Making More Meaningful Christmas Traditions

Close your eyes and think of your favorite Christmas memory. Are you remembering the time you made cookies with a loved one? Or decorating your Christmas tree? Or attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service? One of the best things about Christmastime is the traditions we make with the people we love. Depending on how you grew up, you might have a lot of traditions or just a few key things you do every year, but no matter how you celebrate the season, there’s a good chance you could make more traditions or make the ones you already have more meaningful. 

Start With Jesus

If there’s one thing people are pretty clear on, it’s when they feel is the right time to start celebrating Christmas. You probably know a “first day of November” celebrater, or a “day after Thanksgiving” reveler, or maybe even someone who waits until the week before Christmas. No matter when your season begins, start with Jesus. Here are a few ideas to help you focus on the Reason for the season.

1. Read Luke 2- Before you begin your first activity of the season, read about Jesus’ birth in the Bible. Let your heart focus on the reason we have this beautiful season in the first place.
2. Advent devotional- You can find Advent devotionals of different lengths in print, online, or on the Bible app. Pick a new one every year, or stick with one you love!
3. See Behold The Lamb of God live, on DVD or CD- this live musical experience is a moving and beautiful walk through Scripture 

Upgrade Your Current Traditions

Making more meaningful Christmas traditions might be as easy as upgrading your current traditions. For example, a favorite activity for many people is making Christmas cookies. Spread the joy by packaging up some of your masterpieces and delivering them to people who could use a little extra cheer this season. If you don’t know someone personally who doesn’t have family close by, you could go to a nursing home and ask at the front desk who hasn’t had a visitor in a while. Below is a poem you are free to use if you like!

The Christmas Cookie Recipe

Mix some kindness, joy, and care,
A pinch of hope and love to share.
With every ingredient, soft and sweet,
We bake with love, our hearts replete.

Like cookies warm and golden bright,
Jesus fills our hearts with light.
This Christmas season, pure and true,
We share His love in all we do.

Another way to add more meaning to your current traditions is to incorporate memories of loved ones who have passed away. You could have ornaments made with their picture, or out of a piece of jewelry they wore often. When you decorate your Christmas tree, you could take turns talking about your favorite memories made with your loved ones. 

My favorite tradition upgrade is to make special snacks for my family’s favorite Christmas movies. Homemade pizza is nostalgic for my husband, so we always make sure to plan a build-your-own-pizza night and watch Home Alone. Sometimes we even plan an ice cream sundae bar like Kevin’s epic movie night treat! We make hot chocolate when we watch Polar Express, and pancakes when we watch ELF (because I just can’t get behind spaghetti with maple syrup!) 

The Importance of Traditions

Making memories and traditions with family is so important for creating lasting bonds and a sense of belonging. These shared experiences provide a foundation of love and connection that can be cherished for years to come. Traditions, whether big or small, offer a sense of continuity and comfort, helping to anchor family members during both joyful and challenging times. These memories become the stories passed down through generations, shaping the family’s identity. In a fast-paced world, taking time to create these moments helps us slow down, appreciate one another, and build a legacy of love. What traditions might you add to your celebrations this year?