The holiday season is the perfect time to create memories that stick—the kind your family will look back on and laugh about (or groan about) for years to come. If you’re looking for some fresh traditions to add a little extra sparkle to your holidays, here are a few ideas to get you started—and keep the family drama to a minimum (well, hopefully).
First up, the family pajama photo shoot. Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, someone will complain that the matching sets don’t “breathe.” But years from now, you’ll be glad you have those awkward, joyful pictures. Pro tip: let the pets join in for bonus chaos.
If you’re all about food (and who isn’t?), start a holiday bake-off. Let each family member pick a dessert to make and then hold a blind taste test. Warning: this may result in sugar-fueled competitiveness, but it’s a delicious problem to have.
Another fun idea? Host a holiday movie marathon. Think classics like Home Alone, Elf, and Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie—fight me). Bonus points if you create a themed snack for each film, like candy canes for The Grinch or microwave popcorn for The Polar Express.
Feeling crafty? Try DIY holiday decorations. Whether it’s building a gingerbread house that ends up looking like a gingerbread disaster or making ornaments that might accidentally terrify your guests, it’s all about the laughs and memories. Remember: glitter is forever, so proceed with caution.
Want to get outside? Start a family winter walk tradition. Bundle up, take a stroll, and look at the lights in your neighborhood. Or, if snow is involved, engage in a full-blown snowball war. Loser has to make the hot cocoa.
Finally, create a giving tradition. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating toys to kids in need, or just helping a neighbor shovel their driveway, showing kindness together can make the season truly special.
The best family traditions aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. So embrace the mess, the laughter, and even the occasional eye roll. After all, those are the moments that make the holidays unforgettable.
