Cultivating New Holiday Traditions

We’ve packed away the Halloween costumes and skeletons for the year. The grocery stores are advertising Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday decorations line the shelves of every store. The planners among us are checking off their lists, while others are wondering how we are nearing the end of 2022 already. Whichever camp you find yourself in, there is no doubt that the holiday season and everything that comes with it is upon us! The holidays might stir up feelings of coziness, stress, fun, or anxiety. Maybe a little of all four! 


Today we have a fun list of holiday traditions and new spins on old traditions to consider as you plan your end of November and December calendars. Incorporate some new traditions into your routine this season! And if it all feels like too much, simplify. That’s okay too! 


  • Homemade Holiday Cards

Rather than stressing and worrying about snapping a holiday photo, consider making some homemade cards! Make a custom stamp using recycled materials and work together to stamp cards! Decorate and send to family and friends. 


  • Send Paper Snowflakes 

Surprise a friend with paper snowflakes. There are hundreds of videos and DIY instructions you can follow to cut your own paper snowflakes. After you have a collection made, fold them up and send them to a friend who could use a boost in spirits. This is a great way to surprise kids too! Hang the snowflakes at various lengths above their beds with fishing line. 


  • Candlelight Dinner 

It’s getting darker earlier and earlier. Lean into it and dim the lights, pull out all of the candles, and plan a candlelit feast. Even if you’re serving a quick takeout dinner after shuttling kids around all day, the candle light will make it feel special. Keep the coziness going by stringing fairy lights in different rooms to cozy up every space. 


  • Winter Hike & Picnic

Winter hikes are underrated! No mosquitos! No crowds! Layer up and pack a breakfast picnic (think breakfast sandwiches, apples, a thermos of hot chocolate). Set out on a morning hike and afterwards return to your warm car to enjoy some late breakfast.   


  • Kindness Chain 

As a countdown through the season, make a paper chain with one link for each day. In addition to the date, write down the name of a family member or friend on each chain link. Take turns pulling a link off the chain each day. When you read the person’s name, think of something kind you can do for that person. Perhaps it’s giving them a call or writing a note. Maybe it’s dropping off their favorite treat on their porch or making something for them. 


  • Grateful Walk 

After the Thanksgiving leftovers have been put away and the dishes are cleared, invite everyone to go on a walk outside. If it’s dark, take flashlights and headlamps. While on the walk, encourage each person to share three things they are thankful for. The fresh air and sharing of good things will reinvigorate everyone just in time for dessert. 


  • Surprise Balls 

Collect small objects that can fit in your hand. Think temporary tattoos, tiny playing cards, a new pencil eraser, a pin or patch for a backpack, pencil sharpener, small candy, and windup trinkets. Follow the instructions to wrap the items in crepe paper and glue each layer to secure. These surprise balls are so much fun to open and will delight kids around the holidays!


  • Holiday Treat Delivery 

Every early December, my husband’s family would spend a Friday baking his great-grandmother’s Swedish coffee cake recipe. They would bake multiple mini coffee cakes and then pile into the car early on a Saturday to deliver to neighbors and friends. It was such a wonderful tradition! Adapt to your tastes! Maybe you deliver rolls of your favorite unbaked cookie dough for friends to bake through the season or a box of holiday cookies or mulling spices for hot cider.  


  • Hanukkah Celebration  

Whether or not you observe Hanukkah, this is a great time to learn more about the eight-day festival of lights. Make a batch of latkes and read more about the meaning of the holiday. Kids will enjoy playing dreidel and taking turns trying to win some chocolate or pennies. 


  • Winter Solstice 

The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter and is the shortest day of the year, usually December 21st or 22nd. You can go on a winter walk outside and leave seeds and offerings for the birds on trees. When you return home, make a pot of mulled cider and light candles or homemade lanterns. You can make orange pomanders and read a book about the winter solstice, such as The Shortest Day. 


We want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite holiday tradition to share?

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