30 Best Christmas Traditions to Make the Holidays Even More Special
These wholesome holiday activities will warm your hearts.
By Erin Cavoto
There are so many special Christmas traditions that you couldn't possibly get to them all in one day. Luckily, you don't have to. Create a Christmas bucket list of activities so you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday all month long. For example, stop by the Drummond ranch in mid-December, and you'll find Ree planning an outing to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out a live evergreen. Come Christmas Day, she's handing out matching Christmas pajamas for the Drummonds' annual family photos and baking cinnamon rolls to gift to friends. The annual Christmas activities you grew up with are what create lasting memories and make the holiday season even more heartwarming and nostalgic. And here's the thing, it's never too late to start a new holiday ritual. Check out our list of the best Christmas traditions to try this year—and every year!
Ahead, you'll find ideas for a December-long Christmas bucket list. You can start by reading Christmas books, donating presents, and writing a letter to Santa. If you're in the mood for a family road trip, plan a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. Make sure you have your Santa hats on and your favorite Christmas songs playing in the background! It's already the most wonderful time of year, but this might be your most memorable holiday season yet thanks to these sweet Christmas family traditions.
Make Paper Snowflakes
No snow? No problem! You can make your own white Christmas by decorating your home with pretty paper snowflakes. This sweet, nostalgic craft is kid-friendly and only requires paper and scissors.
Bring the Kids to Meet Santa
Give your kids a holiday moment to remember by taking them to your local mall to meet Santa Claus. The pictures from this time-honored tradition are always priceless—even if there are tears!
Sip Eggnog
When the holidays roll around, it's time to break out the eggnog! If you usually opt for the store-bought version of the classic Christmastime drink, take it to the next level this year with a delicious homemade eggnog recipe.
Cook a Christmas Feast
One of the best moments of Christmas day is gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones. Cook a feast they won't soon forget with Ree’s delicious honey-glazed ham and other classic holiday dishes.
Leave Cookies Out for Santa
The best way to thank Santa for all the wonderful gifts is to leave out some milk and cookies for him. Take a bite out of one after the kids go to bed, so they know he was there. Oh yeah, and don't forget some carrots for the reindeer!
Go Caroling
You love singing along to Christmas carols together, so why not take your show on the road? After all, the best way to spread Christmas is cheer singing loud for all to hear!
Set Out a Nativity Scene
Displaying a nativity scene is such a special Christmas tradition, especially for families with young children. This beautiful display will remind you all of the true meaning of Christmas.
Create a Christmas Tablescape
Make your Christmas feast really shine by decking out your dining table. A holiday tablescape can be anything you make it! Lay down a festive tablecloth, create a runner with a faux forest, or craft a one-of-a-kind DIY Christmas centerpiece.
Make Mini Christmas Row Houses
These whimsical pastel houses are sure to charm all of your holiday guests. The little details are what make this display so impressive—just look at the adorable mini wreaths and snowman!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Organize a Secret Santa
Secret Santa isn't just for family! Organize your friends, classmates, or work friends to partake in a cute gift exchange. Set a price limit and have everyone pull names from a hat so that no one knows who is their "secret Santa." When it's time to exchange gifts, you can choose to do an open handoff or have everyone make their best guesses.
Celebrate Sinterklaas
The Dutch tradition—known as Saint Nicholas Day—is celebrated on December 5 each year. The night before, Children leave their shoes by the fireplace with carrots sticking out for Sinterklaas' horses. He then leaves a small gift, poem, or treat in exchange!
Buy a Real Christmas Tree
Ree always has a real Christmas tree in her home. "Part of the beauty of a Christmas tree is the amazing scent that fills your house, the daily mess of falling needles, the responsibility of keeping it watered, the natural imperfections on this branch or that," she says. Plus, you get a bonus activity here by visiting your local tree farm!
Get Matching Holiday Pajamas
On Christmas morning, the Drummonds open gifts and enjoy breakfast together while wearing adorable matching Christmas PJs—Ree included! If you're looking for a pair just for yourself, these women's Christmas pajamas are so cute.
Make Cinnamon Rolls
Every Christmas, Ree bakes her mom's delicious cinnamon rolls to gift to friends and family. (She makes an impressive 21 pans!) Don't worry, there's still enough for the rest of the Drummond family to enjoy on Christmas morning.
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Assemble Cookie Platters
Unsurprisingly, Ree loves baking Christmas cookies. "I set aside one day and bake a few different kinds so the cookie platters will look more fun," she says. Keep a few for your family and gift the other platters to friends and neighbors. Check out these amazing Christmas cookie recipes to choose from.
Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters
It wouldn't be the holidays without donning your best ugly Christmas sweaters. Invite your whole crew to wear one and then pose for an awkward family photo that's guaranteed for a laugh!
Visit a Christmas Town
For a healthy dose of holiday cheer, plan a trip to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. (You can even visit one that served as the setting for a Hallmark Christmas movie!)
Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange
A white elephant gift exchange is always good for a laugh. Your friends and family will have so much fun competing for the best gifts in the game!
Start a Christmas Village Collection
You might already know someone who builds these miniature Christmas villages every year. Take a look at this village based on A Christmas Story or this one that's a replica of Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Dress Up Your Pets
Get your furry friends in on the fun by dressing them up in cute Christmas sweaters, hats, or headbands. (And yes, these are Ree's basset hounds in their best holiday attire! 😂)
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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