The holiday season is officially upon us, a magical time brimming with joy, anticipation, and cherished family rituals. For many, these traditions are the very heartbeat of Christmas, weaving together generations and creating indelible memories that last a lifetime. Here, I’m delighted to share some of our family’s most beloved holiday traditions, presented in no particular order, each contributing to the unique tapestry of our festive celebrations.

Our Most Cherished Family Christmas Traditions

1. The Grand Unveiling and Decoration of the Christmas Tree

The moment our Christmas trees go up is a truly monumental event in our household, signaling the official start of the festive cheer. This year marks a special milestone: our children now have their very own “kid tree” to adorn. This delightful addition is a testament to the countless handmade ornaments and school crafts they proudly bring home each year. Our faithful, old pre-lit Christmas tree, having bravely served its purpose for many seasons, was honorably relegated to become this very kid tree. With a fresh string of white lights, it now gleams with a vibrant, personalized charm, boasting an eclectic collection of their most treasured creations.

Meanwhile, “my” tree stands majestically in the living room, a more refined display, much to the playful disdain of my children who deem its decorations “boring.” Adorned with elegant cranberries, shimmering glittery acorns, and carefully selected baubles, it embodies a different kind of beauty. Regardless of style, our Christmas trees are central to our family life during the holidays. Every evening, as dusk settles, we dim all the house lights and gather together, often cozily crammed onto a single couch. Bathed in the dreamy, enchanting glow of the Christmas tree lights, we listen to carols, share stories, and simply revel in the quiet magic of the moment. It’s a simple pleasure, yet profoundly impactful, fostering a sense of togetherness that truly encapsulates the spirit of the season.

2. The Daily Delights of Our Felt Advent Calendar

Among our oldest and most cherished traditions is the daily ritual of our felt advent calendar. This particular calendar isn’t just a holiday decoration; it’s a piece of family history, having been a part of my childhood since I was a little girl. As fate would have it, I was the lucky one among my four siblings to inherit this beloved treasure, and it has graced our home faithfully every year since. Each morning in December, a detailed and often spirited discussion ensues among the boys as they meticulously track whose turn it is to unveil that day’s felt ornament, carefully tucking it into its designated pocket. The anticipation it builds is palpable, a daily countdown to the most wonderful day of the year.

This year, we’ve added a thrilling new dimension to our advent calendar tradition: a Lego advent calendar, a wonderful gift from my thoughtful sister. The excitement this new addition has generated is immense, and I have a strong feeling it’s going to be a huge hit, bringing a fresh wave of creative joy and building adventures to our holiday mornings. Both calendars, in their own unique ways, serve as daily reminders of the unfolding magic of Christmas, fostering a sense of anticipation and playful competition that enriches our festive season.

3. Spreading Joy: Our Annual Nursing Home Christmas Program

Every year, without fail, we make a call to a local nursing home in our community, offering our family’s services to perform a Christmas program for the residents. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that the initial planning stages for this endeavor aren’t always met with unbridled enthusiasm by my boys. They tend to get quite nervous and shy, and performing in front of a crowd isn’t naturally their forte. However, despite their initial reluctance, this tradition consistently proves to be one of our most profoundly rewarding family moments each December.

The program itself is a heartwarming, if not always perfectly polished, affair. The children typically play a song or two on the piano that they’ve diligently practiced, and we often sing a few Christmas carols together as a family – think classics like “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” reflecting our very average but heartfelt musical abilities. Sometimes, the boys will bravely read a festive poem, sharing a piece of their creativity. The absolute highlight, however, isn’t the performance itself, but the precious time spent chatting with the residents both before and after our program. These conversations, filled with shared smiles and stories, are truly what I look forward to all year, offering a meaningful connection and spreading genuine cheer to those who often appreciate it most during this special time.

4. Keeping the Tradition Alive: The Art of Sending Christmas Cards

Call me old-fashioned, but I am an ardent believer in the enduring charm of old-school Christmas card mailing. There’s a singular joy in receiving a physical Christmas card in the mail – the anticipation of opening it, seeing familiar faces, and reading personal updates. It’s a tradition I cherish deeply, which is why I still meticulously send out nearly 200 cards each year. I’m aware that this practice is, sadly, becoming increasingly out of style in our digital age. However, I grew up in the generation that eagerly awaited the annual Christmas card letter, and that sentiment has firmly stuck with me.

