I found that Christmas really changed when I had my first child. For the first time, I felt like an adult instead of a child, and it changed the way I looked at the holiday (in a good way). I’m focused on making it special for this new little person and seeing things through their eyes.
I wish there were some traditions we could do every year that added to the magic and the meaning of the season without adding a ton of work for myself in a chaotic season.
So here are some meaningful traditions you can start this year and keep up with for many more Christmases to come.
Special Decoration
Make or buy a special ornament for your baby each year. That could mean a collection of baby handprints or footprints on ornaments, special keepsakes, or simply letting your baby choose an ornament each year.
Vacation Books
Start a collection of Christmas books and read a new one every night until Christmas. It doesn’t have to be just Christmas books either; it’s also an incredible time to learn about other religions and holidays like Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and the Lunar New Year.
Family Photo
Take a family photo in front of the Christmas tree to capture how everything changes each year. It’s a family tradition I stick to where I take a photo of us on the front porch (better light than inside) and then have it printed on a custom decor. One year, my younger son secretly flipped the bird in the picture and I printed it on our holiday cards. Ah, memory.
Easy to Drive or Walk
Take a family walk or drive around to admire the festive decorations. We always get hot chocolate and go for a night drive.
Vacation pajamas
My friend has a tradition of giving her children a book and new pajamas on Christmas Eve. You can even get matching family pajamas for everyone – including the family pets.
Holiday Movies
Start a tradition of watching a classic holiday movie together as a family. I also find that it pairs well with other attention-seeking activities, like cookie decorating or gingerbread house building. Here’s a list of movies that won’t scare younger viewers.
Memory Keeper
Create a memory jar or scrapbook to document special moments throughout the holiday season. This way, you can just bring it out during the season and have fun looking back over the years.
Plant a tree
If you live in an area with lots of space, plant a Christmas tree sapling in your yard each year to grow with your baby. Obviously, it depends on where you live and what the weather is like, but you get the gist.
Write Letters
Start a tradition of exchanging heartfelt letters with your family on Christmas morning. It is very powerful for children to hear good words about themselves and between their parents.
Donate
Donate gently used toys or clothes to the less fortunate. Over the years, this will help your children remember giving along with taking. I sponsor children the same age as my children every year Plan Canada and try to get kids the same age as my kids on the Wish Tree because I have a better idea of what those kids want.
Volunteer
Start a tradition of giving by volunteering as a family during the holiday season. If you don’t have a place in mind, just google “volunteering near me” for organizations that could use your help.
Return
Choose a charity or organization to support each year and involve your children in fundraising efforts. Even if it’s cutting a check for the local food bank, let your kids grow up seeing you do it every year.
What traditions did you grow up with?
Will you pass them on to your children? Let me know in the comments!
See also: 35 Best ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ DIY Photoshoot Ideas
