80 Fun Family Christmas Traditions to Try This Year (best ideas for 2024!)
New and unique Christmas traditions to start this year! These family Christmas ideas will make the holiday season more fun and help you create memories for years to come. They’re the most fun Christmas traditions to start this year!
Are you like me and LOVE holidays and traditions? Or maybe you’re just looking for some new Christmas traditions to start.
Either way, look no further! Here is a list of over 75 festive holiday traditions to offer inspiration.
Having traditions helps create lasting memories, gives us something to look forward to, and is just a fun way to bring people together.
The traditions you start with your family become part of your heritage! Children in particular find the predictability of those holiday traditions comforting.
This list of Christmas time traditions includes both classic and unique ideas, ways to give back, and suggestions for spending time with your kids and friends!
Let’s check ’em out!
You may also like:
- How to Create a Christmas Budget (and actually stick to it!)
- 21 Ways to Earn Extra Money for Christmas
- How to Throw a Fabulous Holiday Party on a Budget
This post may contain affiliate links. You can view my full disclosure policy here.
👉 Want to create a holiday spending plan you can actually stick to? Grab our FREE Christmas Budget Planner!
Christmas Traditions to Start This Year
💡Don’t forget to pin this on Pinterest to refer back to throughout the holiday season. Or share with your family and friends!
Unique Christmas Traditions
Here are some unique holiday traditions that you may not have tried before. Let me know if you can think of any more!
1. Create a holiday bucket list
Write down the traditions you want to try or start this season.
(Hint: Use this list of Christmas ideas for inspiration, and this free printable to jot them down!)
2. Make a small gift for the women in your family
Whether it’s a craft, salt scrub, or homemade goodies, something you spend time on can mean a lot.
Here are 25 Easy DIY Ornaments that make great homemade gifts!
3. Holiday Nights
If you live (or can travel to) Greenfield Village in Michigan, you simply must check out Holiday Nights!
It’s like celebrating Christmas in the 1800s, and there’s just nothing else like it.
4. Decorate your bedroom
Get some festive Christmas bedding and feel extra cozy in the room you spend the most time in.
5. Send funny or silly Christmas cards
In place of the traditional family holiday photo card, take a funny picture to send this year.
6. Make homemade Christmas cards
It would be a fun and festive project to take some Christmas cards instead of buying them.
There’s so much fun holiday scrapbook paper and washi tape at Michael’s!
(Here’s a free printable Christmas card tracker to help you remember who you sent and received cards from.)
7. Participate in National Ugly Christmas sweater day
Check out National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, and brighten up your work day.
The UK celebrates Christmas Jumper Day.
8. Thrift store Christmas
If you’re on a budget this Christmas season, or just love thrift store shopping, consider buying all your gifts and decorations from the thrift store.
(Read next: 27 Thrift Store Shopping Tricks You Should Try)
9. Cut down your own Christmas tree
Go out to a Christmas tree farm and chop down your very own tree.
It’s one of those fun family Christmas traditions that everyone will look forward to!
10. Christmas diary
Keep a notebook where you write down what new traditions you started, and details about each Christmas.
It’ll be so fun to look back on. (Or grab this free Christmas memories journal printable!)
🎁 Need some holiday gift ideas? Check out these posts for inspiration:
- 57 Unique Gift Ideas Under $25
- GIANT List of 150+ Stocking Stuffer Ideas!
- 51 Cheap Gift Ideas Under $10 (that people will actually want!)
11. Visit a live nativity
Many churches have live Nativity scenes on the weekends before Christmas.
12. Camp out near the Christmas tree
Pull out your sleeping bags or Aerobed, and have a ‘sleepover’ in your living room by the lit tree.
13. Take a picture every year in front of the tree
Using the same pose, snap a photo of your family each year in the same spot. It will be so cool to observe how everyone changes throughout the years.
👉 Want an easy way to organize all things holiday? Grab my Christmas Simplified Planner Bundle! It walks you through every step of holiday prep.
14. Forget gifts and go on a vacation instead
Save what you would have spent on cluttery presents, and take your family on a memorable trip.
(Just like in Christmas with the Kranks, which is based on one of my favorite holiday books.)