Above, you can catch a sneak peek of the front of our card, often a festive family photo. I don’t compose a lengthy, elaborate letter; instead, I opt for a more concise and personal touch. I type up a few brief, affectionate words about each child, printing these updates on the back of the card. For instance, this year, Cam’s update playfully reads: “19 months, bossy, loved, stinking cute.” I always order our cards from mpix.com, appreciating their reasonable prices for high-quality, double-sided designs. For me, sending and receiving these cards is a heartfelt exchange, a tangible way to connect and express love. I confess, I instantly love my friends and family 100% more if they send me a Christmas card!

5. Festive Feasts of Creativity: Gingerbread Sleds and Houses

Not decorating gingerbread sleds during the holidays isn’t even a conceivable option in our home; it’s a tradition that’s deeply ingrained and eagerly anticipated by everyone. We embark on this delicious and creative endeavor every single year, and it probably goes without saying that we all absolutely adore it – I mean, hello, what’s not to love about an abundance of candy, candy, and more candy? The process is a delightful mess of icing, sprinkles, and eager hands, with the sweet aroma of gingerbread filling the kitchen. It’s a wonderful opportunity for family bonding, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition over who can create the most elaborate confectionary masterpiece.

This year, I’m contemplating a daring change, a slight deviation from our beloved sleds. I might venture into making these simple graham cracker houses, adorned, of course, with an array of Christmas-themed decorations. The thought of this change, however, is met with considerable caution, as my family is fiercely loyal to our gingerbread sleds and might very well stage a mutiny. I’ll definitely have to tread very carefully and perhaps introduce the idea with extra enthusiasm and plenty of candy bribes to ensure a smooth transition, or at least avoid a full-blown holiday crisis! The joy of creating edible art together remains, no matter the specific structure.

6. The Magic of Wrapped Christmas Books: A Nightly Reading Ritual

Over the years, I’ve lovingly curated and collected a growing library of Christmas books, each one holding a special place in my heart. As December begins, a new tradition unfolds: I carefully wrap each book and place them beneath the festive glow of our Christmas tree, transforming them into daily surprises. Every night, as bedtime approaches, one of the children gets to choose a wrapped book, eagerly unwrap it, and then we gather as a family to read it aloud. This tradition is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorites, a quiet and tender moment that punctuates the excitement of the season.

While a few silly Christmas books offer lighthearted fun, the majority of our collection comprises sweet and tender stories that carry profound messages about the true meaning of Christmas, love, generosity, and hope. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect, and immerse ourselves in the spirit of the season through captivating narratives. This nightly ritual not only fosters a love for reading but also reinforces the values that are so important during this time of year. Here is a selection of some of the beloved books we eagerly read each December:

• Big Susan by Elizabeth Orton Jones
• The Bears Christmas by Jan and Stan Berenstain
• Christmas Oranges by Linda Bethers
• The 12 Days of Christmas by Robert Sabuda
• A Little House Christmas Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda
• The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
• The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
• The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Natasha Wing
• The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury
• The Carpenters Gift by David Rubel
• Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
• A Snowman named Just Bob by Mark Kimball Moulton
• The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes by Deborah Pace Rowley
• The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
• An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
• A Night Without Darkness by Timothy Robinson
• Mortimers Christmas Manger by Jane Chapman and Karma Wilson
• Night tree by Eve Bunting
• A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S. Monson
• Red Ranger Came Calling by Berkeley Breathed
• The Christmas Train by Thomas S. Monson
• I Believe in Santa Claus by Diane Adamson
• The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer
• A Merry Little Christmas by Mary Engelbreit

7. Christmas Eve Delights: Pajamas and a Special Ornament

Each year, on the evening of Christmas Eve, a special tradition unfolds that the kids anticipate with almost unbearable excitement: they get to open two presents. These aren’t just any gifts; they are always the same things year after year, yet unfailingly, the children’s enthusiasm for them is boundless. The first gift is always a brand-new pair of pajamas. For the boys, this typically means festive PJ pants, which I can either find at an incredibly inexpensive price or quickly whip up myself using my serger, adding a personal touch to their holiday sleepwear. The joy of slipping into fresh, cozy PJs on Christmas Eve is a simple yet potent part of the holiday magic.

