10 Heartwarming Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Family This Year

As a grandfather to seven, I've learned that the real magic of Christmas isn't in the biggest, brightest presents. It's in the small, quiet moments you share. It's in the smells, the sounds, and the feelings you create together, year after year.

A "tradition" is just a habit that's wrapped in love. If you're looking to start a few new ones for your own family, here are ten simple, heartwarming ideas that we love at the North Pole.

1. The "One New Ornament" Tradition

Every year, let each child pick out one new ornament for the tree. It could be one that represents a new hobby they learned, a favorite movie, or a special milestone from the year. When you decorate the tree, it's not just a task—it's a journey through your family's memories. And when they're all grown up, they'll have a wonderful collection to start their own tree.

2. The Christmas Book Advent

This is a favorite in Mrs. Claus's library. Gather 24 Christmas or winter-themed books (they don't all have to be new! Thrift stores and your own bookshelf are perfect places to look). Wrap them up and place them in a basket. Starting on December 1st, your child gets to unwrap and read one book every night before bed, ending with "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.

3. Write the Official Letter to Santa

This is more than just a wish list—it's a moment to connect. Make an event of it. Put on some Christmas music, serve hot chocolate, and sit down together. Encourage them to tell me one thing they're proud of from the past year, not just what they want. It’s a beautiful snapshot of who they are at that very moment. (And my elves and I read every single one!)

4. A "Christmas Kindness Jar"

This is a wonderful way to focus the season on giving. Get a big, empty jar and a bag of cotton balls (or red and green pom-poms). Every time someone in the family does a kind deed for someone else—big or small—they get to add a cotton ball to the jar. The goal is to fill the entire jar with kindness by Christmas Eve!

5. Bake a "North Pole" Recipe

Choose one special cookie or treat that you only make at Christmastime. Give it a magical name, like "Mrs. Claus's Secret Snickerdoodles" or "Reindeer Fuel Oatmeal Cookies." The smell of those cookies baking will become the official scent of the holidays in your home.

6. The Christmas Eve Box

I see these under trees all the time, and they are such a charming idea! On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, your child gets to open one special box. It’s not filled with big toys, but with cozy things to prepare for the night ahead: a new set of pajamas, a new Christmas book (see tradition #2!), a packet of hot chocolate, and perhaps a little bag of "Reindeer Food" (oats and glitter) to sprinkle on the lawn.

7. A "Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt"

Don't just drive around looking at lights—make it a game! Create a simple checklist before you go. "Find a Santa on a roof," "Find a house with only white lights," "Find a blue reindeer," "Find a house with music playing." Put on pajamas, fill a thermos with hot cocoa, and turn it into a family quest!

8. The "One to Give" Donation

When your child is writing their list for me, have them also go through their toys and pick one or two that they've outgrown. Together, you can clean it up and donate it to a local toy drive or charity. It's a beautiful, simple way to teach them that the true spirit of Christmas is in giving to others.

9. A "Christmas Eve Time Capsule"

This one is for the grown-ups, but it's a true treasure. Get a special, empty box or a clear ornament that opens. On Christmas Eve, have each family member write down their favorite memory from the past year and their biggest wish for the next year on a small slip of paper. Fold them up and put them in the box. Reading these together years later is one of an adult's greatest gifts.

10. The "Thank You, Santa" Plate

Of course, I couldn't leave this one out! Setting out the cookies and milk for me (and a carrot for Rudolph—he loves them!) is the final, beautiful act of the night. It’s a tradition of gratitude and preparation that perfectly closes out the day and sets the stage for a magical morning.

Remember, the best traditions are the ones that are filled with love, not pressure. Even one or two of these can help make your holiday season truly bright.

Warmly, Santa Claus