*This article contains affiliate links*
Christmas is a time of joy, and there’s something extra special about celebrating it with young children. Building Christmas traditions creates a sense of excitement, giving kids something to look forward to each year. These traditions become part of your family’s unique story and can be passed down for generations. Here are some ideas to get started on traditions that will make your holiday season memorable.
1. Advent Calendar Surprises
Advent calendars are a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas and build excitement each day in December. Instead of a traditional chocolate advent calendar, consider creating a custom calendar with small surprises or activities. Each day could reveal a fun family activity, such as decorating cookies, making Christmas crafts, or watching a holiday movie together. This interactive approach encourages quality time together each day.
Alternatively, consider creating a “kindness advent calendar,” where each day, the family performs a small act of kindness, like writing cards for neighbours or donating toys to charity. This helps teach children the joy of giving.
2. Decorate a Kids’ Christmas Tree
While many families have a main Christmas tree, a smaller, child-friendly tree can give kids the opportunity to decorate their own space. Set up a mini tree in a playroom or bedroom and let your children choose decorations. You could even make DIY ornaments together using items like salt dough or paper. A kid-decorated tree lets them express creativity and builds a sense of pride.
3. Christmas Baking Day
A Christmas baking day can be a fun, delicious way to get into the holiday spirit. Plan a day for the whole family to bake Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, or mince pies. Young children can help with decorating cookies, while older kids might enjoy rolling dough or creating designs with icing. Not only do you get tasty treats, but it’s also a perfect chance to bond and share laughs. You could even package some baked goods as homemade gifts.
4. Christmas Eve Storytime
Gathering together for a Christmas Eve story is a calming tradition that can help kids wind down before bedtime. Choose a special holiday book that you read every year or mix it up with a new one each season. This quiet, intimate tradition becomes even more magical if you read by the glow of the Christmas tree lights, creating a peaceful moment before the big day.
5. Leave Out Snacks for Santa and His Reindeer
This classic Christmas tradition adds a touch of magic for young kids. Encourage them to prepare a small snack for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. A mince pie, a glass of milk, and a few carrots for the reindeer will bring a smile to any child’s face. In the morning, they’ll be delighted to see evidence that Santa enjoyed their treats, whether it’s an empty glass or crumbs left behind.
6. Family Christmas Pyjama Day
Make Christmas morning extra cosy by starting a tradition of wearing matching Christmas pyjamas. You could open presents, eat breakfast, and spend the morning in your festive PJs. Family photos taken in matching pyjamas also make fun keepsakes, and kids love the chance to be snug and comfortable all day.
Conclusion
Starting Christmas traditions with young kids adds an extra layer of joy to the holiday season. These small rituals make the season feel special, giving kids warm memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s baking cookies, decorating a personal tree, or leaving out snacks for Santa, the magic of these traditions comes from spending quality time together as a family. By building traditions now, you’re creating something that they’ll look forward to year after year.
