The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating the season, and making memories that last. This year, consider starting one of these fun Christmas traditions that bring everyone together and make each season even more special. From DIY decorations that add a personal touch to your home, to creative gift exchanges that get everyone laughing, these ideas are designed to help you create meaningful holiday memories.
Whether you’re decorating, crafting, or gifting, these Christmas traditions are simple, fun, and perfect for any family, friend group, or couple looking to add a little extra magic to their holiday season!
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Fun DIY Project Christmas Traditions to Make Every Season Special
The holiday season is often filled with the urge to buy the latest festive decor. What if instead of splurging on new items each year, you started a new tradition instead? Making one new decoration every year with your family, friends, or significant other is the perfect way to deck the halls, while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s making ornaments that commemorate the year, or building a Christmas village one house at a time, these DIY projects are perfect for starting traditions that will make every holiday feel special.
Make Your Own Salt Dough Ornaments
Making salt dough ornaments is a timeless and simple activity that can become a cherished tradition at any age. Whether you’re a couple just starting out or a family of four looking for new ways to celebrate the season together, salt dough ornaments are a fun, hands-on project anyone can enjoy. Not only do these homemade ornaments add a personal touch to your holiday tree, but they also make thoughtful, heartfelt gifts for family and friends.
Ready to get started? Get the full step-by-step guide for the best salt dough ornament recipe and all the supplies you’ll need to start this fun Christmas tradition!
Build Your Own Christmas Village
Another great family-friendly tradition is to paint small wooden houses to add to your holiday decor. My husband and I started this years ago when we were looking for a fun little Christmas craft to try. He had ogled the expensive holiday villages in stores for years, but never bit the bullet because they were so pricey. One year, he decided we should DIY our own budget-friendly Christmas decor and brought home a couple of wooden houses. That kicked off a fun new holiday tradition!
Here are fun houses and painting kit you can grab to start this tradition.
Create a Winter Wonderland Forest
Here’s a fun new Christmas tradition to start! Create your own “winter wonderland forest” by making DIY fabric and jute twine trees with your family! Each year, add a new tree to the collection, using different fabrics, colors, or materials to make it uniquely yours. This easy, budget-friendly craft is a wonderful way to spend time together, and over time, you’ll build a charming little forest of handcrafted memories.
Ready to get started? Check out the full DIY mini Christmas trees tutorial for step-by-step instructions and supply ideas!
These DIY projects don’t just add to your holiday decor—they help you start traditions that everyone will look forward to each year. Try one or all of these projects and let each season be filled with handmade memories!
DIY Christmas Advent Calendar Traditions to Start this Year
Next up on our fun Christmas traditions to start: DIY advent calendars! This activity is a fun way to bring excitement and anticipation to each day of the holiday season. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to create this holiday tradition.
1. Envelope Countdown Calendar – Hang small envelopes on a board or along a string. Add a little note, treat, or activity to do together in each envelope. It’s simple yet personal, and can be decorated in festive colors for extra cheer!
2. Mini Stocking Calendar – Find (or make) 24 mini stockings and hang them on a mantel or wall. Then, fill each one with a small gift or treat. This calendar is great for families, and kids will love reaching in to find a daily surprise.
3. Craft Paper Houses Village – Create a little holiday village with small paper houses, each numbered from 1 to 24. Inside each “house” is a small gift, candy, or note. This one adds a beautiful decorative touch to any space as well!
4. Hanging Box or Bag Calendar – Use mini gift bags or small boxes. Label each one and hang them on a wooden board or wall. Fill them with activities, family challenges, or sweets for an exciting surprise each day.
5. Toilet Paper Roll Calendar – Hot glue toilet paper rolls together to create a shape. Hide little treats in each tube and them cover with kraft paper or wrapping paper and number. This idea is not only eco-friendly, but super fun for your kids to punch through each day.
Tailor these DIY advent calendar ideas to your family’s style. Next year, either reuse or create a new one to add a fun, personalized touch to the season.
Fun Christmas Traditions to Make Gift Exchanges More Memorable
Last but not least, gift exchanges are a holiday classic, but adding a twist can make them even more memorable. Here are some fun christmas traditions that go beyond the typical Secret Santa:
Host an Annual Favorite Things Party
At a Favorite Things party, each person brings a small gift that represents one of their favorite things, typically under a set price limit. The gifts are exchanged in a way that everyone goes home with something new and unique. It’s a great way to share what you love with friends and family—and to get inspired by others’ favorites!
For more details on how to host, check out my blog on Favorite Things Party ideas.
Play Pass the Present Game for a Fun Christmas Tradition
Bring the laughs with this interactive game! In Pass the Present, everyone starts with a small gift. As players take turns rolling the die, gifts move around the circle and get unwrapped, while some are left to the imagination until the very end. It’s a fun and interactive Christmas activity everyone will enjoy.
Find step-by-step instructions and a free printable game sheet on my Pass the Present Game blog.
Start a 12 Days of Christmas Gifting Tradition
For a gift exchange that stretches over the holiday season, try the “12 Days of Christmas” gifting idea! Each participant is assigned someone to surprise with small, thoughtful gifts over the 12 days leading up to Christmas. These don’t have to be extravagant—think handmade ornaments, cozy treats, or small holiday mementos. It’s a lovely way to keep the holiday spirit going and adds a layer of anticipation as the season unfolds.
Add fun, thoughtfulness, and a touch of surprise to your holiday celebrations with one of these alternative gift exchange ideas!
So, this year, I encourage you to start your own Christmas tradition. Gather your loved ones, pick a simple craft or a new activity to try, and enjoy the process of creating something meaningful.
Before you go, grab my free party planning checklist–perfect for organizing all your holiday get-togethers and beyond! Plus, get access to free printables and updates on new ideas and articles in your inbox.