Christmas traditions are the secret ingredient to making the festive season feel so magical — who doesn’t love a good dose of Christmas cheer? Unless you’re a Grinch, in which case, you might be in the wrong place! If you’re looking to start some new traditions (or just upgrade your current ones), we’ve got all the Christmas tradition ideas you need right here. Whether it’s letting the kids sneak one present open on Christmas Eve, devouring a big breakfast on the big day, or unique Christmas traditions, we’ve gathered plenty of suggestions to make the festive season even more unforgettable. But before we dive in, why not take a look at our Christmas cards?
Our blog on what to write in a Christmas card will also give you a few helpful pointers if you’re at a loss on what to write in the many cards you have to send.
Now you’ve got your Christmas cards sorted, it’s time to add some extra sparkle to your Christmas with our Christmas tradition ideas. Let’s go!
Christmas traditions for kids
From exciting pre-Christmas surprises to unforgettable festive performances, these Christmas traditions for kids will create lasting memories for your mini-mes.
Open a present early on Christmas eve
There’s something magical about the build-up to Christmas morning, but who says you can’t bend the rules a little? Letting your kids open one present on Christmas Eve is a fun way to kick off the celebrations early – and a genius noise control solution if they’re bouncing off the walls from all the Christmas excitement! A Christmas Eve box that includes items such as matching festive pjs, a Christmas book and chocolate coins is a great way to keep them happy before bedtime. Plus, they’ll technically be getting 3 presents in one. You’ll set the tone for the big day ahead, without the full-on wrapping paper explosion, just yet, anyway!
Watch a pantomime
Ah, pantomimes! The ultimate Christmas tradition for kids that somehow combines fairy tales, adult puns, and catchy tunes into a delightful whirlwind of chaos. Whether it’s Cinderella with a side of dad jokes, or Aladdin featuring a genie with questionable dance moves, a pantomime is guaranteed to deliver festive cheer by the sleigh-load. Book your tickets for Boxing Day or the run-up to Christmas, and brace yourself for audience participation, over-the-top antics, and more glitter than you thought humanly possible. Just remember, when the moment comes, don’t hold back — shout, “He’s behind you!” like your life depends on it – otherwise your kids will be on to you!
Christmas family traditions
The below festive activities will bring your family closer together — and likely stir up a little chaos in the process!
Have a big ‘old breakfast on Christmas morning
There’s no better way to start Christmas Day than with a delicious, hearty breakfast. Gathering the family around the breakfast table creates a warm and festive start to a day full of celebrations. From stacks of fluffy pancakes, to smoked salmon bagels, or a traditional full English, the possibilities are endless (just make sure you can spare some room for the turkey later on!). For an extra festive touch, add some Christmas-themed treats like gingerbread men or a splash of eggnog in your coffee.
Get your skates on at the ice-rink
Nothing says “winter wonderland” quite like gliding across an ice rink — well, attempting to glide, anyway. Many towns and cities set up festive outdoor rinks that look all twinkly and Instagram-worthy, making it the perfect Christmas activity, whether you’re channelling your inner Olympic skater, or clinging to the rail like it’s your new best friend. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends (while secretly hoping no one catches you stack it). After all that graceful wobbling, finish off the excursion with a warm mug of hot chocolate, because let’s face it, you’ve earned it!
Unusual Christmas traditions
Who says Christmas traditions have to be the same every year? Try these quirky twists to spice up the season and keep things interesting.
Eat non-Christmas food on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to give your taste buds a break from the impending festive spread. With days of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on the horizon, you’ll probably be dreaming of anything that doesn’t involve mince pies or Brussels sprouts in a few days. That’s where non-Christmas food comes in! Think of it as a pre-emptive strike against Christmas dinner burnout.
Whether it’s pizza, Mexican, sushi, or even a cheeky takeaway, having food that’s completely different the day before lets you enjoy the big feast with fresh excitement. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the Christmas food magic alive and avoid that “I can’t face another roast potato” on the big day!
A walk to watch the Christmas lights nearby
How about donning your warmest coat, grabbing a hot chocolate (that may or may not be spiked with a little festive cheer), and taking a leisurely stroll to gaze upon the dazzling spectacle of Christmas lights that have taken over your neighbourhood? Whether it’s Christmas Eve or Christmas Day evening, there’s something magical about getting out of the house after all the present madness and seeing the streets transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. It’s also the only time of year you’ll actually have an excuse to spy on the neighbours!
You’ll spot houses lit up like a disco ball with enough lights to power a small city, inflatable Santas looking like they’ve had one too many brandies and now can’t stand up straight, and that one neighbour who’s clearly taken their decorating job a little too seriously — so seriously, in fact, that their house now looks like Santa’s workshop met a Black Friday sale at a garden centre.
Old Christmas traditions
Embrace the charm of Christmas’ past with these time-honoured traditions, sure to bring a bit of history and nostalgia to your festive celebrations.
Eat one mince pie a day over the 12 days of Christmas
Did you know about the tradition of eating one mince pie each day throughout the 12 days of Christmas? In the Middle Ages, people across Europe would treat themselves to a mince pie every day, starting on Christmas Day and continuing all the way through to January 6th. It’s a great excuse to stretch the holiday indulgence just a little longer, while keeping that “it’s Christmas!” feeling alive well into the New Year.
Place an orange in a stocking
One of the oldest Christmas Day traditions we know about is finding an orange in your stocking, which dates back to the Great Depression, when treats were considered highly unusual. Citrus fruits, like oranges, which were said to symbolise a gift of gold from Saint Nicholas, were considered a scarce and rare luxury. Receiving one in your stocking made for a well-received surprise on Christmas morning. Keep this nostalgic tradition alive and get your history hat at the ready by slipping an orange — or maybe even a few citrus fruits — into your loved ones’ stockings this year.
For more Christmas inspiration, take a look at our blog, where you’ll find articles on how to make your own Christmas decorations, family Christmas photo ideas, how to make Christmas wreaths, and plenty more.