15. Go to a Christmas concert
Whether you spring for Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets or attend one at a local high school, a concert is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
16. Color in a Christmas coloring book
Coloring in a holiday coloring book is a soothing way to unwind during the hectic season.
17. Christmas pickle
Do you know about the pickle ornament tradition?
An ornament shaped liked a pickle is hidden in the tree, and the person who finds it gets a special prize!
18. Listen to The Christmas Chronicles
Read or listen to The Christmas Chronicles throughout December.
(Get it for free, plus a 30 day Audible Free Trial here!)
19. Christmas around the world
Research holiday traditions around the world, and try out some new Christmas foods or customs.
20. New Year’s predictions jar
After Christmas dinner, have everyone write down what they predict will happen throughout the following year, and put them in a jar.
Next Christmas, you can look through the predictions and see if they came true!
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Classic Christmas Traditions
You can’t go wrong with the traditional Chritmas activities. Here are some to consider adding to your repertoire.
21. Movie marathon
Have a cozy night in and watch a few holiday movies. The Santa Clause series would be a fun choice. Or check out this list of the 35 best Christmas Movies.
22. Gingerbread house
You could make it from scratch, or make it easy with a Gingerbread house kit (or a reusable one you can decorate year after year).
23. Take a drive to look at Christmas lights
Start a new Christmas tradition of driving around looking at holiday lights.
You could wear pajamas and drink hot chocolate, or do a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt.
24. Parade or festival in your town
There’s probably some festive activities right near where you live.
Set up a little hot chocolate bar with to-go mugs before you go, and everyone can stay warm with their customized hot beverage.
25. New ornament every year
Each of your family members could pick out a new special ornament for the tree.
Your family will love looking back and reminisce throughout the years when you decorate.
Especially when they see how each person’s taste have changed! These personalized ornaments would also be a great idea.
26. Cookie exchange
A super fun Christmas tradition to start would be a cookie exchange.
That way you only have to make one kind of cookie, but end up with a huge variety!
27. Decorate sugar cookies
Whether you host a little cookie decorating party or just enjoy doing it yourself, decking out sugar cookies doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy.
GFS (aka Gordon Food Service) even sells already shaped cut-out sugar cookies to make life easier.
28. Read Christmas books
Don’t forget to read your favorite holiday books!
29. Make a Christmas playlist
Compile a list of your favorite holiday songs and listen to them on Christmas Day or throughout the season.
(Christmas music can be kind of polarizing – do you love it or hate it?)
30. Go Christmas caroling
You could raise money for charity or just do it for fun.
31. Read the Christmas story in the bible
In the second chapter of Luke, the story of the birth of Jesus is told in verses 1-20.
32. Go to a tree lighting ceremony
Many cities or organizations host a tree lighting ceremony that could make you feel more festive.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Kids
Holiday traditions can be particularly meaningful to children. They will look forward to them every year, and talk about them when they’re adults.
33. Video from Santa
Sign up to have Santa Claus send your child a personalized video!
34. Let them have their own little tree
Consider letting your kids have a Christmas tree in their room or play area.
Hobby Lobby and other stores have adorable little trees with mini ornaments and decorations.
35. Elf on the Shelf
Kids love the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
36. Kindness elves
The Kindness Elves are a great alternative to Elf on the Shelf. Your children can show acts of kindness to their friends, family, and others. Here are 25 ideas to get you started.
37. Special cookies for Santa plate
Get a special ‘Cookies for Santa’ plate and cup set. Your child will look forward to setting it out year after year!
38. Santa’s gifts only on Christmas morning
If Christmas morning feels really hectic, consider giving your kids the gifts from you on Christmas Eve, and leave Christmas morning for Santa gifts.
39. Let your kids shop at the dollar store
Take your children to the dollar store, and let them pick out gifts for their loved ones.
40. Help the kids give back via donations
Have your kids go through their toys beforehand and collect clothes and toys to donate.
They’ll feel good about helping others, and create more space for the new items they’re sure to receive.
(Related: 15 Things to Declutter Before the Holidays)
41. Reindeer mix
Don’t forget the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Try making this ‘reindeer bait’ and sprinkle it in the yard to encourage Santa’s sleigh to stop at your house.
