Here are some holiday family tradition ideas that can make the season extra memorable:


1. Memory Ornament Making

  • Instead of the usual store-bought ornaments, create the ornaments as a family project. You could use miniature versions of favorite toys, small photos, or trinkets that represent a hobby or activity each family member enjoyed that year. Over time, you’ll build a collection of ornaments that tell a story.


2. Annual Family Time Capsule

  • Create a holiday time capsule by having each family member add a small item, a photo, or a note about what they’re grateful for or their favorite memories of the year. You could even record a short video message. Each year, open the capsule from the previous year to see how everyone’s thoughts and lives have evolved.


3. Family Poem

  • Have everyone join in to write a poem about the past year to send out with your holiday cards. First, jot down events or memories that you want to include and then go from there to create your rhyme.


4. Christmas Eve Story Swap with a Twist

  • Instead of the usual Christmas stories, invite each family member to write (or record) a short, fictional story with a holiday theme. They could make it funny, adventurous, or heartwarming. On Christmas Eve, everyone reads their stories aloud, and you could even vote on the most creative or the funniest one!


5. Handwritten Year-End Reflections Book

  • Every holiday, set aside time for each family member to write down their reflections on the year, including their favorite memories, biggest lessons, and hopes for the new year. Store these in a book that you can keep adding to each year. It becomes a lovely family archive over time, allowing everyone to see how they’ve grown.


6. Monthly Family ‘Season of Giving’

  • Extend the holiday spirit beyond December.  Pick one small act of giving for each month of the year.  For example, January could be about donating extra clothes, February could focus on volunteering together, etc. When December comes around, reflect on these monthly acts while celebrating the holidays.


7. Christmas Morning Breakfast Art

  • Gather for a creative Christmas morning breakfast where everyone fashions their favorite Christmas (or other) icon in a pancake or waffle with all the trimmings.



These ideas can add a unique spark to the holidays, helping to create memories and traditions that reflect the spirit of the season in fresh, meaningful ways!