Every year about this time, I start getting really excited about the upcoming Christmas season. I’m pretty certain it is directly related to when we get our first snowfall, which just so happened to be yesterday.  But that’s okay –  when there is snow, there is Christmas:) One thing that makes Christmas so special and magical for my family is the fun Christmas traditions that we create and share together.

I’m sharing some really fun ideas for new Christmas traditions that will give your family a chance to connect and reflect on the simple things outside of hustle bustle that comes along with the holidays.

Christmas story jar – On the first of December, write down titles of all of the Christmas books you enjoy reading with your children. Each night, (after jammies and brushing teeth of course!) let your child pick a piece of paper from the jar. Whatever book is on the paper is the bedtime story.

Wear new Christmas pajamas – This is something the whole family can participate in and it’s really cute! Buy matching pairs of pajamas to wear throughout the holiday season and on Christmas Eve and Morning. This makes a great photo opp for your yearly Christmas card, too! Here’s some cute jammies for the whole family.

Christmas Eve gift – This is popular when it comes to Christmas traditions and one that I am going to start doing myself. Fill a box with special things such as jammies, a movie, a book, a special ornament, snacks or hot cocoa. Wrap it up and have your children open it on Christmas Eve. When I was a kid, my parents always let my sister and I choose one gift to open on Christmas Eve and I always looked forward to that.

Elf on the Shelf – This little elf has stolen the show in houses across the world! He’s cute, mischevious and allows you to get a little creative every night as you decide what your elf is going to get into. This is not only fun for the kids, but it can be fun for mom and dad too! My husband and I love to see who can come up with the best place for our little elf each night. Paper Heart Family shares A Busy Mom’s Guide to Killin’ it With The Elf on The Shelf shares her tips for actually enjoying the Elf on the Shelf (because let’s be honest mamas, it’s only really fun for the first few nights!)

Drive around and look at Chrismas lights – This is a must do for my family every year, and I have been doing this since I was a child. We make hot cocoa, plate up some Christmas cookies, pack the kids in the car and head to the neighborhoods that have a lot of Christmas lights and decorations. There are a few houses around us that go ALL OUT with music and light shows, and sometimes we’ll make a separate trip just to go see those.

Make a Christmas Ornament – This is a fun one if you have kids that are into crafting. Choose a special ornament that you can make together each year. We make a few so that we can a. give some to grandmas and grandpas, and b. perfect the final product. Check out this list of Christmas ornaments kids can make.

Volunteer at a tree lot or soup kitchen –  This Christmas tradition is all about giving and isn’t that what the holidays are all about? This is a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of giving and being generous. Pick something new every year or stick with an old favorite.

Christmas movie Each Friday – If you’re into movies, there are many family-friendly Christmas movies that you can watch as a family. Let your children pick a movie to watch every Friday and have fun snacks like these old-fashioned popcorn balls.

Gift a new ornament every year and document the year – Choose a special ornament for each of your children every Christmas. Choose something that is a reflection of the year. Were they into ballet? Basketball? Did they go on a trip out of the country? Hobby Lobby has the largest selection of Christmas ornaments I have ever seen, there is something there for everyone! Once you have chosen an ornament, jot down why it is special and any other meaningful notes about it. When Christmas is over, stash the ornament and note in a box together so you can read about past years next Christmas.

Give gifts to those in need. Another Christmas tradition that teaches children about giving. Shop for toys together and let your children pick something special to give to a boy or girl who doesn’t have as much. Toys for Tots is always great for this. You can even adopt people to shop for (usually the elderly who don’t have much family or are in nursing homes, etc.) through community organizations or the giving tree at the mall.

Bake Cookies – This is another tradition that I have done every year since I can remember. My mom likes to bake and I started helping her bake at a young age. When Christmas came around, we would spend an entire day in the kitchen baking our favorite Christmas cookies and treats. Check out 25 Easy Christmas Treats To Make This Holiday Season!

Celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day – Christmas seems to revolve around Santa and his Reindeer, but if it weren’t for the birth of Jesus, there would be no Christmas to celebrate. Tell your children the story of Jesus so the real reason for Christmas doesn’t get lost.

Christmas Morning Breakfast – Make your families favorite breakfast every Christmas morning! When I was a child, my dad made biscuits and gravy. Yummy! As a busy mom, I opt for something that I can pop in the oven like a savory breakfast casserole. I also like to make cinnamon rolls – try Mrs. Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls and you won’t regret it!

Unwrap and read a Christmas book every night December 1 – Christmas Eve – (My favorite of all of the Christmas Traditions!) Collect Christmas books and individually wrap each of them and place them under the tree. Each night, let your children pick a book to open and read before bed. Here’s a collection of some great Christmas books. If you don’t want to buy 24 books, that is okay too. You can borrow a few at a time from the library and then return them when you’re done. Or, purchase two or three books a year and build upon your collection. Save the traditional. The Night Before Christmas is a must have for Christmas Eve. So if it’s one book you’re buying this year, this should be the one. Here’s a massive collection of 100 Christmas Books Every Child Should Read Before They Turn 10!

Inject culture – Choose a different country every year to learn about. Teach your children about their Christmas cultures, traditions, foods, etc. You could even make a traditional Christmas meal from that country for Christmas Eve or Day dinner.

Repeat gifts in stockings – Stockings are one of the things I enjoy most about Christmas but often times, I’m stuck as far as what to fill them with! Pick some items to always include in the Christmas stocking like toothbrushes, socks, chapstick, lotto tickets (depending on the age of the child) etc.  Check out this list of great stocking stuffer ideas for kids! Check out some great ideas for Stocking Stuffers for Littles!

Cut down your own Christmas tree – Bundle up and take a family trip to the tree farm. Let your children run around looking for the best and most perfect Christmas tree. This is one of our favorite Christmas traditions that we do every year; Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without it! We always go the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Sing Christmas Carols – When we lived in a neighborhood, there was a family that went around knocking on doors and singing Christmas carols. It was truly unexpected and magical all at the same time. This takes a little courage but catching people off guard and seeing them enjoy the music could be worth it.

Make a Christmas Decorations – If your littles are old enough and into crafting, pick some simple Christmas decorations to make. Make extras to give to friends and family. Grandmas always love new decorations from their favorite little people! I’m loving these Ombre Christmas Tree Garlands.

Make the same dinner every year when decorating the Christmas tree – This is something I started doing a few years ago. I make this sausage, pepper and potato bake. It’s not anything super special, but because I’ve made it every year when decorating the Tree, it’s special to us! I just love the way it smells up the house and any recipe with wine it in it a win in my book! Make sure to find a recipe that you don’t have to babysit because decorating the tree is way more fun than standing over a stove!

I hope these Christmas traditions inspired you to create a more intentional holiday season! What are your favorite Christmas traditions that you think should be added to this list?  Leave a comment so others can see how you’re making Christmas more magical.