42. Letter to Santa
Help your child write a letter to Santa each year.
43. Want, wear, need, read gifts
If you want to simplify Christmas this year, consider streamlining your child’s gifts down to 4:
- Something they want
- Something to wear
- Something they need
- Something to read
44. Breakfast with Santa
Local places often host a Breakfast with Santa event. It might be a more memorable way for your kids to visit Santa.
45. Christmas handprint gift
Help your child make a Christmas craft with their handprint. It can be a gift for lifelong keepsake.
46. Write a letter to your kids each year
Every year you could write a letter to your child, and save them to reflect back on.
As adults, they will be really meaningful to your kids!
47. Polar Express party
Have a little party where you hand out Polar Express tickets, play around with a train whistle, and wear railroad hats.
All while watching the movie of course.
Giving back traditions
When things are going well for you, it’s so easy to forget that the holiday season is not as joyous for those going through a hard time.
Here are some traditions you could start that involve giving back to those who aren’t feeling quite as blessed.
48. Bring cookies to a fire station
Bake some Christmas goodies and drop them off to your local firefighters.
49. Caroling at retirement home
The folks who live in senior living or nursing homes absolutely love having visitors, especially when those visitors are entertaining!
50. Sponsor a child or family
You could sponsor a child through an organization like World Vision, or ‘adopt’ a local family and buy their Christmas gifts this year.
51. Special Christmas morning breakfast
One of the easiest Christmas traditions to start is to make the same delicious breakfast every year on Christmas morning.
We like to have quiche and coffee cake. : )
52. Random acts of kindness
Similar to the Kindness Elves above, you can spend December performing acts of kindness for strangers or loved ones.
53. Ring Salvation Army bell
Volunteer to ring the Salvation Army bell outside of stores. If you sing or act festive, people are more likely to donate!
54. Shop for toys to donate
Toys for Tots is a great organization that distributes new toys to children for Christmas.
There are collection boxes in a variety of places. It’s super easy to donate!
55. Donate to a food pantry or family in need
You could go grocery shopping and donate it all to a local food bank.
Or if you personally know a family who is struggling, drop off a box of groceries on their porch.
56. Write a letter or mail a gift to troops stationed overseas
Don’t forget the troops who aren’t able to make it home for the holidays. Here are 75 military care package ideas.
57. Buy gifts for kids in the hospital
There are many children who are too sick to spend Christmas at home.
Their families might not be able to afford many gifts with the mounting medical bills.
(Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for children in the hospital to get you started.)
Be sure to check with your local children’s hospital to find out what their specific needs are.
Advent Traditions to Start
There are a variety of ways to celebrate Advent. Here are a couple ideas to consider.
58. Advent Calendar
There’s something special about opening a little gift each day in December. Your family might love one of these fun options!
Fun Advent Calendar Ideas
Advent Calendars for Kids:
LEGO City Advent Calendar
This calendar will build 24 different presents, and comes with several minifigures and seasonal items. Perfect for a LEGO lover!
Fisher-Price Little People Advent Calendar
This calendar includes 24 Little People. Your toddler or young child will love opening it every day!
Paw Patrol Advent Calendar
Any Paw Patrol lover will adore opening the door to a special gift for the first 24 days of December.
Peppa Pig Advent Calendar
Peppa Pig can help your child count down the days until Christmas!
Barbie Advent Calendar
Any Barbie fan would adore finding a new Barbie accessory behind every door.
Advent Calendars for Adults:
Tea Advent Calendar
It would be so fun to open and try a new type of tea every day!
DIY Pandora Beads Charms Advent Calendar
24 days of new charms and beads to add to your Pandora or charm bracelet.
L'Occitane Signature Holiday Advent Calendar
Give the gift of holiday luxury with a daily dose of L'Occitane! This one is a wow, for sure.
Refillable DIY Advent Calendars:
Traditional Wooden Christmas Advent Calendar
If you prefer to fill the advent calendar with special treats yourself, this classic one is beautiful!
Wooden Tree Advent Calendar
Add a touch of whimsy to your advent tradition with this fun Christmas tree-shaped calendar. Refill and reuse year after year!
