up to the holidays, and it’s perfect for families with kids, helping to foster anticipation and build holiday excitement.
2. Cookie Decorating Party
What it is: A festive gathering where friends and family bake and decorate Christmas cookies together.
How to Do It: Bake sugar cookies in festive shapes (like trees, stars, and snowmen), and set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, candy, and edible glitter.
Everyone can decorate their own batch of cookies to take home or enjoy together.
Why It’s Special: It brings people together in a creative way, and the cookies can be shared as gifts or enjoyed over hot cocoa, adding sweetness and warmth to the season.
3. Holiday Movie Marathon
What it is: A cozy movie day where you watch classic holiday films with family and friends.
How to Do It: Choose a few of your favorite holiday films such as Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, or Elf and have a movie marathon.
Make sure to stock up on popcorn, hot cocoa, and blankets for extra coziness.
Why It’s Special: Watching the same holiday films every year helps build nostalgia and is an opportunity for bonding, laughter, and even some emotional moments.
4. Giving Back Day
What it is: A family or community day dedicated to helping others, whether through volunteering, donating gifts, or supporting a charity.
How to Do It: Spend part of the day at a local shelter, food bank, or organization that helps those in need. Alternatively, make care packages or donate gently used toys and clothes.
Why It’s Special: The holidays are about giving, and this tradition helps remind everyone of the true spirit of the season’s compassion, generosity, and kindness.
5. Christmas Eve Dinner
What it is: A special meal held on Christmas Eve with family, featuring favorite holiday foods and dishes that may have cultural or familial significance.
How to Do It: Prepare a traditional meal that’s unique to your family’s heritage or create a new tradition by incorporating foods that are meaningful to you.
Share stories, laugh, and reflect on the year gone by before heading to bed for Christmas morning.
Why It’s Special: This meal provides an opportunity for connection, reflection, and anticipation for the big day ahead.
6. Christmas Caroling
What it is: Going door to door or gathering in a community space to sing holiday carols to spread cheer.
How to Do It: Gather a group of friends or family, pick your favorite Christmas carols, and head out to spread joy in your neighborhood, at local hospitals, or even to elderly relatives.
Why It’s Special: It’s a fun, active way to celebrate the season, bring joy to others, and create lasting memories.
7. Tree Decorating Together
What it is: A family tradition where everyone in the household takes part in decorating the Christmas tree.
How to Do It: Unwrap the ornaments, hang up lights, and place the star or angel on top. Share stories behind each ornament and reflect on past holidays while trimming the tree together.
Why It’s Special: The act of decorating the tree together becomes a treasured ritual that symbolizes family togetherness, and it’s a lovely way to pass down family traditions with each new generation.
8. DIY Handmade Gifts
What it is: Giving personalized, handcrafted gifts made with love.
How to Do It: Whether it’s knitting scarves, making scented candles, creating photo albums, or painting artwork, putting thought and time into making gifts adds a personal touch that store-bought presents can’t match.
Why It’s Special: Handmade gifts have an emotional value that cannot be replaced. They’re a reflection of your love and effort, which makes them much more meaningful for both the giver and the recipient.
9. Holiday Light Tour
What it is: A festive drive or walk through neighborhoods or parks known for their extravagant holiday light displays.
How to Do It: Find local areas known for impressive Christmas light displays and take an evening drive with hot cocoa in hand.
Some areas even synchronize lights with music for an added touch of magic.
Why It’s Special: It’s a tradition that gets everyone in the holiday spirit, and it’s a simple yet magical way to enjoy the beauty of the season.
10. Stocking Stuffer Hunt
What it is: A scavenger hunt where small stocking stuffers are hidden around the house for children (or adults) to find.
How to Do It: Write clues on small pieces of paper and hide them in different places, each leading to the next clue. The final clue will lead to the stocking or basket of treats.
Why It’s Special: This interactive tradition adds a sense of adventure and excitement to the morning, and it’s a perfect way to start the holiday day with laughter.
