‘Tis the season to create lasting memories with loved ones. As your family grows, establishing new traditions or reviving old ones can strengthen your bonds and give everyone something to look forward to every year. Discover 10 fun traditions that will make the holiday season even more special.

1. Share Cookies With Neighbors

Giving freshly baked cookies is a great way to make close neighbors smile and meet new ones. Search for an easy but tasty recipe and ensure you have all the ingredients.

Once you’re done baking, wrap them in a decorative box or tin can. Add a ribbon, gift tag, and accents, such as a Christmas ornament or pine twigs.

2. Learn a New Recipe 

Do you have a cherished holiday recipe passed down through generations? Perhaps it’s your grandma’s secret stuffing recipe or your aunt’s salad. Why not revive this tradition this year and share it with your family?

If you don’t have a family recipe, consider exploring a new dish together. Choose something that excites you the most and cook it together. Doing so lets you create a new tradition to enjoy in the coming years.

3. Create Holiday Ornaments

Exercise your creativity with the kids this season. Creating holiday crafts is a great way to mentally stimulate them, which is essential because they could experience seasonal affective disorder in the fall or winter.

You can create a snowman in a jar, a sustainable wreath, or Christmas decorations from toilet paper rolls. If you have older children, have them cut out shapes from felt paper and add decorative stitching to create Christmas tree ornaments. Either way, spending quality time together can help keep negative emotions at bay.

4. Get Matching Pajamas for Christmas Movie Night Watch Christmas Movies

Many people grew up watching Christmas movies during winter. Pass the tradition on to your kids by getting matching pajamas and preparing fun movies to cozy up with this season. To elevate the festive mood, get holiday-themed PJs, incorporate movie-themed treats like popcorn, juices, and candies, and turn on some fairy lights.

5. Make Time to Connect with Distant Family Members 

Even though around 24% of grandchildren under 5 are cared for by grandparents, many rarely see and bond with them. Make time this holiday season to reconnect with loved ones through a virtual catch-up or a surprise visit.

If there’s a time when most family members are available, use it to share digital photo albums or attend a family reunion at your or your parent’s home. Do the traditions you did when you were younger — play board games, sing carols, and recreate your family’s recipe.

6. Take a Festive Walk

Walking is the ideal way to burn off calories after the massive feasting associated with the holidays. Thanks to the quality time together, it can also be an excellent bonding exercise. One study even reported participants who took an average of 7.5 nature walks felt happier and more at peace.

Embark on a whimsical adventure by sprinkling reindeer food — a mix of sprinkles and oats — from your lawn to the Christmas tree. You could also organize a fun scavenger hunt, hiding clues and small gifts around your neighborhood. As you walk, don’t forget to greet and invite your neighbors along for the fun.

7. Go Virtual Caroling

Do you and your family enjoy singing Christmas songs? Take your talents online to revamp the tradition of caroling. Give yourselves some time to practice, then record your performance and share it on social media or video call loved ones and start singing to spread the holiday cheer.

8. Wear Ugly Sweaters

Design your sweaters at home and wear them on Christmas Eve. It’s a great way to give your children the freedom to develop their creativity. Remember — the bigger the eyesore, the better!

9. Host a Holiday Award Ceremony

If you spend the holidays with lots of family members, take this opportunity to host an Oscars-style award show. Some ideas include the “Most Likely” awards, the “Early Bird,” and “Best Dressed.”

What’s an award ceremony without rewards? Create certifications and hilarious prizes. For instance, an alarm clock could go well with the “Sleepiest Head” award.

10. Create Funny Holiday Cards

Many people love receiving Christmas cards in the mail. Feature a photo of your pet or a goofy family picture, then pair it with a funny saying. For instance, a wacky family photo goes well with the saying, “This is the best we could do! Happy Holidays!”

Why Are Holiday Traditions Important?

Traditions are the heart and soul of holiday celebrations. From festive gatherings with loved ones to movie nights by the fireplace, these practices give people a sense of belonging.

One of the most essential customs is setting up a Christmas tree. According to Statista, 55% of Americans consider it a vital tradition. While this is an excellent one, there are more exciting ideas to explore.

Enjoy Fun Holiday Traditions

As your family grows, so does the opportunity to introduce new traditions. Doing so will make you realize the best gift isn’t found under the tree but in the quality time shared with your family.