The holidays come and go in the blink of an eye —but the simple traditions you start now will become the moments your children remember most.
Each small tradition— baking together, writing a note, taking a walk — becomes a piece of your family’s story.
Here are a few of our favorite family traditions to begin this holiday season:
Record a Christmas Eve video — After your child goes to bed on Christmas Eve, take a few minutes to record a short video for them to watch one day when they’re older.
Say the year, tell them how much you love them, and show the magic under the tree. It’s a beautiful time capsule of a fleeting moment in childhood that will mean the world to them one day.
Take a family gratitude walk — Choose one night each year — maybe Thanksgiving Eve or New Years Eve — to take a family walk and share what you’re most thankful for.
Bundle up, hold little hands, and reflect on the memories and milestones of the past year.
It’s a simple way to slow down together and remind everyone what truly matters.
Create a Christmas Eve Box — One of our favorite family traditions!
Fill a special box with matching pajamas, packets of hot cocoa, and a holiday book to open together on Christmas Eve. It’s a sweet ritual that sets the tone for a relaxing, joy-filled night — and gives you an excuse to slow down before the excitement of Christmas morning.
Write a letter to your child — At the end of each year, take a quiet moment to write a letter to your child. Share your favorite memories, their milestones, and your hopes for the year ahead. Store these letters safely to gift them when they’re grown.
Collect a special ornament — Each year, choose one ornament that represents your family’s — maybe something tied to a trip, a milestone, or a favorite memory.
For an extra sentimental touch, tuck a tiny photo and a short note inside a clear ornament to hang on your tree.
Host a family bake day — Choose one special day every year to bake together — cookies, pies, or family recipes passed down for generations. Let little hands stir, sprinkle, and taste-test. The kitchen will be messy, but your hearts will be full. Don’t forget to snap a photo — it’s a moment you’ll want to remember.
Plan an annual holiday outing — Whether it’s visiting a Christmas tree farm, seeing lights, or ice skating together, pick one outing to repeat every year. The activity itself doesn’t matter as much as the laughter, the traditions, and the time spent side by side.
Those are the memories your children will carry with them always.
Because someday, when your children look back, it won’t be the gifts they remember most — it’ll be the love, laughter, and simple moments you created together.
