20 New Family Christmas Traditions to Start

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Quick answer: 20 New Family Christmas Traditions to Start. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Annual Keepsakes; Cosy Rituals in December; Giving and Kindness; Christmas Day and After.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

The traditions children remember are rarely the grand ones. They are the small, repeatable things: the same mug every year, the same song on the way to see the lights, the same silly photo by the tree.

Here are twenty easy traditions to start with your family. Choose one or two that suit your household, do them every year and let them grow. Keep it simple so it is something you will actually do.

Annual Keepsakes

A little collection that grows each year becomes a treasure.

• A new ornament each year: Let each child choose one bauble every December. When they grow up, they will have a box of memories to start their own tree.
• A Christmas book collection: Wrap up a book a year and open it on the first of December. Reading them in the run up becomes a cosy habit.
• A family Christmas journal: Jot down a few lines each year: favourite gift, funniest moment, who came. It is lovely to read back through.
• Yearly pyjamas: Matching pyjamas worn on Christmas Eve make great photos. Choose comfortable cotton and check sizes allow room for growing.
• Annual photo frame: Take the same photo in the same spot each year. A frame with several openings lets you display them side by side.

Cosy Rituals in December

These small habits make the whole month feel special.

• Advent calendar activities: Fill each pocket with an idea such as a walk or hot chocolate rather than a sweet. Many families find it brings them closer.
• First day of December box: A small box opened on 1 December with pyjamas, a book and a treat. It starts the countdown in style.
• Hot chocolate and lights drive: Pile into the car and look at the decorations in your area. Take blankets, flasks and a festive playlist.
• A Christmas mug: Keep a special mug for December hot drinks. Pick a new one each year or keep the same favourite.
• Festive baking day: Choose a day each year for baking biscuits or mince pies together. Wear matching aprons and share the results with neighbours.

Giving and Kindness

Traditions that look outwards teach children the real joy of the season.

• Shoebox of kindness: Fill a box with new toiletries, hats or toys for a local charity collection. Check what the charity can accept first.
• Handwritten cards for neighbours: Each child writes a card and delivers it by hand. It strengthens friendships and takes very little time.
• Donate a toy: Each child chooses one toy to give to a local charity shop before Christmas. It clears space and teaches sharing.
• Bake for a neighbour: Make a small tray of bakes and deliver them with a note. Include an ingredients list in case of allergies.
• Thank you notes: After Christmas, write thank you notes together. It is a sweet habit that grandparents especially love.

Christmas Day and After

Little rituals bring the day together.

• Christmas morning breakfast: Serve the same breakfast every year, such as pancakes or cinnamon rolls. It gives everyone something to look forward to.
• Reading a Christmas story: Gather by the tree each Christmas Eve for a story. Choose a long loved favourite and let each child take a turn.
• A walk after dinner: Wrap up and go for a stroll once the meal is done. Fresh air and a stretch help everyone feel better.
• Games in pyjamas: Spend the evening in cosy clothes playing a family game. The more relaxed, the better.
• Put the decorations away together: Pack up decorations in order, remembering each one. Label the boxes so next year is easier.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• GOV.UK: UK bank holidays: Official bank holiday dates for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
• MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.

Frequently asked questions

How many new traditions should we start?

Start with one or two. Traditions stick when they are easy and enjoyable, so do not overload December with too many new rituals.

What if my children are different ages?

Choose traditions with a flexible role, such as reading or baking, where younger children help and older ones lead. Everybody gets involved.

How do I keep traditions going each year?

Write them in a family journal or on the calendar. When children ask for them, you know they have become real traditions.

More ideas you might like

• Christmas Traditions in the UK
• Christmas Eve Traditions
• Advent Calendar Ideas
• Christmas Countdown Ideas