Making Merry: Starting Christmas Traditions to Last a Lifetime

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The festive season is the perfect time to create meaningful moments that bring both family and friends together. Whether you’re a young family, newlyweds or simply looking to add more joy to your holiday celebrations, starting your own Christmas traditions is a beautiful way to make lasting memories. And these don’t have to be elaborate or expensive – what matters most is the time spent together and the memories made. Whether it’s through baking cookies, crafting ornaments, or spreading kindness, these traditions will become the foundation of your family’s holiday joy for years to come.

We’ve rounded up some heartwarming ideas to inspire you this festive season.

1. DIY Christmas Ornaments
Create a tradition of crafting ornaments together each year.

What You’ll Need:

  • Clear baubles, felt or wooden shapes like stars or circles
  • Paint, glitter, markers or stickers
  • Photos or small mementos
  • Ribbons

How It Works:
Let everyone in the family design their own ornament for the tree. This could be as simple as painting a wooden star, filling a clear bauble with glitter and a handwritten wish or decorating a wooden shape. Even if you only learn how to tie the perfect ribbon – over the years, you’ll build a collection that tells the story of the Christmas time spent together.

2. A Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

Transform your kitchen into a festive bake-off zone.

How It Works:

Choose a simple cookie recipe as your base and have each family member or friend decorate their batch with icing, sprinkles or edible glitter. The fun lies in the creativity and a little friendly competition—who can make the most festive or funniest cookie?

3. A Christmas Movie Marathon

Turn one evening into a movie night featuring holiday classics.

How It Works:

Choose a mix of old favourites and new releases. Pair the movies with a spread of popcorn and festive treats. Let everyone take turns picking their favourite to watch.

4. Secret Santa with a Twist
Reinvent the classic Secret Santa with a unique twist.

How It Works:
Instead of buying gifts, create a tradition of making something personal – a handwritten letter, a DIY craft or baked goods. Assign Secret Santas well in advance so everyone has time to prepare.

5. Advent Acts of Kindness

Turn the countdown to Christmas into an opportunity to spread joy.

How It Works:

Create an advent calendar where each day reveals a small act of kindness, such as baking cookies for a neighbour, donating toys or writing thank-you notes. This tradition shifts the focus from receiving to giving, instilling a sense of gratitude and community spirit.