12 Unique Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Family
Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends, and one of the best ways to make the holiday season special is by starting new traditions with your loved ones. Here are a few unique Christmas traditions to consider starting with your family.
1. Christmas movie marathon
Gather your family together and have a marathon of your favorite Christmas movies. You can make it a competition by rating each movie and crowning a winner at the end.
2. Gingerbread house decorating
Gingerbread house decorating can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. Divide into teams or have each person decorate their own house and then have a vote at the end to determine the best one. You can also create different categories, like “most creative,” “most realistic,” or “most festive,” and award prizes to the winners.
Or alternatively, work together as a team to create one large, elaborate gingerbread house. This can be a fun way to bond and work together toward a common goal.
3. Christmas lights scavenger hunt
Take a drive or walk around your neighborhood to see the holiday lights, and create a list of items to spot along the way. For example, you might look for houses with inflatable snowmen, reindeer, or Santa Claus decorations.
4. Christmas Eve pajama party
Make Christmas Eve a special night by having a pajama party with your family. You can watch holiday movies, play games, and enjoy treats together.
Moreover, you can host a holiday-themed talent show. Encourage everyone to show off their holiday-themed talents, whether it’s singing a holiday song, doing a holiday-themed dance, or telling a holiday joke.
5. Christmas Eve box
Create a special box filled with treats, games, and other small gifts to open on Christmas Eve. This can help make the anticipation of Christmas morning even more exciting.
6. Christmas tree scavenger hunt
Hide small gifts or treats among the branches of the Christmas tree, and have your family search for them.
7. Christmas crafts
Spend a day or evening together making Christmas crafts, such as ornaments, decorations, or gift tags. Make your crafts more meaningful and special by personalizing them. For example, you could create personalized ornaments with names or special messages on them or make customized gift tags or wrapping paper.
8. Secret Santa gift exchange
Instead of buying gifts for everyone in your family, consider a secret Santa gift exchange. Each person draws a name and buys a gift for that person, then reveals it on Christmas Day. This is a fun way to add an element of surprise to gift giving and can also be a more budget-friendly option.
9. Christmas tradition jar
Each year, write down a new Christmas tradition on a slip of paper and add it to a jar. Then, on Christmas Eve, take one out and try it as a family.
10. Christmas caroling
Gather your family and friends together and go caroling around the neighborhood. Add some extra cheer to your caroling by dressing up in holiday-themed costumes or playing some instrumental accompaniment, like a guitar or tambourine.
Instead of just singing in one place, try singing at different locations like a local nursing home, hospital, or community center. This can add some variety to your caroling and allow you to spread holiday cheer to others.
11. Christmas morning breakfast
Start a new tradition of making a special breakfast on Christmas morning for your family to enjoy before opening presents. Involve everyone in the meal by assigning tasks like setting the table, cooking, or making coffee. This can be a fun and interactive way to spend time together on Christmas morning.
Instead of just serving the same old breakfast foods, try mixing things up with some new and creative menu items. For example, you could try making homemade breakfast pastries or breakfast tacos.
12. Christmas practice of gratitude
Write down 10 things that you are thankful for in the outgoing year. These can be big or small things, and they don’t have to be related to your personal life. Take the time to thank people who have helped you or made a positive impact in your life. This simple practice can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and build strong relationships.
No matter what traditions you choose to start with your family, the most important thing is to spend quality time together and create special memories. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Tell us in the comments!