10 simple family
Christmas Traditions
festive family fun
Simple Family Christmas Traditions
making Christmas memories
Christmas is a magical time to make special memories with your family and Christmas traditions play a big role in those memories.
Everyone loves a good Christmas tradition- and I’ll admit, I used to want to do them ALL…
but then was left totally frazzled, feeling like all I was doing was going through the motions so I could check them off a list.
So, I decided to stop pulling out my hair and just picked a few traditions, planned ahead and simplified. As the saying goes-LESS IS MORE and that seems to hold true for Christmas traditions as well.
When it comes to Christmas Traditions to start with your family, just pick a few, get what you need early, sit back with your latte, and enjoy the time together with your family.
Now, you may already have all of your traditions set-that is wonderful…
OR
you may be looking to start some new ones.
Either way now is the time to start planning and gathering the items you’ll need to pull off your list of Holiday Traditions this year.
Here are 10 Simple Family Christmas Traditions to get you started!
1.
December box
Create a box filled with cozy items for each child OR one for the entire family to give out on the same date each December! This is a really simple way to kick off the holidays. Just a little pre-planning is needed here. Shop some of the ideas below to get a head start! This is something you can do at any time during December-just pick a date and stick with it every year.
2.
Christmas Pajamas
What is it about matching Christmas pajamas that puts everyone in a happy mood? Matching pajamas are super popular, so you definitely want to act fast to make sure you can get the right sizes needed for everyone. Target, Old Navy, and Amazon have excellent options OR you can get fancy and find these Griswold PJs (and a bunch of other hilarious ones) on Etsy. Shop below!
3.
Kindness elves
Love them or despise them, the moving during-the-night elves are here to stay! If you are looking for an alternative to the popular Elf on the Shelf-you might want to try Kindness Elves. Kindness Elves focus more on acts of kindness than on mischief. You can read more about them HERE.
4.
ugly sweater movie Night
Ugly Christmas Sweaters have made a huge comeback-and we all love to get a good laugh at these vintage treasures! Head to a thrift store or your local Goodwill to find the ugliest festive sweaters possible. You can also find a hilarious collection on Amazon as well. After everyone has found their sweater for the season, toss them on and settle in for a holiday movie marathon and popcorn!
5.
christmas tree campout
This is a simple tradition that doesn’t cost a thing. Simply put out your pillows and blankets around the Christmas tree and have a Christmas Tree Campout. Turn on the Christmas tree lights and play soft Christmas music. Snuggle up and enjoy! Of course safety first-be sure this is a safe option for your family and that the tree is safely secured.
6.
gingerbread house competition
Host an ALL FAMILY Gingerbread House Competition. You can make homemade houses or use a kit. Set out lots of decorating items. Encourage your kiddos to search the house for things to use to decorate their houses. Pick a theme or just leave it wide open. Once finished, have each person/team take a turn presenting their creation to the rest of the family!
7.
advent calendar
Advent calendars are another classic tradition. Amazon and Etsy have some adorable choices-you can shop below. You can also grab the advent calendar printable below if you want something easy and candy-free!
8.
Christmas lights
Have everyone put on their Christmas pajamas, grab some hot chocolate, hop in the car, and drive around to look at Christmas lights. As a fun kindness activity-write down the address of your favorite light display and send them a post card thanking them for spreading Christmas cheer!
9.
Christmas Cookies
As a family, take a vote to determine everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie. Then every year, make the favorite cookie together as a family!
10.
Countdown with Books
Do a countdown to Christmas with Christmas-themed books. Decide how many days you want to countdown. You can do all 25 days starting December 1st, you can do the last 5 nights leading up to Christmas-OR anything in between.
