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If you couldn’t tell by now, I am a huge stickler for traditions and think they are the perfect way to introduce past generations to the present and, hopefully, the future. Aside from the birth of Christ Himself, family traditions are the most essential part of Christmas, as they strengthen bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime.
While I am sure you have your own Christmas traditions already (one of my favorites is church on Christmas Eve, followed by opening stockings!), I wanted to share a few more should you be looking to start something new this year:
1. Christmas countdown calendar
Do you remember how exciting the days that led up to Christmas were? (Okay, they still are!) Your grandkids can hardly contain their excitement, so a Christmas countdown calendar (or an Advent calendar) can make for a fun tradition! You can buy these calendars for next to nothing at nearly every store or create a homemade advent calendar filled with small treats or activities for each day leading up to Christmas.
2. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus
This one is pretty self-explanatory. 🙂 Oh, and don’t forget to sing!
3. Create your own cards together
Storebought cards are just fine, but there is something extra magical about a handmade card – especially when it is crafted with love by you and your grandbabies! This year, forgo the Hallmark cards and opt for your own homemade masterpiece.
4. Holiday baking day
The best memories are made in the kitchen, so why not make a day out of baking delicious treats with your grands? What will it be: Gingerbread men? Sugar cookies? Cream pies? Why not all of the above?
5. Christmas Eve talent show
I have a friend who used to do this with her family, and I always thought it was the cutest idea! Let each grandchild showcase a talent, be it singing, dancing, a magic trick, or a recitation. (Do you have some talented adults in the family? Let them do it, too!)
6. Christmas memory book
Each Christmas, create a page or two with photos, little notes, and mementos from that year’s festivities. If you like, you can let everyone make their own special page featuring their take on the day! Over time, this book becomes a precious chronicle of your family, complete with many of your happiest memories.
7. Christmas Eve hot chocolate toast
Just before bed on Christmas Eve, grab your crew for a toast to the season! (While you’re toasting, don’t forget to give thanks for family, love, and your many blessings.)
8. Christmas light drive
This may be one of my very favorite traditions, as I am just as awe-struck with the festive displays as my grandbabies. Another reason to love this tradition is that you do not need to limit it to just one night. 🙂
9. Christmas carol puzzle
Beginning today, you and your family can start working on a festive Christmas puzzle, with the goal of finishing it by Christmas Eve. Pair the puzzle with Christmas carols on the radio (or Alexa) and some yummy snacks to make the festivities even more special!
10. Create a festive playlist
Since we discussed Christmas carols, you can invite your grands to help create an annual family Christmas playlist! (If you need help with the logistics, ask your grandkids – they are the ones who introduced me to Spotify, hehe.)
11. An “around the world” dinner
Each year, choose a different country and prepare a meal based on their Christmas traditions. Not only does this keep the menu unique and ever-changing, but it is also a learning opportunity for grandma and grandchild alike.
12. Festive photo booth
I love a good photo booth, and putting one together for Christmas is both easy and fun! To set up your holiday-themed photo booth, collect props, create a simple background (your Christmas tree works great!), and watch your family break out into huge smiles. Trust me: It is a fun way to capture timeless memories!
13. Ornament exchange
Start an ornament exchange tradition where each family member gives an ornament to another. Whether you choose a theme or tell everyone to pick one that speaks to them, a family ornament exchange makes for a unique tradition everyone can enjoy for years.
14. Secret Santa (with a twist)
Everyone loves a good Secret Santa, but instead of storebought gifts, why not consider exchanging acts of service or something handmade? Not only is this more meaningful, but it is a great teaching moment for those observant grands!
15. Christmas morning nature walk
This one may be easier said than done with little ones, but when they are a bit older, you can invite them (and whoever else!) to begin the day with a peaceful nature walk.
16. Christmas Eve box
As I mentioned in the intro, one of my favorite Christmas traditions is opening stockings on Christmas Eve. What I forgot to mention is that before we do stockings, my grands get to open their special Christmas box from me, which is filled with new pajamas, a Christmas book (more on that in a moment!), and some treats to enjoy while we open stockings.
17. Christmas morning storytime
After we open gifts in the morning (and the kids have had some time to play with their new toys!), I invite the grands to join me on the couch for a Christmas storytime, which includes the same books I gifted them on Christmas Eve. This is such a simple tradition, but one that we look forward to every year!
18. Volunteering
This is the time of year when we count our blessings and try to give back to those in need. Grab the grands and find a time to help others this month, whether serving in a soup kitchen, assisting with a clothing drive, or singing Christmas carols at the nursing home.
19. Curate a holiday recipe book
Do you have a Christmas cookie recipe that you are famous for? Or maybe you and your grandbabies love to bake brownies together? Whatever it is, begin compiling a holiday recipe book that you can revisit each year and one day pass along to your grandkids.
20. “12 Days of Christmas” kindness
Did you know Christmas does not end on December 25th at 11:59 p.m.? Au contraire, Christmas Day is only the beginning! To keep the celebration going, you can initiate 12 Days of Christmas kindness and encourage everyone to do one special thing for someone else every day through January 5th.
21. Create a Christmas wish tree
Do you have a small Christmas tree in the storage room? Break it out and turn it into a special wish tree where your grandkids write their wishes on ornaments and hang them on the tree.
22. Christmas breakfast
If you haven’t yet, choose a special breakfast to make every Christmas morning, and invite your grandkids to help you whip it up before you open gifts.
23. Tree decorating party
Every Saturday after Thanksgiving, I invite our adult children and all the grands to our house to decorate the tree! We order Chinese food, watch Christmas movies, and work together to build a beautiful tree. (Does anyone else get overly sentimental about ornaments and the stories behind them, or is that just me?)
Do you have a group of grandma friends (or have siblings with grandkids)? Invite them to bake a batch of their favorite cookies with their grandkids, and then join you and your bunch for a festive cookie exchange. Yum!
Conclusion
These traditions are more than just activities – they create lasting bonds and cherished memories with your grandkids. I hope that these give you some ideas and inspiration. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones from your friend, Devoted Grandma.
