Our Family Christmas Traditions We’ve Started

Now that we are a family of three for the past two years, we have started our own Christmas traditions! December is definitely the most special time of the year, and it happens to also be my favorite time of year. There are so many special memories that are made with family during this time, so many special moments to share, and tons of fun and festive things to do. Over the years, we’ve created traditions within our family, ones that we hold near and dear to our hearts and have become something to look forward to each year.

Our Family Christmas Traditions

1. New PJs

I love any excuse for new pajamas for both of me and Rowan. We love having Christmas-themed pajamas to enjoy the entire month of December.

2. Decorating a Gingerbread House

A pro tip: hot glue the gingerbread house kit the night before that way it doesn’t fall apart during the fun decorating with little fingers pushing extra hard!

3. Decorating Sugar Cookies

We have been doing this for the last 2 years and it is so fun. I end up also baking a lot of other cookies with my mom and sister too!

4. Watching holiday movies

This time of year has no shortage of holiday films, new and old! Take a look at my holiday movie list for kids and my ultimate list for adults!

5. Hot cocoa

Nothing beats a hot mug of cocoa on a wintery night!

6. Playing Board games

I love a good board game! Everyone gets involved, it’s fun to do before settling into a holiday movie.

7. Eating appetizers on Christmas Eve

I love the idea of this one and hope to do it this year! Less stress on making any meals and who doesn’t love to eat appetizers with drinks?

8. A long walk outside on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day

Weather depends, but a great way to get some fresh air before all the activities and feasting!

9. Van Dusen Festival of Lights

This is one we do with my family each year, we were going on Christmas Eve, but it’s too chaotic and the weather the last two years was torrential rain or snow. Sooo this year will be earlier in the month haha.

10. Visit Santa Claus

Can’t go a Christmas season without visiting Santa Claus.

11. Holiday shopping and cocktails at a fancy bar

Curtis and I do this every year even before Rowan. It’s nice for us to go out just by ourselves, shop and then end the evening with drinks at a fancy hotel bar.

12. Donate Toys

This is a new tradition I’m starting this year. I usually donate our used toys throughout the year but want to donate a couple of new toys to a toy drive in the city. I’d like Rowan to understand the importance of helping another family in need.