Christmas Family Traditions To Start This Year!

I put our Christmas tree up this week, and memories of Christmas family traditions flooded my mind as I was decorating it. These family traditions fill our homes with love, laughter, and the Christmas spirit, leaving us with cherished memories.

Christmas time is a magical time of year. The lights, decorations, and of course, the food! Especially the cookies! Christmas family traditions can add a lot of fun and excitement to the holiday season. I want to share some of my favorite Christmas family traditions passed down from generations and give you some ideas on new ones in hopes you can start your traditions this holiday season.

My Favorite Christmas Family Traditions

• When I hang our Christmas stockings, I think of my grandma. She lovingly sewed and decorated each family member a Christmas stocking. When a child was born or someone married into our family, they received a Christmas stocking. We hang them up every year, and they bring back beautiful memories of childhood and loving thoughts of my grandma. My stocking is, ahem… 50+ years old and is a treasure that I will always hold dear to my heart.

• Also, my grandma had a beautiful tablecloth she placed on her dining room table every Christmas. As the family entered the house, they would sign and date the tablecloth with a fabric pen. I remember sitting at the table as a child and tracing the names with my finger. After the holidays, she would embroider the signatures of the loved ones who signed the tablecloth. When it was complete, she would have a beautiful piece of art that brought back memories from that holiday.

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• When my sons were younger, we hung a pickle Christmas ornament on the tree. Like this one. It’s supposed to be a German tradition (I’m not sure where it originated from though). Anyway, I would hide the ornament, and whoever found it got an extra gift. As the boys grew up, we quickly realized it was a family tradition that we would have to retire. My husband and I were concerned they would knock the Christmas tree over or hurt themselves in their exuberance to locate the pickle.

• Another Christmas tradition we do at my parent’s house is play Dirty Santa. I’m from a large family, so we have to separate the men and women when playing. The women are always more cutthroat than the men. It’s basically like White Elephant, except you can steal gifts. It is always a great time, and we always have lots of laughs.

• This tradition is relatively new and began when our grandsons were born. Each year we purchase them a memorable Christmas ornament. We pick out an ornament that represents their interest for that year. I currently have a variety of Mario, Minecraft, and Star Wars ornaments hanging on the tree.
• My daughter-in-law started a tradition with my grandsons. She makes them chocolate gravy and biscuits on Christmas morning! They love it.

These are a few but not all of our family Christmas traditions. Sometimes we begin what we think will be a family tradition, and it lasts a couple of years but then fizzles out. Like the time, my daughter-in-law and I made mulled wine. It was so tasty that we decided we’d do it every Christmas and make it our tradition. I’m not sure why we stopped, but we may need to revisit it this year!

Christmas Family Tradition Ideas

Sharing our time with family and friends is truly a joyous occasion. It’s essential to build memories, strengthen relationships with your loved ones, and keep the tradition alive! Above all, family traditions create memories that we treasure for years to come.

If you’re looking for ways to make this Christmas season extra special, why not try incorporating some Christmas family traditions into your celebrations? If you’re not sure where to start, here are some family Christmas traditions that you can try this year:

• Have a Christmas movie marathon.
• Make Christmas cookies. These are my favorite!
• Make Christmas ornaments. Here is a great recipe for Salt Dough Ornaments!
• Sing Christmas carols.
• Serve Christmas dinner family style.
• Make a Christmas advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas Eve.
• Go for a drive and enjoy the Christmas lights.
• Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
• Host Christmas breakfast with your family before Christmas morning festivities begin.
• Get a Christmas tree and decorate it together as a family.
• Make Hot Chocolate!
• Give back to the community by participating in a Christmas charity drive or volunteering your time.
• Take a family Christmas photo in front of the Christmas tree.
• Build gingerbread houses with your family or friends during the holidays.

Christmas Morning Traditions

Christmas morning traditions, whether passed down through generations or newly established, create a mosaic of memories that families carry in their hearts year after year. These customs, wrapped in the warm embrace of loved ones and the festive spirit of the season, weave together a tapestry of moments that define the very essence of Christmas.

Below, you’ll discover ten cherished Christmas morning traditions that have brightened Christmas morning for countless families.

1. Stocking Surprise: Start the day by opening stockings. Many families believe that Santa fills the stockings, so they’re the first gifts to be explored.
2. Christmas Breakfast: Whether it’s pancakes shaped like snowmen, cinnamon rolls, a breakfast casserole, or a spread of pastries and fruits, a special breakfast sets the tone for the day.
3. New Ornament: Give each family member a new ornament to hang on the tree Christmas morning, representing something significant from the year.
4. Gift-Giving One at a Time: Instead of everyone opening gifts all at once, take turns so each person’s reaction can be savored.
5. Play Christmas Music: Have Christmas carols or festive music playing softly in the background as everyone opens presents.
6. Watching the Sunrise: For early risers, watching the sunrise on Christmas morning can be a peaceful and reflective moment.
7. Christmas Morning Diary or Journal: Write down special memories, thoughts, or reflections from the day. Over the years, this journal will become a treasured keepsake.
8. Giving to the Less Fortunate: Some families start their day by delivering gifts or meals to those in need.
9. Christmas Day Time Capsule: Each year, add something small to a time capsule to be opened in the future. This could be a written memory, a photograph, or a small memento.
10. Pets Join In: If you have pets, let them join the fun. Maybe they get a special treat or toy on Christmas morning, too.
11. Christmas Recipe Book: Start a family recipe book filled with your favorite Christmas recipes. Let each member contribute, from Grandma’s cherished pecan pie to the kids’ favorite hot cocoa mix.

I hope these glimpses into treasured Christmas morning traditions have brought a smile to your face and maybe even stirred up some of your own cherished memories. Each family has unique traditions, and I’d love to hear about the special ways you and your loved ones celebrate. If you’re inclined, please share your stories in the comments below. From my home to yours, wishing you a Christmas that’s filled with warmth, joy, and all the simple, beautiful moments that make the season so special. Stay safe, and be blessed this holiday season!