25+ Christmas Traditions to Start Right Now
Recently we moved from Florida (my home state of 30+ years) to the Washington, DC area. This put us away from extended family in in a while new world of focusing on our core family. My girls are in the early stages of elementary school and are beginning to understand the real meaning of Christmas. Santa, and additionally the Elf on the Shelf, have gone out the window (yes, he no longer comes down the chimney) and my focus is now on finding activities during the Christmas season that reflect not only family, but reason for the season – The Birth of Christ. One of the ways we have gotten back to the basics is through our family Advent Calendar.
Family Traditions
Before you get started, make sure to take a look at these year around Family Traditions To Start Now! Pin to Pinterest.
Christmas Traditions
Also take a look at our Christmas Eve Traditions. Pin to Pinterest.
Below are some exciting Christmas Traditions to start right now with your family – I can name a few I am doing including the Jesse Tree, food bank donations and 25 days of books!
Wrap 24 Books (they don’t need to be new.) Each night, cuddle up with hot cocoa and a special story. Take a look at these 50 of the Best Christmas Books for Children. Pick up from the Library or buy to use year after year! | Katherine Marie Photography
Have a Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Download these 22 Scavenger Hunt Riddles & Clues. You can use with or without a Scout Elf on the Shelf doll.
Have a North Pole Visitor to report to Santa naughty and nice behavior. These Elf on the Shelf Ideas will make Elf easy for the elf moving committee.
Speaking of Elf on the Shelf, with or without an Elf doll, have a daily DIY Advent calendar for kids. You child will understand the Story of Christmas and the birth of Christ with these Easy to Read Advent Calendar Bible Verses for Kids – 24 days of printables for your child.
Create a Christmas fun Jar Christmas Bucket List for the month of December.
Host a Christmas campout, just maybe not on Christmas Eve | The Dating Divas
Watch the kids grow with this Tree Skirt Hand-print Tradition. | Source Unknown (we suggest White Tree Skirts)
If you are feeling like it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, don’t forget to pay it forward with the UPS, FedEx and USPS workers with this RAK Delivery Christmas Sign!
Host a Christmas Name that Tune Game for your Family (or Family & Friends) Game Night. (Name that Tune is also found in our 19 Christmas Party Games set.
Go with matching sleepwear like this set from Hannah Andersson
For the holidays or any other time, check out these Family Approved Minute to Win It Game Ideas.
Incorporate these 19 Christmas Party Games – for the office, for friends, for families. This set includes Christmas games with instructions and a supply list as well as Christmas Name that Tune and Christmas Charades cards.
Create a Christmas Bucket List and fulfill it each day of December | While He Was Napping
Teaching kids about the true St. Nick and his generosity and love for those in need | Skip to My Lou & The Crafting Chicks
Have a family movie night, don’t forget the Grinch Popcorn | Two Sisters Crafting
Host a Gingerbread House Party for Kids or Adults | Design Improvised
Create a Night Before Christmas Box (this one has a free printable) | Oh My Creative
Take the shirt or pants of someone who is gone and make a heart ornament. Such a sweet way to give tribute to grandparents or parents who have passed. | Skip to My Lou
Call Santa! This one has a cute message | Frugal Coupon Living
Send Christmas Cards – Our Favorite places include Shutterfly, Tiny Prints, Minted, and we love this Envelope Addressing Stencil.
Every night on December leading to Christmas read a scripture by candle light | The 36th Avenue
Also create a Jesse Tree with these printable scripture ornaments | I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Save these 50 Best Christmas Books for Children. Borrow them from the library, share with friends, or create your own library to use year after year through the grandchildren!
Host a Cookie Exchange | Frugal Coupon Living
Cookies and Milk for Santa are always fun, but so is Reindeer Food for Rudolph and his friends | Carrie Elle
Host a Food Drive. This can be done with a church or community group or we like this family idea – Elf with a note that says, “Let’s take these to the food bank!” | I Did It Finally
Get a new photo ornament every year! We get ours from Tiny Prints and Shutterfly.
Host a Charity Party with friends and family | Frog Prince Paperie
Don’t forget to host a Family Game Night – my kids love these!
Make 12 Days of Christmas Boxes | Katherine Marie
Pick up this Christmas Countdown Printable to fill your bucket list | Create Craft Love
Save a slice of the tree trunk and apply finish to remember your baby’s first holiday season. This is also great as an annual Christmas Ornament | The Photographer’s Wife
Make your own Advent Calendar and use every year! See our Non-Candy Advent Calendar Fillers!
Instead of an Easter Egg Hunt, go on an Candy Cane Hunt | Me and My Inklings
Make a Christmas Traditions Book and keep record of Christmas activities each year | Snickerdoole Creations
Have a conversation. Engage your family with these Christmas Conversation Cards | Tidbits
Put Christmas Carols on the radio and drive around looking at lights. Pack some hot chocolate and cookies and this Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt | While He Was Napping
Create a Christmas Bucket List | All Things Simple
Want a printable Christmas Tradition Checklist? Grab one in our free printable library.
One Christmas Tradition in our home is Birthday Cakes for Jesus. Pin to Pinterest.
For the holidays or any other time, check out these Family Approved Minute to Win It Game Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.
Take a look at these 25 Homemade Advent Calendars. Pin to Pinterest.
See our Non-Candy Advent Calendar Filler Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.
Also if Elf on the Shelf is your Christmas Tradition, take a look at these The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas (Pin to Pinterest) as well as our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
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