Simple Holiday Traditions You Can Start This Year

Simple Holiday Traditions You Can Start This Year

ByWasana

There is something magical about this time of the year.
Maybe it is the twinkling lights.
Maybe it is the smell of cinnamon everywhere. Or maybe it is simply the feeling that we have almost made it through another year. Tired, a little chaotic, but still grateful.

I don’t know about you, but every November, my mind jumps between “I should start the year end cleaning” . And “Let me just watch one Christmas movie before I do anything.”
And of course… I end up watching few.

Recently I watched “Christmas Under the Northern Lights“. One small detail in it touched me more than the entire plot. That family had a tradition. Everyone placed a Christmas bell on the big tree in their garden. Old bells, new bells, tiny bells from years gone by all still hanging there, telling their own story.

The Other movie “A Merry Little Ex-Mas” had another tradition. DIY, sustainable gifts handmade, thoughtful, and full of effort instead of price tags.

It made me pause for a second.
We don’t really have official “holiday traditions” at home. But maybe it is time to start some.

And maybe you are feeling the same.

So here are some simple, meaningful holiday traditions you can begin this year.

Start a Tree Decoration Tradition (Your Own Way)

You don’t need a big garden or a giant outdoor tree like in the movie.
You can start small.

  • Hang one special ornament every year
  • Write the year at the bottom
  • Let each child pick their own
  • Choose something that reflects that year which could be a hobby, a favorite color, even a tiny handmade craft

Imagine 10 years later… your tree will be a timeline of your life.

DIY Gifts But Make It Realistic

Not everyone has time to knit, sew, or build things.
But you can still make tiny, meaningful DIY gifts.

  • Hot chocolate jars
  • Handmade cards
  • A tiny photo frame
  • A note about your favorite memory with that person
  • Reusing old jars, baskets, ribbons (yes , full sustainable vibes)

These take minutes, not hours.
But the thought? It stays forever.

A Late Night Christmas Movie Ritual (Just for You)

This one is my favorite. (you can see how that works for me in my recent article https://livewithwasi.com/year-end-reset )

After everyone sleeps,after the noise stops, make yourself a hot drink. Sit on the couch, turn on a Christmas movie, and just breathe.

A tradition doesn’t have to involve the whole family.
Sometimes it’s just your moment.

A Family Night Outdoors (Even Just for 30 Minutes)

No need for snow or a fancy setup.
Step outside one evening.

  • Look at the lights in your neighborhood
  • Play a small game with your kids
  • Sit outside and talk about the year
  • Let your toddlers explore the lights and sounds
  • Take photos (these become memories)

Simple. Easy. But special.

Create a “Year in Review” Jar

Every family member writes

  • One happy memory
  • One lesson
  • One thing they want to do next year

Put everything inside a jar.
Open it on the 31st night or on New Year’s morning.
It’s a beautiful way to close the year.

A Holiday Recipe Everyone Makes Together

Pick one recipe you repeat every year. Something,

  • Simple
  • Fun
  • Not stressful

Cookies, a pudding, a drink, or even a simple snack.
The goal is not perfection , it is togetherness.

A Giving Tradition (Teach Kids Early)

Do one small act of giving every December.

  • Donate toys
  • Share food
  • Help a neighbor
  • Gift something handmade to someone who needs kindness

This tradition shapes your children more than any Christmas gift.

A Night of Gratitude

Turn off the TV.
Light some candles.
Sit together and talk about,

  • What went well this year
  • What you are thankful for
  • Who helped you
  • What you learned

This tradition heals the heart.

Why These Traditions Matter

Because life moves fast.
Kids grow.
Responsibilities pile up.
And sometimes we are too tired to create big memories.

But traditions?
They give us something to look forward to.
Something small but meaningful.
Something that reminds us that joy doesn’t need to be expensive, perfect, or Instagram worthy.

It just needs to be ours.

This year, I’m trying a few of these traditions for the first time. Not all. Not perfectly. But slowly, intentionally, and with a heart that wants to make the season feel warm not stressful.

Maybe you will try one too.
And maybe, just like in the movies, these tiny traditions will become part of your story.

So here’s to simple joy, cozy nights, cinnamon smell everywhere, and holidays filled with love not pressure.

Happy holidays. ❤️

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