Busy families looking to add some warmth and personal touch to their Christmas celebrations, here are some decorating traditions that can bring joy and create lasting memories.
🎄 Family Collections
Start a collection of Christmas items like angels, Nativity sets, bells, nutcrackers, plates, music boxes, cookie cutters, teddy bears, Christmas books, Father Christmas figures, candles, etc. Add a new piece to the collection every year. This tradition can be a fun way to involve the whole family in the holiday spirit and create something meaningful that grows with each passing year.
🎅 Decorating The Tree
Choose the Christmas tree together, whether you cut down your own or get it from a lot. Serve the same menu every year—your choice from chili to Chinese take-out. Play carols while decorating. Decorate the tree on the same day each year, e.g., the day after Thanksgiving. Consider reading Psalm: 96 and Ezekiel 17:22 to add a spiritual touch to the occasion. Give each child a special ornament each year to mark the event. Take a picture of the family in front of the tree as a keepsake. Visit a tree farm together and pick a tree to cut down for a memorable experience. Host a tree decorating party and invite friends and family to join in the fun. Get creative by making new tree ornaments each year—one year could be Baking Clay ornaments, next cross-stitch, and the next glitter pinecones, for example.
🎁 More Ideas
Looking for more ways to make your Christmas celebrations special? Check out our article on Organize Your Christmas Gift List For Guaranteed Success to ensure you stay on top of your holiday shopping.
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✨ Other Decorating Traditions
🕯️ Place A Candle In Each Window
Leave it burning all Christmas Eve to welcome the Christ Child. Leave tree and outdoor lights on all night on Christmas Eve.
🧸 Old Toys
Gather up your and the kid’s old toys. Decorate with bows and or sprigs of greenery. Set on chairs, tables, and floors.
📸 Christmas Pictures
Take a picture of your children each year and place them in a lightweight frame. Hang on the tree or pin to a long ribbon streamer hung on the wall.
🍬 Candy Cane Legend
Read the Candy Cane Legend, then hang candy canes on the tree or make a candy cane garland to hang by the front door. Let guests take one as they leave.
⛪ Nativity
Set up nativity except leave baby Jesus out of the scene. Place him in the nativity on Christmas morning.
🔔 Jingle Bells
String Jingle Bells on pipe cleaners. Then twist the ends close and hang on all the doors.
💌 Christmas Cards
Pick your favorite Christmas card each year and frame it. Soon you will have a pretty card gallery.
🌿 Wreaths And Swags
Make a swag or wreath from the branches you cut off the bottom of the tree, then use it for a family wreath. Have each family member place something on the wreath they are proud of, e.g., an award, favorite toy, dried flowers from a prom, etc.
📸 Picture Of The Family In Front Of The Tree
Use Christmas cards that have a framed border. Cut out the center of the card and tape the family picture in the opening each year. A collection of these would look cute on a mantle or buffet.
For more inspiration, check out Christmas Traditions: Family Activities and Christmas Traditions: Spirit of Giving.
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📌 Add some laughs to the season with these Christmas skit ideas for kids.
❓ Questions People Ask
How Early Should We Start Decorating For Christmas?
It’s up to you! Some families start as early as November 1st, while others wait until after Thanksgiving. Choose a date that works best for your schedule and enjoy the process.
What If We Don’t Have Space For A Big Christmas Tree?
Consider a small tabletop tree, a flocked tree, or even a DIY tree made from branches you find outside. The size of the tree doesn’t matter as much as the joy it brings.
Can We Involve Our Pets In Christmas Decorating?
Absolutely! Pets can be part of the decorating process and even have their own ornament or special spot in the festivities. Just make sure to keep decorations pet-safe.
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