11. Writing Letters to Santa
What it is: A tradition where children write letters to Santa, listing their wishes and dreams for Christmas.
How to Do It: Sit down with your children and help them write or dictate their letters to Santa.
Make it extra fun by adding drawings or creative decorations. You can also have a mailbox where letters can be sent.
Why It’s Special: It fosters the magic of Christmas, and writing a letter to Santa is an enduring tradition that adds wonder and excitement for children during the holiday season.
12. Holiday Book Exchange
What it is: A tradition where family members or friends exchange holiday-themed books as gifts.
How to Do It: Buy a special holiday-themed book for someone in your family or circle of friends. On Christmas Eve, everyone opens their books and reads them aloud together before bed.
Why It’s Special: Reading books together creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and this tradition helps build lasting memories while instilling a love for reading.
13. New Year’s Eve Reflection and Resolution Sharing
What it is: On New Year’s Eve, take time to reflect on the past year and share your hopes or resolutions for the year ahead.
How to Do It: Gather your family or friends and take turns sharing your reflections on the past year what you’re proud of, challenges you overcame, and what you’re grateful for. Then, share your goals and aspirations for the new year.
Why It’s Special: It’s a meaningful way to close one chapter and begin another, creating a moment of introspection and connection as you look forward to new beginnings.
14. Hot Chocolate Bar
What it is: A fun, interactive way to enjoy hot chocolate, where everyone can customize their own drink with various toppings.
How to Do It: Set up a table with mugs, hot cocoa, and a variety of topping whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes, caramel, etc. Everyone can make their own personalized hot chocolate.
Why It’s Special: This tradition adds a fun, festive flair to your holiday celebrations, and it’s a perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
15. Gift Wrapping Party
What it is: A group activity where friends or family gather to wrap gifts together.
How to Do It: Set up a wrapping station with paper, ribbons, and tags, and spend an afternoon wrapping gifts together while enjoying holiday music, snacks, and drinks.
Why It’s Special: It’s a chance to bond while crossing off a necessary holiday task. Plus, the conversation and laughter make wrapping gifts feel like part of the holiday festivities.
16. Elf on the Shelf Fun
What it is: A mischievous elf moves around the house each day leading up to Christmas, leaving clues or surprises for the kids.
How to Do It: Place the Elf on the Shelf in different spots around the house, each day hiding them in new, creative locations. Leave small treats or notes to add to the fun.
Why It’s Special: The element of surprise keeps kids excited and engaged, and it adds an extra layer of joy and wonder to the countdown to Christmas.
17. Christmas Day Walk
What it is: A family tradition where everyone goes for a peaceful walk after the Christmas Day meal.
How to Do It: Bundle up, step outside, and take a brisk walk through your neighborhood or a nearby park. It’s a nice way to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and reflect on the joy of the day.
Why It’s Special: After the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, a Christmas Day walk provides a calming way to enjoy the day, making it a simple but meaningful ritual.
18. DIY Christmas Cards
What it is: Create your own Christmas cards to send to loved ones.
How to Do It: Get crafty with paper, stamps, glitter, and paint to design your cards. You can personalize each one with a special message, and perhaps even a family photo.
Why It’s Special: Handmade cards are personal and show that you’ve put time and thought into spreading joy to others during the holiday season.
19. Christmas Morning Pajamas
What it is: A tradition where everyone in the family gets matching Christmas pajamas to wear on Christmas morning.
How to Do It: Surprise your family with matching pajamas if it’s classic red and green sets, festive patterns, or comfy onesies.
Why It’s Special: This tradition makes Christmas morning even more special, especially when everyone is in their cozy new pajamas while enjoying breakfast, presents, and each other’s company.
20. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
What it is: A fun treasure hunt that leads participants to small surprises or treats hidden around the house or yard.
How to Do It: Create clues leading participants to hidden items this could include small gifts, holiday snacks, or even notes with festive challenges.
Why It’s Special: It adds excitement and mystery to the holiday season, and it’s a great way to involve children and family members in the festivities while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
