10 best christmas traditions to get your family feeling festive

So, we’re winding down to the end of another year! And year-end means festivities and celebrations, are we right? Especially Christmas!

For most of us, Christmas is gifts, lights, decorations, feasting, and family. But deep down, Christmas is really about making special family traditions and memories. The presents and yummy treats are just a bonus!

Time to start thinking about what you want to do with your family this season - stick with the traditions you've had for years, or try something new?

If you're looking for innovative traditions that will get your family in the holiday spirit, look no further. From thedatingmaven, today’s exclusive trendy children’s clothing brand, we’ve lined up 10 of our favorite family Christmas traditions just for you.

Want to entertain your little one with some fascinating Christmas trivia? Check out our previous blog on interesting Christmas facts from around the world:

https://thedatingmaven.com/blogs/news/fun-interesting-christmas-facts-for-kids

1.         Christmas Movie Night

Watching Christmas movies with the family is one of the most popular Xmas traditions. It’s one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season. And who doesn’t love movie night, right?

Christmas movies are extra special when it comes to family bonding. They remind us of the memorable times spent with our families when we were younger, and create new memories now.

For some families, the tradition is to watch an old favorite from when they were kids. For others, it's a new addition that became a new favorite! Whatever you opt for, just snuggle up on the couch together with buckets of buttery popcorn and give in to the Christmas spirit.

Here are some evergreen Christmas flick picks your family will love:

https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g5016/christmas-movies-for-kids/

2.         Yummy in my Tummy

If Christmas is around the corner, can delicious food and yummy treats be far behind? Once everyone is all worn out from the vigorous gift unwrapping, it’s time to head to the dining table and refuel. And a delectable Christmas brunch is the perfect family Christmas tradition.

From savory delicacies to mouth-watering desserts, spicy kicks to sweet indulgences, there are plenty of holiday brunch dishes to delight the whole family! Whether you make your family’s traditional favorites or try out a fun new holiday treat, food is the best way to get everyone together and into the holiday mood.

You’ll adore these scrumptious brunch favorites:

https://www.foodandwine.com/breakfast-brunch/christmas-brunch

3.         Time to Play

Grownup or kid, everyone loves a good party game — especially at Christmas! And having a festive game night is a great family Christmas tradition to have. Plus if you have guests over, it’s an excellent way to break the ice and encourage people to start mingling.

Go for childhood favorites or try out some interesting new ones. The trick is to choose the right games based on your Christmas party theme and group dynamic. You can make things more exciting by having small prizes for the winners – or just bragging rights will do!

Here are some cool picks for Christmas party game ideas:

https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-party-games/

4.         Getting Crafty

Looking to put a little extra love into your gift-giving this holiday season? Up the ante of any present with some creative homemade Christmas cards!

Making your own Christmas cards is a great family tradition to have, and it allows you to spread a little more Christmas cheer too! Set out some glitter, stencils, coloured paper, glue and stickers, and make an afternoon of it. The kids will have the best fun indulging their creativity, and you can be assured that every bit of time, thought, and care they put into these cards will be warmly appreciated by all their recipients.

Need some crafty Xmas card making ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

5.         We love Gingerbread Houses

Do your little ones prefer craft they can eat? Then making a gingerbread house should rank number one on your list of family Christmas traditions!

Christmas is about sugar and spice and everything nice, and a gingerbread house fits in nicely. Creating this sweet treat is a fun and creative way to spend time together as a family, and it helps to build some equally sweet memories too!

There are plenty of easy gingerbread house kits available, or you can just go ahead and make your own. Have lots of icing tubes, sprinkles and candies at hand, and let the children go nuts! Don’t forget to dust the house with icing sugar for that special snowy touch!

Check out the ultimate gingerbread house making guide right here:

6.         Sharing is Caring

One of Christmas’s most endearing lessons is caring and sharing about those less fortunate than ourselves. And incorporating this lesson into your family festive traditions is one of the best ways to teach your children about the beauty of giving.

Talk to your child about what it means to give back. Let them know that when they share, they are helping other people in need, and that this is a special time of the year where we can make a difference in someone’s life by giving.

Make up a list of ways for kids to give back this Christmas. Ideas include things like making cards for the less fortunate, donating gently used clothes, toys or food items, or volunteering with an organization near you.

Here are some heart-warming holiday activities for kids that focus on sharing and caring:

https://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/traditions/6-holiday-activities-for-kids-that-focus-on-giving/

7.         Counting down with Advent Calendars

The countdown to Christmas has begun! And a large part of the festive excitement is the feeling of anticipation that comes with it, are we right? What better way to savor that delicious suspense than making your very own Advent calendars as a cool new Christmas family tradition!

Kids love craft making, and they adore gifts and surprises too! So, making Advent calendars is a great way to make the festive countdown memorable and joyful. Your family will have the best time creating their own calendar. Once it’s done, go ahead and fill it up with special seasonal treats!

Read on for some creative advent calendar ideas that your toddler will love making:

https://www.thebump.com/a/diy-advent-calendar-ideas-for-toddlers

8.         A Hot Cup of Cheer

What’s the best beverage for this time of the year? Well, it’s a steaming cup of luscious hot chocolate, of course! Hot chocolate is a firm favorite with any crowd, old or young. So, it just makes sense to set up your very own hot choccie bar as a new Yuletide family tradition, are we right?

Arrange a festive table with holiday-themed mugs or mason jars, loads of velvety hot chocolate, and a plethora of fun toppings – because, let’s face it, the best part of hot chocolate are the toppings, aren’t they! Think chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, caramel sauce, marshmallows – the list is endless!

Want an extra special recipe for some of the most delicious hot chocolate ever? Here you go!

9.         Festive Reads

A roaring fire in the study, a snuggly blanket, and a well-loved Christmas story to read aloud with your little darling – what better way to make a magical Xmas memory with your child?

Cherished moments with a beloved book create memories that can last a lifetime. This Christmas, indulge your kiddo with a special Christmas-themed reading session. You can go for old family favorites or the latest new holiday books. A reading session is also a great way to spark meaningful conversations with your child, especially around Christmas themes like caring, kindness, holiday cheer and family time.

Check out these all-time favorite Christmas reads for children:

https://www.rd.com/list/christmas-books-for-kids/

10.  Matchy-Matchy in Family Jams

Few things create that fun, festive mood like matching family Christmas pajamas, do they? This cool trend has been catching on over the past few years, and it’s time for you to jump on the bandwagon!

Wearing matching pajamas brings an added sense of closeness and togetherness to your family. Plus, kids love looking forward to getting a special pair of pajamas in a cool new style! There are a variety of innovative and interesting styles to choose from, so go ahead and find the perfect matching jammies for you and your loved ones. The cute fam Christmas photos are an added bonus!

 Take a look at these delightful matching pajama sets and pick your style:

https://www.today.com/shop/holiday-family-matching-pajama-set-ideas-t117017

The holidays are a glorious time of togetherness with the family, whether it’s planning a party or getting together to exchange presents. No matter how we celebrate, what we all remember down the years are those great family Christmas traditions.

So, spice up your family Christmas this year and kick off with these new traditions that will create some beautiful lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From all of us at thedatingmaven, your go-to for best kids’ fashion clothes, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Sending love from Be Kind blogs. Happy reading.