There’s something about having little kids that makes Christmas feel brand new again.
All of a sudden, the things you barely noticed as an adult- twinkle lights, holiday music, the smell of pine become absolute magic when your kids get excited about them.
While I loved Christmas time before having kids, my kids have made the Holiday Season absolutely brigher in color.
That’s why I love building simple Christmas traditions for kids that we can repeat every year. Not the overwhelming, Pinterest-perfect kind… just easy, cozy, realistic traditions that toddlers actually enjoy and moms can actually manage.
Here are the family Christmas traditions we do with our kids. Low-stress, memory-making, and full of holiday magic.
1. Decorating the House Together (Our Kickoff Tradition)
One of my favorite holiday traditions with toddlers is letting them help decorate the house.
Is the placement of décor… creative? Absolutely.
Does every decoration end up on one shelf? Also yes.
But giving them jobs – handing us ornaments, putting little figurines on tables, turning on battery candles makes them feel like they’re part of creating Christmas magic.
We turn on Christmas music, light a candle that smells like cookies, and let the chaos unfold. It’s the perfect way to start the season.
2. Decorating the Christmas Tree as a Family
This is probably our kids’ favorite tradition. They absolutely love putting up and decorating the tree every year.
Decorating the tree is one of those classic Christmas traditions for families that never gets old. We:
- turn off the lights
- plug in the tree
- divide the ornament jobs
- and let the kids hang theirs wherever they want (even if it’s all in one clump)
The tree ends up a little bottom-heavy, but the joy is real. And honestly? That’s the memory I want them to have.
3. Elf on the Shelf… But Make It Low-Maintenance
Let’s discuss our elf.
He arrives. He stays. He… sits.
He does not move every night.
He does not create mischief.
He is basically on a month-long vacation.
And the kids still absolutely love him.
The elf that looks over my kids flies to the North Pole every night to report back to Santa… and then flies back to our house to hang out during the day time.
This “lazy elf” approach is perfect for parents who want to join the Elf on the Shelf tradition without dedicating their entire December to staging scenes. The kids just enjoy knowing he’s watching over them- even if his work ethic is questionable.
4. Holiday Lights + Pajama Car Rides
This is hands-down one of the easiest and most magical Christmas traditions for toddlers and preschoolers.
One night in December, we:
- put the kids in pajamas
- grab hot cocoa or apple cider- what ever we’re feeling that day
- blast Christmas music – cue up Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”
- drive around looking at holiday lights
It costs almost nothing and feels like pure Christmas nostalgia. The kids get so excited pointing out every reindeer, snowman, and inflatable Santa they see.
5. The “Give One, Get One” Tradition (A Simple Way to Teach Kindness)
Before new toys arrive at Christmas, each kid chooses one toy to donate. We make it a little moment- we talk about helping other kids, how giving makes space for new things, and how good it feels to share.
It started when they were babies and I decided to donate a few un-played with toys before filling the house with new ones.
This is a small, meaningful family Christmas tradition that keeps the season grounded and teaches gratitude in a way kids understand.
6. Baking Christmas Cookies Together
Is this a peaceful event? No.
Does it end with sprinkles everywhere? Yes.
Do the kids think it’s the greatest day ever? Also yes.
We bake simple sugar cookies, let the kids loose with icing and decorations, and then eat more cookies than we should. It’s messy, but it’s one of those Christmas memories with kids that I know they’ll look back on forever.
If you don’t want to just bake cookies, I have a list of fun and easy Christmas snacks to make with your kids here!
7. Christmas Movie Night (Popcorn for Dinner Approved)
Once in December, we make popcorn, grab blankets, and watch a Christmas movie together.
We try to rotate movies…
The kids pick the same one every year. (The Polar Express)
We love them for it.
This cozy movie night is one of our most relaxing family Christmas traditions – no pressure, no running around, just cuddles and cocoa.
8. Slow, Cozy Christmas Morning
Instead of running straight to presents, we start the morning slowly:
- stockings first
- coffee for the adults (or mimosas)
- Christmas music
- a few quiet minutes before the wrapping paper avalanche begins
This “slow start” has become one of our most treasured Christmas morning traditions.
Why Simple Christmas Traditions Matter
Kids don’t need expensive outings or a jam-packed December schedule. The traditions they remember most are the simple, repeatable ones that feel warm and familiar.
These easy Christmas traditions for families give your kids magic without giving you stress- and that’s the best kind of holiday season.