11 Unique Christmas Traditions for Kids to Start This Year

Christmas is a magical time of year and even more special for families with young children. The season’s joy comes alive through the wide-eyed wonder of little ones as they eagerly anticipate Santa’s visit, the twinkle of lights, and festive family moments. Creating Christmas traditions for kids isn’t just about the holidays; it’s about building memories that shape their childhood and bring families closer together. These traditions become the fabric of your family story, weaving joy, love, and a little holiday magic into every December.

As parents, you’re not just juggling schedules and gift lists—you’re the architects of your family’s most cherished moments. By starting meaningful Christmas traditions for kids, you create a legacy that will live on in their hearts long after the decorations are packed away. Whether baking cookies together, crafting ornaments, or the beautiful Christmas Eve boxes, these traditions instil a sense of togetherness, gratitude, and pure holiday fun.

This list of 11 unique ideas is designed to help busy families like yours create a season filled with laughter, love, and cherished traditions. Whether starting new habits or refreshing old ones, these simple yet impactful activities will make the holidays unforgettable for your little ones. Let’s make this Christmas magical!

To make it even more fun, why not use my Random Christmas Traditions Generator to help you choose your fun and unique activity for the day?

My Favourite Christmas Traditions for Kids

1. DIY Christmas Advent Calendar

Skip the store-bought advent calendar and create your own! Use small bags or envelopes, and fill them with treats, activities, or notes. Each day can reveal a new surprise, like baking cookies or watching a Christmas movie.

Make the activities meaningful by including family-focused tasks, such as “write a gratitude note” or “read a Christmas story together.” This adds an emotional touch to the calendar and ensures that it’s about receiving and connecting as a family.

2. Write Letters to Santa

Encourage your children to write heartfelt letters to Santa. Take it up a notch by sending the letters to the official North Pole address or using an online service that sends back a personalized response.

Turn this into a learning opportunity by helping your kids practice writing and spelling. You can also make it more interactive by letting them draw pictures or decorate the letter with stickers and glitter.

3. Christmas Eve Box

Fill a box with cozy pyjamas, a holiday movie, a hot cocoa mix, and a small toy. Open it on Christmas Eve for a magical start to the big day.

Add a handwritten note to each family member’s box to make it more personal. The box could also include an activity card, like “Write down three wishes for next year” or “Share your favourite Christmas memory.”

Want more Unique Christmas Eve Family Traditions? I’ve got you covered!

4. Christmas Book Countdown

Wrap 25 Christmas books and let your child unwrap one each day before Christmas. You can borrow books from the library or reuse favourites from previous years.

Include a mix of classic and new books to keep it interesting. If wrapping 25 books feels overwhelming, start with 12 books for the “12 Days of Christmas” or alternate with library loans.

5. Baking Christmas Cookies

A timeless tradition! Let your kids choose cookie cutters and decorations. Whether sugar cookies or gingerbread men, this activity is fun and delicious.

Use the opportunity to teach basic kitchen skills, like measuring ingredients and following a recipe. Make extra cookies to share with neighbours or donate to a local shelter for an added holiday cheer.

6. Elf on the Shelf

Invite a mischievous elf to your home to keep an eye on the kids and create funny antics each day. This tradition encourages good behaviour while adding a daily dose of fun.

Keep the creativity flowing by involving the kids in setting up the elf’s antics for younger siblings or friends. This way, it becomes a team effort and keeps older children engaged.

Here are my 24 Fun and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas, including a FREE Printable.

7. Handmade Ornaments

Crafting ornaments together is a fantastic way to decorate your tree with love. Use salt dough, popsicle sticks, or felt to create memorable keepsakes.

Personalize the ornaments by including names, dates, or a small family photo. Over the years, your tree will tell the story of your growing family and the milestones you’ve celebrated.

8. Festive Family Movie Night

Host a weekly Christmas movie night with classics like Home Alone, Elf, or The Polar Express. Don’t forget the popcorn and candy canes!

Create a cozy movie atmosphere by setting up blankets, fairy lights, and a “hot cocoa bar” with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Let each family member pick a movie to keep it fair.

9. North Pole Breakfast

Kick off December with a special breakfast featuring red-and-white themed foods, like candy cane pancakes or Santa-shaped toast.

Add an element of surprise by including a small gift at the table, such as a holiday-themed plate or mug that the kids can use throughout the season.

10. Reindeer Food Craft

Mix oats and glitter to create “reindeer food.” Sprinkle it on the lawn on Christmas Eve to help guide Santa’s sleigh.

Swap glitter for edible sprinkles or coloured sugar to make the mix eco-friendly. Add a small poem or note explaining the magic behind reindeer food.

11. Holiday Photo Booth

Set up a festive photo booth with props like Santa hats and elf ears. Make it an annual tradition to capture silly family moments.

Print out your favourite photos and create a scrapbook that showcases each year’s Christmas highlights. Over time, it becomes a treasured family keepsake.

Why Start New Christmas Traditions for Kids

Starting Christmas traditions for kids fosters stronger family bonds and creates lasting memories. These traditions help instil a sense of wonder, gratitude, and joy that children will carry into adulthood. By involving the kiddos in these festive activities, you’re giving them something to look forward to year after year. Remember, you don’t have to stay indoors; venture outdoors during winter for some festive fun.

Before You Go

The magic of Christmas lies in the traditions we create and the memories we share. By starting these unique and meaningful Christmas traditions for kids, you’re not just celebrating the season—you’re building a legacy of love, joy, and togetherness that your family will cherish for years to come.

If you live in or near Essex, UK, here are some of the best things for families to do this Christmas in Essex.

Whether through small gestures like crafting ornaments or grand adventures like a Polar Express pyjama ride, these moments become the stories your children will carry with them forever. So, gather your family, embrace the spirit of the holidays, and make this Christmas one they’ll never forget! 🎄

Looking for more inspiration? Head over to my Pinterest, and you won’t be disappointed!