Creating Christmas Traditions as a mom
As a mom, Christmas transforms into something far more meaningful. It’s no longer just about the gifts or the festive food—it’s about creating magic, memories, and a sense of wonder for your children. The joy of seeing the season through their eyes inspires a desire to build traditions that will shape their childhood and carry into the future.
For me, Christmas traditions are more than just activities—they are opportunities to teach my boys about love, generosity, and the true reason we celebrate. Each one becomes a moment to connect as a family, weaving together the warmth and joy of the holidays.
The Advent Countdown
One of our family favorites is the Advent countdown. My parents gift my boys a new Advent calendar every year, filling each day with small surprises—tiny toys, ornaments, or a piece of candy. Every morning, my 7-year-old rushes to discover what’s inside, with his baby brother watching wide-eyed at the excitement.
This daily tradition builds anticipation for Christmas while teaching them about the joy of waiting and savoring small moments.
Family Movie Nights
The holiday season is the perfect time for cozy movie nights. In our family, we kick off December with a Harry Potter movie marathon, spreading the magic over several nights. On Christmas morning, our tradition includes watching the classic 1960s and 1970s Christmas cartoons—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas—while the boys open their presents.
I grew up waiting for those specials to air just once a year, and it’s nostalgic to bring that excitement into my boys’ lives. The simple joy of gathering as a family and sharing these timeless stories makes this tradition one of my favorites.
Decorating the Tree
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of our home during the holidays. Decorating it has become an event filled with laughter and love. Each ornament has a story—whether it’s from my husband and me celebrating our first Christmas together, or one of the handmade treasures from my boys.
With Christmas music playing in the background and hot cocoa in hand, we all take turns hanging ornaments. Of course, my oldest boys’ decorations often end up in one small cluster, which my husband and I secretly rearrange later. It’s these imperfect, heartfelt moments that make the tradition so special.
The Elf on the Shelf
This year, we welcomed a new tradition: The Elf on the Shelf. My 7-year-old eagerly named our elf Pepsi, who arrived on December 7th with a trail of leaves leading from the door to a stocking. Every morning, he wakes up excited to search for Pepsi and discover what mischief he’s been up to.
So far, Pepsi has tied up a transformer as a “hostage,” lounged in a marshmallow bubble bath in the boys’ bathroom and took a joyride through the house in a little tike’s car the Grinch and a reindeer. While planning his nightly escapades is a creative challenge, the giggles and wide-eyed wonder make it all worth it.
Christmas Morning Magic
Christmas morning is pure magic in our house. My husband and I wake up early to set the stage: stockings overflowing, coffee brewing, Christmas movies playing, and the soft glow of tree lights filling the room.
One of my favorite touches is sprinkling flour to create Santa’s boot prints by the fireplace. Watching my 7-year-old’s face light up when he discovers them makes all the effort worth it. The chaos of unwrapping presents, watching my baby boy’s first Christmas, and the shared joy of the moment are what Christmas is all about.
The Power of Tradition
I’ve learned that Christmas traditions don’t need to be elaborate or perfect to be meaningful. It’s about creating memories, sharing time, and fostering love. These moments—the Advent surprises, the movies, the tree, the elf—are the ones my boys will cherish long after the presents are forgotten.
So, this Christmas, embrace the traditions that bring your family joy. Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking cookies, or cuddling up for a movie night, remember that the greatest gift you can give your children is the gift of your time, attention, and love.
These are the memories that will live in their hearts forever.
What Christmas traditions do you cherish with your family, or what new ones are you excited to start this year? I’d love to hear how you make the season special!
Boy Mom💙