The holiday can be full of so much cheer, fun, and delight as we make the season bright. Now that we have an almost three-year-old, I’ve been all about trying to find ways to incorporate kid-friendly holiday traditions into our celebration. My parents always did such a great job of making the season so special for my brother and me. We had so many fun traditions that I looked forward to every year as a child.
So, now it’s my turn to make the holiday season memorable for our child (and soon-to-be second child). From gingerbread houses to Christmas tree farms, the kid-friendly holidays traditions always help to make the season brighter.
15 Kid-Friendly Holiday Traditions
1.) Visit a Tree Farm
Growing up, my family (and extended family) would meet at the local Christmas tree farm where we would hop on a tractor, ride all the way out to the field, walk up and down the aisles looking for the perfect tree, watch our Dad cut down the tree, and then head back to the cars for hot cocoa and doughnuts. When my husband and I moved out to the countryside with our son, we knew we had to find a local tree farm during Christmastime. Every year, we head to our favorite local tree farm to find the perfect tree. This year, we decided to find two trees. It was so much fun!
2.) Bake Christmas Cookies
Every year, my Mom and I would make tons of Christmas cookies and treats together. The kitchen counters and table would be covered with all sorts of festive, yummy treats. This year, I decided to make brownies with our son. Even though the kitchen ended up being a mess, it was all about creating fun memories with the kiddo. Don’t worry about perfect cookies and treats when baking with kids. Just get ready to get messy and have tons of fun all while making treats that you’ll enjoy throughout the holiday season.
3.) Follow a Holiday Countdown
Whether you decide to go the store-bought or DIY route, there are tons of creative, fun ways to countdown to the holiday season. Ever year, my Mom would buy an Advent calendar filled with chocolates. My brother and I would pick who had the odd days and who had the even days. This year, since my Mom is in town awaiting the birth of our second kiddo, she brought a chocolate-filled Advent calendar down with her during her visit. It’s been so much fun watching our son open every day as we all countdown to the holidays.
4.) Build a Gingerbread House
Does the thought of this activity make you nervous? If so, guess what?! They now have pre-built gingerbread houses. Plus, the pre-built kits come with frosting and candies. What’s not to love? So, all you need to do is hand your kiddo(s) the icing package, pour the candies onto a plate, and watch the creativity go wild.
5.) Go Ice Skating
Find a local outdoor ice skating rink where you and your family can grab some hot cocoa, strap on ice skates, and try your best to skate around the ice rink without falling.
6.) Visit Santa
Dress up the kiddo(s), head to the local Santa spot, and watch your kids either smile or cry with Santa. If your kids are a bit older, have them write a note to Santa and watch their eyes light up as they hand the letter to Santa.
7.) Volunteer Your Time
As a family, think about ways that you can give back to your local community. From helping babies to adults to animals, there are plenty of ways to give to those who are in need during the holiday season.
8.) Start a Christmas Eve Tradition
Growing up, every Christmas Even my parents would give us a present to open. In the present would be pajamas that we would wear that night and during Christmas morning. It was always so much fun opening the gift to find the festive pajamas that we could wear.
9.) Set Our Cookies and Milk for Santa
Don’t forget to set out the milk and cookies for Santa, as well as a few carrots for Rudolph and the other reindeer.
10.) Take the Same Holiday Photo Every Year
When we go to the Christmas tree farm every year, I always make sure I snap a photo of our son in the same setting. I love comparing the photos from the years. Pick a setting or theme and snap a photo of your kiddo(s) every year to watch them grow over the years. You could take the photo at a farm or while the kiddo(s) are trimming the tree.
11.) Make an Ornament Every Year
Go to the local craft store and have the kids pick out items to make their very own Christmas ornament.
12.) Watch a Holiday Movie Marathon
With so many holiday movie classics, it will be easy to put together a move lineup, throw on the holiday comfies, make some hot cocoa and popcorn, and gather around the television as a family to watch some of your favorite holiday movies.
13.) Make a Special Breakfast
Every year for Christmas, my Dad would pick up Canadian bacon. I would make the toast, he would fry up the bacon, and we would also make eggs and other yummy dishes to serve on Christmas morning. It was always such a special breakfast after we opened the gifts.
14.) Go on a Light Tour
During the middle of December (when the neighbors have had time to put up their Christmas light displays), make some hot cocoa and pour it into thermos cups for each family member. Walk or drive around the neighborhood and sip on the hot cocoa as you look at the beautiful lights.
15.) Put Together Treats for the Neighbors
Make a small basket of holiday goodies for your neighbors and drop them off as you greet them happy holidays. You can purchase small baskets and fill them with all sorts of yummy treats your neighbors will love to enjoy during the holiday season.
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
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