Family & Parenting

How to Start a New Family Holiday Tradition

Simple, meaningful traditions children remember for years — and how to make them stick.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

Family traditions give children something to look forward to and create lasting memories. They don't need to be big or expensive — just repeated and enjoyed together.

Tradition ideas

  • Christmas Eve box with pyjamas, a book and hot chocolate
  • Decorating the tree on a set day with music
  • An annual family photo in matching sweaters
  • Baking a family recipe together
  • A night-time walk to see Christmas lights
  • Making an ornament every year
  • Volunteering or donating together
  • New Year's Day walk
  • Writing a family "year in review" letter
Start smallPick just one or two traditions. It's better to do something simple every year than something big once.

Make it stick

  1. Do it at the same time each year.
  2. Take a photo every time.
  3. Let kids help plan.
  4. Keep it flexible as children grow.

Blended and new families

Combine traditions from both sides, or create brand-new ones together. New traditions can help everyone feel part of the family.

The best traditions are the ones your family genuinely enjoys. If one stops working, it's fine to change it.

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