Think back to Christmas as a child. Do you have fond memories of Christmas day and all of the excitement and festivities leading up to Christmas day? I bet you want your kids to feel the same joy you felt each Christmas season…and more!

I know my parents spent a lot of time, effort, and energy to make my Christmas season magical as a child. I have a lot of treasured memories from my childhood like putting up the Christmas tree together, going shopping to buy presents for my siblings, making a billion Christmas cookies with my mom, going to the movies each Christmas Eve, and many more. I wanted to create the same magic for my children to reminisce about.

If you are looking for a few Christmas traditions to get in the spirit of the Christmas season, check out our traditions below. We do not do each thing each year (we rotate the traditions). Traditions are not meant to overwhelm you by adding something else to your “to do” list. They meant to bring your family together to create a special memory. So only pick traditions that will be meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Christmas Traditions

1. Nativity Advent Calendar-This is my all time favorite. Click HERE to learn more and get a FREEBIE.

2. Decorate the Christmas Tree Together-My kids really appreciate being involved in decorating the tree. They feel so proud of themselves when it’s complete. (Even if all ornament are placed below 3 feet.) It’s also a great time to remember each hand-made ornament.

3. Driving Around to Look at Christmas Lights-We have always enjoyed this tradition, but last year we added a twist and created a scavenger hunt. We had to find each type of yard decoration on our list. If this sounds like something your family would love, CLICK HERE to get the free Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt.

4. Watch Christmas Movies Together-I know I have mentioned that we limit our screen-time as a family, which is still true during the holiday season. However, each weekend we like to indulge in a fun Christmas movie. We like Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

5. Make Christmas Ornaments-Each year I like to help the kids make at least one Christmas ornament to add to our Christmas tree.

6. Do Christmas Activities-It’s so fun to get excited about Christmas when you get to do activities centered around Christmas. There are activities in The Ultimate Toddler Activity Guide if you need some ideas.

7. Help Those Less Fortunate-We take pride in teaching our children to help others. So we like to take them to the store to pick out a couple of toys or needs for a child or family. They get to experience the joy of giving to others and learn that Christmas is not just about receiving.

8. Buy Gifts for Siblings-We started this tradition last year, and will continue it this year. We allow each child to have a budget, and then we take them on a date to the store to pick a gift for each of their siblings. They truly love coming up with gift ideas, buying something for their siblings, and wrapping the present.

9. Spend Christmas Day at Home-This is something we started a couple of years ago and we all love it SO much! There’s no rushing, no getting ready 9if you don’t want to), and just time to enjoy each other. Grandparents and family are welcome to come visit on Christmas Day, but we choose not to go anywhere.

What Christmas traditions do you and your family have or looking to start this year? Comment below to share.