Right now around the world millions of people are celebrating this magical holiday season, hoping to make lasting memories with their loved ones. Some are recreating the more classic traditions, such as trimming a tree and hanging stockings for St. Nick, while others are doing more unique traditions, like hiding a pickle ornament or decorating with spider webs (yes, you can Google that one).  I put together a list of some of my favorite traditions from near and far, old and new, in hopes that you can find the perfect fit to make your holidays merry and bright!

Holiday Traditions

Celebrate St. Nicholas Day:

Traditionally a European holiday, this has the magic of Christmas but without all the grandeur. On the evening of December 5th, have your children leave their shoes by the front door or fireplace. That night St. Nicholas (and his trusted helper, wink wink) will come to fill their shoes with small toys or coins.

Christmas Pajamas:

Whether given at the beginning of the season or on Christmas Eve, this one always brings a smile to everyone’s face.  Fluffy, fuzzy, footed, bum flaps, onesies, or matching – you can’t go wrong!

The Polar Express:

This is an absolute favorite in our home! One evening have your children do their regular nightly routine, but when they climb into bed have the “Polar Express” ticket waiting on their pillow. Make this tradition your own by adding some special popcorn, hot chocolate or treats. After loading them into the Polar (Car) Express, explore the magical lights of the city. If you want to go above and beyond, turn it into a Christmas light scavenger hunt!

All The Goodies:

From young to old, there are not many things that bring loved ones together quite like food. A few popular traditions include making cookies (don’t forget to mix up a batch for Santa!), decorating gingerbread houses (although I am sure more candy goes in the mouth than on the house), and stringing popcorn on the Christmas tree. Do you have a favorite food that screams “Christmas is here!” to you? It’s never too late to pick one, any one, for your family. Ours? Homemade scones and Cherry 7-Up ice cream floats.

Service:

These traditions are all about showing your children the joy that comes from giving during the holiday season. Whether you become a Secret Santa, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or go caroling to your neighbors, no good deed is too small!

Party Time:

Spruce up your Holiday get-togethers by hosting an annual themed party. A few ideas to get you started:

Christmas Cookie Exchange Party

Pancakes and Pajamas Party

Ugly Sweater Party

Hot Chocolate Party

Sock Exchange Party

Favorite Things Party

Pie Party

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Party….which leads us to…

Elf on the Shelf:

There is no explanation needed here except for that they are so much fun! And so much work. May the odds be ever in your favor…

Countdown to Christmas:

One of the best ways to get children (and let’s be honest, adults too!) excited for Christmas is by having them tear off a link of their homemade paper chain each day. Want to do something a little different this year? Try a book countdown where they get to open and read one book each night for the 12 Days of Christmas. You could also do candy canes on the tree, cotton balls on Santa’s beard or an advent calendar.

Ornaments:

Last, but not least, this one is very near and dear to my heart. As a child, I was thrilled each Christmas when I received my very own ornament from my Grandma. When it was time for me to leave home and put up my own tree, I already had 18 beautiful ornaments to get me started, each with their own memory and meaning. Now we continue this tradition with our own children hoping that someday when they leave home, they will know that a small piece of my heart is with them on their own Christmas tree.  

Whether you choose one of these holiday traditions or create some of your own, most of all we hope you have the best holiday season full of joy, laughter….and magic.