The holiday season is the perfect time to start new traditions that bring joy, strengthen connections and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or on your own, here are 10 meaningful and fun traditions you can begin this year to make the season even more special.
This year, start a new tradition that brings you closer to those you love—or even sparks joy just for yourself! 🎅✨
1. Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt
Hide small gifts, treats, or holiday-themed clues around the house for a scavenger hunt. This playful activity builds excitement the night before Christmas and gets everyone involved, from kids to adults.
2. Holiday Recipe Exchange
Gather friends and family to swap their favorite holiday recipes. Create a shared cookbook or send recipes via email or postcards. This way, everyone can add new flavors to their festive meals and celebrate each other’s culinary traditions.
3. DIY Ornament-Making Night
Host an ornament-making night with friends or family. Use supplies like clear baubles, paint, glitter and ribbons to create personalized decorations. You’ll build a collection of handmade ornaments that grow more meaningful with each passing year.
4. Giving Back Together
Start a tradition of volunteering or donating during the holidays. Whether it’s supporting a toy drive, serving at a shelter or making care packages for neighbors in need, giving back spreads the holiday spirit and brings people together.
5. Holiday Book Countdown
Wrap 12 or 24 books (new or old) and open one each night leading up to Christmas. This cozy tradition promotes family bonding, encourages reading and makes for relaxing evenings during a busy season.
6. Hot Cocoa & Holiday Lights Drive
Fill thermoses with hot cocoa, hop into the car and drive around town to admire Christmas lights. This low-cost tradition creates magical moments and can become a yearly favorite. Bonus points if you vote on the best-decorated house!
7. Christmas Eve Box
Prepare a special box for Christmas Eve filled with festive treats—think pajamas, popcorn, a movie and hot chocolate mix. This tradition creates a cozy pre-Christmas night, perfect for relaxing before the excitement of Christmas Day.
8. Handwritten Holiday Letters
Skip the generic cards and write personal letters to loved ones. Reflect on shared memories, express appreciation, and include hopes for the new year. These meaningful notes will be cherished far beyond the holiday season.
9. Make a Year-in-Review Jar
Throughout the holiday season, write down memorable moments from the year—big or small—and place them in a jar. On New Year’s Eve, gather with loved ones to read them aloud, reminiscing about the highs (and laughs) of the past year.
10. “Friendsmas” Gathering
If you live far from family or just love spending time with friends, start a Friendsmas tradition! Host a casual holiday gathering with games, potluck dishes and a gift exchange. It’s a great way to connect with friends and celebrate the people who’ve been by your side throughout the year.
It's Christmas 365 