The holiday season is a magical time for kids and adults. The mood is joyful. Families spend time with their relatives and loved ones. It is also the perfect opportunity to create special family traditions that children will treasure for years to come.
Starting new traditions can bring your family closer together, add excitement to the season, and make every Christmas unforgettable. If you're looking for fun and meaningful ways to celebrate, here are seven Christmas traditions you can start with your kids this year.
1. Eat at a Festive Restaurant
Treat your family to a meal at a festive restaurant decked out in holiday lights and decorations. Many places offer special Christmas menus or fun seasonal treats like gingerbread pancakes or peppermint hot chocolate.
Three of the most festive restaurants in the US are Rolf's German Restaurant and Tavern on the Green in New York City, New York, and L'Auberge Chez François in Great Falls, Virginia. Rolf's, specifically, is hailed as the most iconic Christmas restaurant in New York City, renowned for its extravagant holiday decorations.
2. Bake and Exchange Holiday Cookies
Get your kids involved in the kitchen during the Christmas season by baking holiday cookies together. Let them decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles, then wrap up the treats to exchange with friends or neighbors.
3. Visit a Holiday Market
Holiday markets are full of twinkling lights, music, and festive goodies. Take your kids to explore the stalls, try seasonal snacks, and pick out a small gift. It's a great way to support local businesses while creating a festive outing for the family.
4. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity that's fun for all ages. It's also an activity that's "innately Christmas."
Bundle up and head to an outdoor rink, or find an indoor option if you live in a warmer area. Kids will love gliding (or wobbling) on the ice, and it's a great way to burn off some holiday energy.
5. Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch
Skip the instant packets and make hot chocolate from scratch. Let your kids help stir the milk and melt the chocolate, then top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or even candy canes.
6. Make Christmas Ornaments
Crafting ornaments is a fun and creative way to decorate your tree. From salt dough shapes to popsicle stick crafts, kids can create personalized ornaments to hang proudly. Each year, they'll love seeing their handmade treasures on the tree.
7. Take a Family Holiday Photo
Make it a yearly tradition to take a family photo in front of your tree, wearing festive outfits or even matching pajamas. Over time, you'll have a collection of photos that show how your family has grown and celebrated together.
