I love a good holiday tradition. It’s part of what makes the festive season so festive. Whether it’s a certain Christmas party or maybe a particular dish served, holiday traditions look a bit different for everyone. In the last few years, my friends and I have developed a few. So if you’re on the hunt for a new holiday tradition to start this year, here a few that are fun, festive and most of all affordable!
Looking at Christmas Lights
My college roommate and I started this random but fun tradition a few years ago. For a few nights in a row, we would map out the best of the lights. And I’m not talking about a strand or two of lights on a house. No, we went looking for the mega shows that lasted 5+ minutes and had their own radio station. We put on PJs, drink hot chocolate and just drive around looking at lights. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family without having to spend a ton of money. Plus, it gets you in the holiday mood!
Decorating Gingerbread Houses
To be honest, I don’t know if I fully remember how this one started. However, it’s something I love doing each year. I typically look for the most random looking gingerbread house set up and my cousin & I attempt to decorate it. Last year, I decorated with one of my favorite 5 year olds and it looked terrible but we had a blast. We never eat ours but you could always do a homemade mold if that’s your thing. Just watch out for the Christmas Village one, it’s a bit confusing. You could even make a competition out of it!
Reading Christmas Stories
This isn’t a personal tradition of mine but I’ve always admired it. Maybe there’s a story your family loves to read. Or maybe there’s a story you wish you guys shared each year. Who says this year can’t be the beginning of new traditions? Find a Christmas story you love and make it point to read it together Christmas Eve. It’s a great excuse to gather together and it’s something everyone from young to old can enjoy.
Opening A Present On Christmas Eve
Try as I might, I’m not the world’s most patient person. So this tradition is one of my faves just because I want to KNOW what’s under the tree! We normally do one on Christmas Eve simply because it’s fun. And our families schedules are difficult so it’s a tradition we know we can keep up. Plus, who doesn’t want to open a present Christmas Eve? It gets you even more excited for the next morning!
Baking Christmas Treats
When I was a little girl, my aunt would send us peanut butter balls and fudge every year. She took the time to hand make and package everything up. Now, mom and I like to try to do the same. If you aren’t into fudge, maybe making Christmas cookies is more your speed. I’ve always loved spending time in the kitchen with my mom. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and is often not too costly. Plus, you get to eat your results. Win win!
Watching A Christmas Movie
As far as holiday traditions go, it’s the quality time that matters most to me. So taking the time to watch a Christmas movie with my loved ones is one of my favorite things to do. Mom has a habit of recording loads of Hallmark movies so those are always available. Or you could just watch The Holiday for the 100th time because that definitely happens most often. Whatever Christmas movie you pick *I’m looking at you Diehard Christmas movie watchers* it’s all about enjoying time together. Even if you’re watching The Christmas Prince, because apparently there’s a group of people who’ve done that every day so far this month.
