Hello folks, I’m Noah. I want to build holiday traditions that my kids will remember forever. What are your favorite unique or meaningful family traditions? Any ideas would be great! Thanks so much! — Noah
Hi Noah, welcome to the forum! It’s wonderful that you want to create meaningful holiday traditions for your family. One approach I find valuable is focusing on shared experiences and personal touches that reflect your family’s values and interests. For example, you might consider starting a new tradition like a family storytelling night where everyone shares a favorite holiday memory, or perhaps a charity project where your family volunteers together.
Remember, the most memorable traditions often come from genuine moments and the effort to connect with loved ones, rather than elaborate routines. Wishing you the best in creating special memories with your kids!
Hi Noah, welcome! I love this question—it’s something I’ve wrestled with myself as a mom of three (15, 10, and 6). There’s so much pressure these days to make holidays “magical,” but honestly, some of our most meaningful traditions have come from just being together and getting creative, not spending a fortune or following Pinterest-perfect ideas.
One thing we do every year is a “holiday unplug night.” We put away all screens (yep, even my skeptical teenager’s phone!) and focus on old-school stuff: baking cookies, making paper snowflakes, and telling stories about our favorite holidays growing up. The kids actually look forward to it, and it costs nothing.
Another tradition that’s stuck is a “kindness countdown.” Instead of just counting the days to the holiday, we come up with a small act of kindness to do each day leading up—like writing thank-you notes to teachers or making a card for a neighbor. It’s simple, but it gets them thinking beyond just gifts.
I’ve seen some families do big matching-PJs photo shoots or elaborate themed dinners, but honestly, I think what matters most is doing something together that feels genuine for your family (not what looks good online). Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t go perfectly—half the fun is laughing about the “fails” later!
Would love to hear what others do, too. Anyone else found a tradition that really stuck? Or one that totally flopped? Let’s share!
Hi Noah, @NoahHoliday_17!
Oh, that’s such a wonderful question! It really warms my heart to hear you’re thinking about creating those lasting holiday traditions. My two are 9 and 13 now, and let me tell you, the things they remember most are often the simplest, most heartfelt moments.
For us, one thing we started a few years ago that has become a huge hit is a “Holiday Memory Jar.” At the beginning of December, we put out a pretty jar and little slips of paper. Throughout the month, whenever something fun or special happens – whether it’s baking cookies, watching a favorite holiday movie, or even just a really good laugh together – we jot it down and pop it in the jar. Then, on New Year’s Eve, we read them all out loud. It’s such a sweet way to look back on all the little joys of the season.
Another thing my kids absolutely adore is our annual “Christmas Eve Box.” It’s nothing fancy, just a decorated box that “magically” appears on Christmas Eve. Inside, there’s always new pajamas for everyone, a new holiday-themed book to read together, some hot chocolate mix, and a small game or puzzle we can all do. It really builds up the excitement for the next day and gives us some cozy family time.
It’s funny, with the holidays also comes more downtime for the kids, and sometimes that means more screen time, you know? Especially as they get older and connect with friends online about gifts or holiday plans. I’ve tried a bunch of different parental control apps over the years – definitely not a tech expert, just a mom trying to keep up! – and honestly, the one that’s been a real lifesaver for us is mSpy. It just gives me peace of mind knowing I can gently keep an eye on things and make sure they’re staying safe online, even amidst all the holiday excitement. It helps me make sure they’re balancing that screen time with all our fun family activities.
Whatever you decide to do, Noah, I’m sure your kids will cherish the effort and love you put into it. Sometimes the best traditions are the ones that evolve naturally. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what sticks!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season ahead, filled with lots of new, happy memories!
Warmly,
A fellow parent 
Oh, hello Noah, and welcome! It’s so lovely to see new folks joining in.
This whole topic about holiday traditions is just so heartwarming, and it’s wonderful to read everyone’s ideas for making the holidays special. Your question about building traditions that your kids will remember forever really resonates with me, Noah. It’s such a precious goal.
For us, one simple tradition we’ve always had is a “technology-free” Christmas Eve. After a certain time, all the phones and tablets get put away in a basket, and we just focus on being together – playing old board games, telling stories (the sillier the better!), or just enjoying some quiet time by the tree. It’s not always easy with the grandkids getting older, but I think they secretly enjoy the break too!
It makes me think about connection, which is so important, isn’t it? Especially with all the distractions kids have these days with their screens. That’s something I worry about quite a bit with my own grandchildren, if I’m honest. I so want to protect them when they’re online, but I also want to respect their growing independence. It’s a real tightrope walk!
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not the most tech-savvy person around. Goodness me, all these apps and social media things can be a bit bewildering for an old bird like me! But I’m really trying my best to learn, because their safety is just so important. I’m always eager to find simple, practical ways to guide them.
Right now, I’m actually doing a bit of research into those parental control apps. I haven’t taken the plunge and installed one yet because there are just so many options, and it’s hard to know which one is best! Do you, or perhaps anyone else here, have any recommendations? I’m looking for something that’s not too fiddly for me to use, you know? Ideally, it would let me gently see what they’re up to – not to be a snoop, heavens no, but just to make sure they’re on safe paths online. And something that could help us agree on when it’s ‘screen time’ and when it’s ‘family time’ would be a real blessing. Of course, being able to filter out some of the truly awful stuff that children just shouldn’t stumble across is a big one for me too.
In the meantime, what I’ve found really helpful is just having open conversations with my grandkids. We talk about what’s sensible to share online, who to talk to, and how to handle things if they see something that makes them uncomfortable. We’ve also set some simple ‘no-phone zones’ or times, like during our holiday dinners or that Christmas Eve tradition I mentioned. Sometimes just using the built-in settings on their tablets or phones can offer some basic controls too, though I usually need my son to help me figure those out!
But back to your wonderful question about traditions, Noah! I truly believe anything that brings you all together, creates laughter, and builds those warm, fuzzy memories is golden. Whether it’s a special baking day, a particular movie you watch every year, or a volunteering activity, it’s the shared experience that counts.
Good luck building those special moments with your kids! I’m sure they’ll cherish them.
Warmly,
Danielle R. Newman