The second gift is a new Christmas ornament, a cherished keepsake. These special ornaments found their home on the “kid tree” this year (as mentioned in tradition #1), adding to its vibrant and personal collection. I make a conscious effort to choose an ornament that somehow reflects each child’s unique personality, a significant achievement, or a memorable activity they were involved in over the past year. My heartfelt vision for this tradition is that when they eventually grow up and leave home – a thought that brings a bittersweet tear to my eye – they will take this collection of personal ornaments with them. Each one will be a tangible memory, a piece of their childhood to adorn their own Christmas trees, carrying the warmth and love of our family traditions into their future homes.

8. A Sweet Start: Christmas Morning Breakfast

Christmas morning is undeniably a whirlwind of excitement, wrapping paper, and joyous chaos. To anchor the morning with a delicious and comforting start, our Christmas morning breakfast is always a highlight. This cherished tradition features either scrumptious cinnamon rolls or a delightful monkey bread. The beauty of these choices lies in their convenience: I can lovingly prep them a few days in advance, allowing for a stress-free Christmas morning. All that’s left to do is pop them into the oven as the family starts to stir, filling the house with an irresistible aroma of warmth and sweetness.

The scent of cinnamon, sugar, and baking dough wafting through the house as presents are unwrapped is an integral part of our holiday experience. It sets a celebratory tone, encouraging us to gather around the table, share a delicious meal, and savor the precious moments of Christmas Day before the full day of festivities truly begins. It’s a simple, comforting meal that fuels our joy and helps create lasting memories around the breakfast table, a perfect start to the most magical day of the year.

9. Our Unconventional Yet Delicious Christmas Eve and Day Feast

As I’ve probably mentioned before, our approach to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day food is decidedly untraditional, prioritizing ease and enjoyment over elaborate culinary feats. On Christmas Eve, instead of a more formal spread, we indulge in a hearty and comforting big lasagna meal. This rich, classic Italian dish is a family favorite, perfect for a cozy evening, and pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread. For dessert, we usually treat ourselves to a decadent type of cheesecake, adding a touch of sweet indulgence to the eve of Christmas.

Christmas Day itself is all about relaxation and family time, not slaving away in the kitchen. My ultimate goal is to remain in my comfortable pajamas, enjoying the day with my loved ones. To achieve this, our Christmas Day meal typically features a delicious ham cooked in the crockpot, which requires minimal effort and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. Alongside the ham, we serve rolls that have been made, frozen, and simply warmed up, or we enjoy leftovers from the previous night’s lasagna. And, of course, no holiday celebration in our home would be complete without our famous cheeseball for snacking. It’s a non-negotiable, always present fixture of our festive spread, providing continuous deliciousness throughout the day. This laid-back approach ensures that the focus remains on family, fun, and making memories, rather than culinary stress.

10. A Magical Journey: Driving Around to See Christmas Lights

The tradition of driving around to admire Christmas lights is a timeless classic, and one we faithfully embrace every single year. There’s something inherently magical about bundling up, venturing out into the crisp night air, and witnessing the dazzling displays that transform our neighborhoods into festive wonderlands. Living in a really small community, and having been out of town last year, I’m not entirely sure how many elaborate light displays we’ll encounter locally this season. However, I have a special plan brewing that promises to make this year’s outing unforgettable.

My intention is to surprise the kids one night on their way to bed, using this wonderful idea: they’ll discover a golden ticket on their pillow. This golden ticket will be their invitation to embark on our “Mini Van Express” adventure! With mugs of steaming hot chocolate and a selection of festive treats in hand, we’ll set off to see whatever lights we can find, whether it’s a grand spectacle or a few humble, twinkling displays. Even if our local options are limited, the sheer joy of the surprise, the warmth of the hot chocolate, and the excitement of a late-night adventure will undoubtedly thrill them. With their expectations naturally low, they’re sure to be delighted no matter what, making for a truly magical and memorable holiday experience under the twinkling lights.

I truly adore this special time of year, filled with traditions that knit our family closer and create joy. What are your favorite holiday traditions that make your festive season unforgettable? Share your cherished rituals in the comments below!