Family Traditions That Make the Holidays Magical

 


Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Christmas. For us, it’s not just a holiday, it’s a whole season that runs from November 1st through December 25th. Even though the boys are teenagers now, we still celebrate exactly the same way. And every year, just when I think they’ve outgrown our traditions, they prove me wrong by asking if we’re still doing them. It always makes me smile and reminds me how special these little rituals truly are.

My hope has always been that they carry these memories with them, the same way I carry mine from childhood and that one day they’ll create the same kind of magic for their own families. I also love sharing our traditions because if you’re looking to start something new with your own people, sometimes all you need is an idea or two to spark something special.

It’s hard to choose favorites, but two traditions are definitely at the top of my list.
First: our yearly ornaments. Every time we visit a new state, we bring home an ornament, and each year I pick out one for each of the boys based on whatever they’re into at the moment. This used to be so easy, Paw Patrol, superheroes… you know, the classics. As they’ve gotten older, it’s taken a little more creativity, but I always find something. (This year, of course, it’s “67”  every parent of a middle- or high-schooler will understand!) The best part of this tradition is decorating the tree together and reliving the memories tied to each ornament.

Second: making cookies on Christmas Eve as a family. We get together with the boys’ dad and stepmom, spend hours decorating way too many cookies, and just enjoy the time together. It’s simple, and it’s perfect.

And then there are all the other little things that make the season feel magical: our Christmas light scavenger hunt, leaving treats out for delivery drivers, “elfing” our neighbors with doorstep surprises, Christmas game nights, gingerbread houses, and our Christmas movie jar, Christmas movie every night. These moments keep us present, connected, and grounded in what really matters: time together.

What traditions does your family love?
I’ve linked some printouts below if you’d like to try a few of ours or start something new this year.

 CLICK HERE To download the Christmas Printouts 


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