40 Best Christmas Traditions to Add to Your Holiday Itinerary
Let the merry memory-making begin!
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With so many beloved Christmas traditions, it’s impossible to fit them all into a single day—and luckily, you don’t have to! Create a holiday bucket list with fun activities you can enjoy all December. Take a cue from Ree Drummond and visit a local Christmas tree farm to pick the perfect live evergreen. On Christmas Day, pass out matching Christmas pajamas for family photos and bake cinnamon rolls to share with friends!
The annual Christmas activities you grew up with are what create lasting memories and make the holiday season even more heartwarming and nostalgic. It's never too late to start a new holiday ritual, so check out this list of the best Christmas traditions to try this year—and every year. Ahead, you'll find ideas for a December-long Christmas bucket list. You can start by reading Christmas books, donating presents, and writing a letter to Santa. If you're in the mood for a family road trip, plan a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. Just make sure your favorite Christmas songs are playing in the background!
It's already the most wonderful time of year, but this might be your most memorable holiday season yet thanks to these sweet Christmas family traditions.
Add even more Christmas activities to your list:
Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
It wouldn't be the holidays without donning your best ugly Christmas sweaters. Invite your whole crew to face off in their best one, and then pose for an awkward family photo that's guaranteed for a laugh!
Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
Warm up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa! Make the task even easier by whipping up a big batch of Crock-Pot hot chocolate, then set up a station with all the toppings, including marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and candy canes.
Go for a Christmas Walk
Everyone can enjoy a dazzling dose of holiday magic by wearing a scarf and hat and walking around your neighborhood to see the houses decked out with Christmas lights. It's a tradition that the whole family can get behind!
Send Holiday Cards
Get all dressed up in holiday attire (or matching Christmas pajamas) and take some family photos to share with your friends and family on a Christmas card. You'll love having a memento from Christmas 2024!
Organize a Cookie Exchange
Unsurprisingly, Ree loves baking Christmas cookies. "I set aside one day and bake a few different kinds so the cookie platters will look more fun," she says. Arrange a few on a platter and pass them out to your friends and neighbors. Check out these amazing Christmas cookie recipes to choose from.
Mail Letters to Santa Claus
Turn Christmas wishes into dreams come true by enlisting your little ones to write letters to Santa this holiday season. These heartwarming notes capture the magic of Christmas for the young—or the young at heart!
Attend a Midnight Mass
What better way to honor the true meaning of Christmas than attending a midnight mass? With all the stunning holiday decorations, festive carols, and colorfully dressed churchgoers, it's one seasonal celebration you won't want to miss.
Go Ice Skating
Glide into a winter wonderland by going ice skating this holiday season! It's the perfect excuse to cozy up in your favorite Christmas sweater and sip on cider while on the rink.
Go Shopping at a Christmas Market
Make your holiday gifts as unique as the people on your list by shopping at a pop-up Christmas market. With a wide selection of handcrafted treasures, you're sure to find something special for everyone!
Count Down to Christmas with an Advent Calendar
The kiddos will love the daily surprises as you count down to Christmas with an advent calendar. Whether you buy one or get creative with a DIY advent calendar, it's a fun way to make the season even more special!
Watch Classic Christmas Movies
Get cozy and host a classic Christmas movie marathon in the comfort of your own family room. Just make sure to gather your favorite blankets, Christmas cookies, and cocoa!
Make a Gingerbread House
Conjure up the holiday magic in your home by making gingerbread houses! The festive and edible houses make for the perfect holiday décor, plus they're so much fun to eat!
Attend a Christmas Parade
Spread some holiday cheer in the streets by attending a local Christmas parade with your friends, family, or neighbors. The festive floats, holiday music, and the arrival of Santa will surely get anyone in the spirit of the season!
Bring the Kids to Meet Santa
Meeting Santa is such a memorable holiday moment for kids! Make sure yours experience it by taking them to your local mall to meet Santa Claus. The pictures from this time-honored tradition are always priceless—even if there are tears!
Make Paper Snowflakes
No snow? No problem! You can make your own white Christmas by decorating your home with pretty paper snowflakes. This sweet, nostalgic craft is kid-friendly, fun, and only requires paper and scissors.
Cook a Christmas Feast
One of the best moments of Christmas day is gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones. Cook a feast they won't soon forget with Ree’s delicious honey-glazed ham and other classic holiday dishes.
Leave Cookies Out for Santa
The best way to thank Santa for all the wonderful gifts is to leave out some milk and cookies for him. Take a bite out of one after the kids go to bed, so they know he was there. Oh yeah, and don't forget some carrots for the reindeer!
Go Caroling
You love singing along to Christmas carols together, so why not take your show on the road? After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
Set Out a Nativity Scene
Displaying a nativity scene is such a special Christmas tradition, especially for families with young children. This beautiful display will remind you all of the true meaning of Christmas.
Organize a Secret Santa
Secret Santa isn't just for family! Organize your friends, classmates, or work friends to partake in a cute gift exchange. Set a price limit and have everyone pull names from a hat so that no one knows who is their "secret Santa." When it's time to exchange gifts, you can choose to do an open handoff or have everyone make their best guesses.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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