9 Christmas Traditions You’ll Wish You Started Last Year

The holidays come with a lot–parties, photoshoots, dinners at Grandma’s house. But if you don’t have any traditions to do with your family–just you, the hubby and the kids–the Christmas spirit can feel a little lost. Adding some family traditions can really help make the season feel more fun and genuine. Here are some Christmas traditions that you’ll wish you’d started with the family last year!

1. Christmas Eve Gift: Some families have a tradition where each person is allowed to choose one gift to open on Christmas Eve. While this is a great idea–and typically gets the kids to stop bugging you about Christmas gifts–sometimes they are disappointed when they open a gift they don’t really like and can’t open another one instead. To alleviate this, give them a specific gift to open each year, such as a fun, personalized Christmas ornament! This way, they’ve got something that they can’t fight over or wish they’d opened something else.
2. Gingerbread House Competition: Sure, you’ve probably heard of the tradition of decorating a gingerbread house, but why not take it a step further and turn it into a competition? Purchase enough kits for everyone in the family, and only use the instructions so the kids know how to use the frosting to make their house stand up straight. Then, leave it up to each person as to how they’re going to decorate their house. Post photos on social media and have your friends and family vote on which one they think is the best! Keep it anonymous by assigning each house a number so no one shows any bias toward their favorite member of the family. Then, reward the winner with a gift card!
3. Christmas Light Tour: Most of us probably did this growing up, but the tradition hasn’t stuck around for many families. With the introduction of social media, most families post pictures of their decor online, so no one’s getting in the car and driving around to find the coolest decorations. This year, change that for your family! Pile into the car with some hot chocolate in travel mugs and drive around your city or neighborhood looking at all the Christmas light displays. Challenge the kiddos to pick their favorite house at the end of the night. While there’s no reward for it, it should drum up some lively conversation and debate amongst your kids!

1. Pick a Christmas Movie to Watch Each Year: There are tons of Christmas movies out there. Throughout the season, watch a few and figure out which is the one that everyone loves. Make that your annual Christmas movie! Then, for future Christmases to come, you can watch the film together as a family one night during the season. Bring out the popcorn, bake some Christmas cookies and settle into the couch to watch the film as a family!
2. Do a Holiday Photoshoot: Looking for a way to update your photos every year? Do a holiday family photoshoot! Dress everyone up in complementary clothes and get out there for a fun, family photoshoot! You can either hire a professional to take your photos, or you can ask around if any of your friends might be starting to consider photography a hobby of theirs. They’ll love the practice, and you’ll probably get some free or highly discounted photos out of it! Your new family photos will look great in a personalized picture frame. Hang it up on your wall, place it on your nightstand or give it as a sweet gift to any of your friends and family!
3. Serve at a Homeless Shelter: December can get very cold in some places. For those who don’t have a home, the shelters in your area are the place they can go to get away from the cold. Sign the family up for a day serving at the local homeless shelter. The kids will learn a lesson in being grateful, and they might hear some fascinating stories from those living at the shelter! Try to make it a yearly thing, but also consider serving even when it isn’t Christmas.

1. Get a Live Tree: Live trees are such fun to have every year! Pack up the kids and head to your local Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree. If you don’t think you have the skills to cut it down yourself, ask one of the farm attendees to do it for you. Then, strap it to the hood of your car and take it home to decorate with some sweet photo ornaments and shiny garlands! Make sure you remember to water it every day since live Christmas trees account for a majority of house fires during the holiday season.
2. Bake Christmas Cookies: This is a tradition everyone can be involved in, no matter their age! A classic Christmas tradition, baking Christmas cookies is one of the fastest ways to make your home feel the holiday magic. Blast some Christmas tunes, gather up the kiddos, bring down the sprinkles and Christmas-shaped cookie cutters and get to work! Bonus points if you use a recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation. If you don’t have a recipe that Grandma baked for you as a child, there’s nothing wrong with finding one online or creating your own! The kids will love getting to decorate their cookies with sprinkles or icing–or both! Make sure you handle the messier parts, such as rolling the dough out with the rolling pin and flour, but let them learn how to crack an egg or pour the milk you measured into the bowl.
3. Get Matching Pajamas: Find matching pajamas for you, your spouse and the kiddos to wear on Christmas morning! Make sure the kids know to put them on Christmas morning before they come to open their presents. That way, you all match in day-of photos! They might think it’s a little corny at first, but then they’ll love the tradition as they look back on it. Lean further into the Christmas spirit by sporting fun holiday-friendly shirts! You can buy matching ones for a festive family affair or wear a unique print that suits your individual style more. Make sure to pick out comfortable ones to wear for a fuss-free holiday. Believe us when we say that ill-fitting shirts are no fun.