Simple Traditions to Start This Holiday Season
Every year when the holidays roll around, I’m reminded that the things we remember most usually aren’t the presents — it’s the traditions. The silly ones, the cozy ones, the “we started this when the kids were tiny and somehow we’re still doing it” ones.
So today, I put together a collage of simple, heartwarming traditions your family can start even if your kids are little, your family only gathers a few times a year, or you’re still figuring out what your holidays should feel like. These are easy, low-pressure ideas that grow with you and create those “remember when?” moments we hold onto.
✨ Matching PJs
The classic. The crowd favorite. The thing you never think you’ll do until suddenly everyone’s in plaid and you’re wondering how you lived before this level of cuteness. Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/4i1IYON
🎈 Parade Watching
Whether it’s the Macy’s parade on TV or a small-town parade rolling down your Main Street — it’s a nostalgic, slow-start moment that kids love.
50″ VIZIO QLED Smart TV — for full living-room viewing, entertaining, games, streaming, you name it. Walmart affiliate link: https://walmrt.us/44x0LXE
📚 Book-a-Night
One book wrapped for each night leading up to Christmas. They can be new, thrifted, or books you already own. Kids just love the unwrapping part! My Walmart affiliate link goes to a page on Walmart’s online store showing read-aloud holiday stories! https://walmrt.us/449wfUj
📝 Gratitude Jar
All season long, add little notes about good moments, wins, and things you’re thankful for. Read them out loud on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day. Use a cookie jar and notebook paper.
🎄 Special Ornament (Purchased or Crafted)
Pick one meaningful ornament every year — or make your own! Add the year to the back so your tree becomes a timeline of your family. This Gingerbread House ornament kit from Walmart has 28 ornaments to decorate and they each have a slot to hold a photo! Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/3M60RzK
🍪 Cookie Making
Perfectly decorated or hilariously messy — doesn’t matter. It’s about the memories (and the sprinkles everywhere). Your local grocery store may already sell plain sugar cookies and sets of frostings and sprinkles for decorating! This set of cookie cutters is for all seasons and comes with a recipe booklet. All you need to do is add the ingredients and icings for the cookies. Ann Clark Every Season Cookie Cutter Set, 11-Piece, Made in USA. Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/488OVF8
☕ Hot Chocolate + Lights Walk/Drive
A cozy cup of cocoa and a nighttime ride through decorated neighborhoods– it’s simple, magical, and free. Try this 100 Set Christmas Paper Coffee Cups with Sleeves Lids 12 Oz with this Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/448SxW7
Try this Walmart affiliate link to see the many hot cocoa options available as some like milk chocolate and others like dark chocolate; some like marshmallows, and some don’t. https://walmrt.us/4p6ZoYq
💛 Gratitude Cards
Little handwritten notes to friends, neighbors, teachers, or family. Kindness goes a long way during the holidays. Similar to the gratitude jar but these are given to specific people.
🏠 Gingerbread House Night
Homemade or store-bought kit — both count. Bonus points if it leans slightly to the left or collapses dramatically. Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/4nYtNHq
🎲 Game Night
Board games, card games, charades — it’s the togetherness that counts.
UNO — I recommend getting two packs to shuffle and use as one pack. Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/3LIBqnZ
🎬 Watch a Special Movie Together
Pick the movie. The one that officially means “holiday mode has begun.” Many Christmas movies can be rented or purchased through Amazon Prime. Try my affiliate link https://amzn.to/47JFQDD
📸 Family & Pet Photos
Nothing fancy — just capture the moment. Pets included, because they’re absolutely part of the family. For the kids old enough to understand how to use a camera, this Polaroid Everything Box with Now Instant Camera and Double Pack of Color i-Type Film – Generation 2 might be a game changer! Come up with rules in case several kids have to share the camera such as the first child takes a picture of the dog and they only get one try and the second child takes a picture of the cat, one try. Walmart affiliate link https://walmrt.us/4oUPWYc
Let me know what your family traditions are! Have a great day! xoxo, Dana
