Looking for memorable ways to make this Christmas unforgettable for your family? Whether it’s through creative crafts, heartfelt giving, or festive outings, these family Christmas traditions will fill your holiday season with joy and connection.
Maybe it’s the smell of warm gingerbread cookies, fresh from the oven… Or the sweet sound of kids bursting with excitement as they jump out of bed on Christmas morning. Family, fun, food…Whatever the reason, the holiday season brings out the best of times, and this year, you can make it one to remember.
With so many ways to celebrate, it’s easy to let holiday activities fall by the wayside. But if you’re intentional, these activities can bring your family together, sparking laughter, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a roundup of 7 Christmas activities for kids and families that are sure to make your holiday one to cherish.
1. Put an Unexpected Twist on the Traditional Door Wreath for a Memorable Christmas
Seeing wreaths popping up on doors is the ultimate sign that the holiday season has begun. But this year, make your decor stand out with a pair of vintage ice skates! Just pack them with fresh greenery from your yard, toss in a few baubles, and hang it proudly. Your door will look like something out of a Christmas classic, and even your craftiest neighbors will take notice!
Imagine the laughs as you and the kids hunt for those perfect baubles or gather fresh greenery together. This isn’t just about the wreath; it’s about creating something together that will become part of your family’s story. Each time you open the door, you’ll be reminded of the special moments you shared making it—and the kids will feel proud each time they see their creation on display.
Photo Credit:Unsplash
2. Create Custom DIY Snow Globes
Homemade gifts bring a special warmth, and snow globes have a way of capturing that magical feeling of Christmas in a jar. Gather your family around the table, sprinkle some glitter, and let each person create their own snow globe masterpiece.
As you pick out tiny figurines and carefully pour in the “snow,” you’ll find yourselves laughing, sharing stories, and truly savoring the season. Each snow globe becomes more than a holiday decoration—it’s a piece of family history, a memory that will shine brightly every Christmas.
If you’re loving this hands-on time together, our Family Christmas Bucket Journal is filled with dozens more Christmas gift and family activity ideas just like this one to help you create lasting holiday memories with the ones you love. It’s the perfect guide for a Christmas season filled with joy, connection, and creativity.
Photo Credit: Crazy Little Projects
3. Make Thank You Cards for Community Heroes and Teach Kids the Spirit of Giving
Nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like giving back. Gather the family around to create heartfelt thank-you cards for the heroes in your community—firefighters, healthcare workers, teachers, and anyone who makes your town a better place.
As you cut, color, and write together, you’re not only teaching the kids about gratitude but also creating memories of kindness and connection. Imagine the joy on your children’s faces as they deliver these handmade cards, seeing firsthand how their small gesture brings happiness to others.
And if you’re looking for even more ways to give back together, our Family Christmas Bucket Journal has 17 more thoughtful ideas to help you make this season truly unforgettable. It’s a wonderful way to add more purpose and joy to your holiday celebrations.
Photo Credit: Stampin’ Savvy
4. Swap the Cookies For Santa Pancakes
Who says Christmas morning has to be all about presents? Start a new tradition with Santa Pancakes, a breakfast the kids will talk about for years.
Picture this: you’re all gathered in the kitchen, each person taking on a “role” in crafting Santa’s face with cherry “hats,” banana “eyes,” chocolate chip “buttons,” and a whipped cream “beard.” The laughter, the whipped cream “sneak tastes,” and the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as each Santa face takes shape will be half the fun!
Not only does this unique breakfast kick off Christmas Day with joy, but it’s also a sweet way to make the morning about family togetherness before the present-unwrapping frenzy begins. Years down the road, your kids will look back on these pancake mornings and remember the love and laughter that filled your kitchen each Christmas.
Photo Credit: Taste of Home
5. See the Neighborhood Christmas Lights and Pick a Winner!
Nothing brings the holiday spirit alive like a tour of neighborhood Christmas lights, where every street corner seems to sparkle with joy.
Load up the car, pack some hot cocoa in thermoses, and set out on a festive family adventure. As you drive, let the kids decide on a “theme song” for the night, or even vote on categories like “Most Colorful,” “Best Santa,” and “Brightest House.”
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a bonding experience full of laughter and light-hearted competition. The excitement of finding each new display, the friendly debates over which house wins, and the tradition of leaving a small gift (maybe some homemade cookies) for the “winning” house are the kind of moments your family will remember for years.
Every Christmas, the memory of these light-filled nights will shine brightly in your hearts.
6. Start an Annual Ornament Collection
Family traditions have a way of bringing comfort, joy, and nostalgia, and an ornament collection is a beautiful way to capture that spirit.
This year, start a new tradition by gifting each family member an ornament that represents something special from the past year—maybe a tiny camera for the year you took up photography, or a mini travel suitcase for a big family trip. Let each person hang their ornament and share a memory about it as you decorate the tree.
Not only does this tradition create a beautiful and unique family tree, but over the years, these ornaments become symbols of cherished family memories. Imagine your children’s joy as they grow up and one day bring their own box of ornaments into their homes, each one a piece of their childhood and family story.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
7. Visit a Live Nativity Display
Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and glittering decorations, it can be easy to forget the deeper meaning of Christmas.
This year, gather the family for a visit to a live nativity display, where you can take a quiet moment together to reflect on the heart of the season. Watching the nativity come to life with real animals, costumes, and the Christmas story is an experience that invites calm, connection, and a sense of wonder.
For children, it’s a memorable way to experience the Christmas story, seeing the magic in a way that feels real and tangible. And as a family, it’s a shared moment of reflection that can become a grounding tradition each year—a memory that becomes part of the fabric of your holiday celebrations.
Photo Credit: Between Naps On The Porch
Special Holiday Bonus:
When you order a Family Christmas Bucket Journal, you’ll receive three free digital downloads to make this holiday season even more magical!
First, add a personal touch to every present with our Tag It With Love Gift Tags—66 beautifully designed tags that make each gift feel thoughtful and unique.
Next, keep your holiday season stress-free with our Festive Family Holiday Tracker, a 54-page planner that covers everything from meal planning to budgeting, so you can focus on creating cherished family memories.
Finally, deepen your holiday experience with our Christmas Reflections Memory Journal. This printable journal offers 66 prompts to encourage reflection, gratitude, and documentation of your family’s holiday experiences—creating a keepsake that can be revisited for years to come.
Together, these digital gifts bring organization, joy, and a heartfelt touch to your holiday celebrations.
Ready to Make This Season Unforgettable?
This year, give your family the gift of memories that will warm their hearts for years to come. Create holiday memories with our Family Christmas Bucket Journal.
It’s your go-to guide for bringing the season to life. With over 100 family-friendly ideas, it’s packed with activities, traditions, and prompts that make every moment of the holidays special.
Make this Christmas one to remember by starting new family traditions and creating meaningful memories. Don’t let this Christmas slip by—click below to start your family’s holiday journey!
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