24 Days Burlap Gift Bags
Fill each bag with a special gift as a fun countdown to Christmas. Hang on the tree, staircase, or use as garland.
59. Book Advent
Give your child a book for the first 24 days of December. If you’re on a budget, the Dollar Tree is a great option to buy books for just $1! You can even order them online!
60. Make an Advent Activity Tree
It’s a great idea, and here’s how to do it.
Christmas Eve Tradition Ideas
It’s important to have some special Christmas Eve traditions as well.
Whether you spend Christmas Eve quietly at home or out with family, these ideas can give you some inspiration for some new traditions to start.
61. Open one gift on Christmas Eve
You could let your family members open just one gift on Christmas Eve.
It builds excitement for the next morning!
62. Watch the same movie every Christmas Eve
A tradition can be as simple as just watching the same movie or Christmas special every Christmas Eve.
You’ll probably find yourself looking forward to it more than you’d think.
We like to watch the Christmas Carol!
63. Call Santa tracker
A Christmas Eve tradition that your kids will love is to call the Santa Tracker hotline and get updates as to where Santa is on his journey.
64. Christmas pajamas
Either buy new holiday pajamas each year, or wear the same pair while you’re relaxing the night before Christmas. You can even get a matching set for the whole family!
65. Midnight mass
There’s just something so special about going to midnight mass.
If you don’t prefer a mass service, many churches have a candlelight Christmas Eve service.
66. Read special christmas book
Growing up, my mom always read us a Christmas book from her childhood.
This Christmas Eve book seems really sweet for younger kids.
67. Game night
A Christmas Eve game night sounds so fun!
You could play regular board games that you already own, or this Rudolph Christmas Journey game looks like a blast!
68. Deliver treats to someone stuck at work
It’s easy to forget that some people still have to work on holidays.
You could take a meal or some Christmas treats to people working at a 24-hour store, the police department, or a hospital.
69. Make your own pizza
A fun non-traditional Christmas Eve dinner is one of the greatest Christmas traditions to start.
Growing up, we would have ‘make your own pizza’ night after church. A takeout dinner or pizza night would be fun!
70. Watch The Nativity Story
It’s important to remember the real reason for the season, so watching The Nativity Story would be a meaningful way to spend Christmas Eve.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Friends
Don’t forget to start some new holiday traditions with your friends too!
71. Host a movie night
Start hosting an annual holiday movie night with your friends.
Here are 35 of the best Christmas movies as inspiration.
72. Go to a holiday show
You could go to the movie theater to see a new holiday movie or get tickets to a ‘Broadway’ style Christmas musical like Elf or A Christmas Story.
73. Potluck brunch or appetizer party
If you don’t want to serve a traditional holiday meal to your friends, consider hosting a brunch or hors d’oeuvres party.
Make it a potluck to take some of the pressure off you.
74. Ugly sweater party
An ugly sweater party is great tradition to try with your friends.
There are so many funny shirts and sweaters available now, or truly ugly ones from the thrift store.
75. Friendsmas
Check out How to Throw a Fabulous Holiday Party on a Budget for ways to throw a Friendsmas party this year.
76. Go gift shopping together
Since everybody has to go shopping for gifts, consider going together with a friend or two.
Catch up with each other and cross some gifts off your list at the same time!
77. Wrap presents together
Another fun idea to increase your holiday productivity is to wrap gifts with your friends.
You can swap wrapping supplies for a greater variety and make a whole afternoon or evening of it.
78. Volunteer
Grab some friends and volunteer at a soup kitchen, food pantry, or other place in need of some helping hands.
79. Go ice skating
Ice skating might be one of the most fun Christmas traditions to start with friends!
80. Visit a holiday market or craft fair
Many communities offer holiday craft bazaars or market. They’re a festive way to get in the holiday spirit!
What traditions will you start this year?
I really hope this list of Christmas traditions to start this year has inspired you to get into the holiday spirit!
Making time to do special things will ensure that this time of year is more joyful and memorable.
What are your family’s favorite Christmas traditions?
Be sure to also check out our other holiday posts for more great ideas:
