The magic of the holiday season lies in the traditions that bring us together—both old and new. Whether it’s sipping cocoa by the fire on Christmas Eve, watching your favorite Christmas movie, or waking up early on Christmas morning to see what Santa Claus has delivered, these special moments become the heart of every celebration.
But sometimes, adding a new tradition can make the holidays feel even more meaningful. From fun family activities to creative ways to decorate, there are endless ways to celebrate and make this Christmas season truly your own. Whether you’re looking to refresh beloved family holiday traditions or start something brand new to carry into New Year’s Eve and beyond, we’ve gathered plenty of festive ideas to inspire your next holiday tradition.
So pour a cup of cocoa, put on your Christmas pajamas, and explore our list of joyful new holiday traditions, each one designed to spark connection, laughter, and a little extra holiday spirit this year!
01
Give & Get Annual Ornaments
From your favorite characters to angels, snowflakes and a whole bunch of festive Santas, we have all of the 2025 annuals you could ever want. Give them as gifts every year or collect them yourself—your ornament display tree will be full of sweet mementos. Each year, as you decorate your Christmas tree, you’ll be reminded of the wonderful holidays and cherished memories you’ve shared. And when the season comes to a close, remember to properly store your Christmas ornaments so each piece stays as beautiful as the day you received it.
02
Bring Back An Old Tradition
What was your favorite holiday tradition growing up? Was it making DIY Christmas decorations with your family or hosting a fun holiday gathering for New Year’s? Bring back a tradition from your childhood or draw inspiration from Christmases past to add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday décor. Retro ornaments or personalized ornaments are perfect for this! And if you’d like to enjoy them year-round, explore alternative ways to display your ornaments throughout your home for a touch of festive sparkle in every season.
03
Borrow A Tradition From Around The World
Pick a random country on the map and take inspiration from their holiday customs. Choose a new location each year for a unique celebration every Christmas—start by hosting Feast of the Seven Fishes, hanging the pickle ornament or making figgy pudding and mince pies.
04
Write A Letter To Santa
Take time to sit down with the kids and write letters to Santa every year. This is a great way to keep the magic in Christmas while ensuring the little ones stay nice during the holiday season...
05
Host a Holiday Gift Exchange
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of swapping gifts with friends and family during the holiday season. Host a fun Secret Santa or holiday gift exchange party at home—complete with festive treats, cozy drinks, and plenty of laughter. Set a theme, draw names ahead of time, and gather around the Christmas tree to unwrap surprises together. It’s a joyful holiday tradition that brings everyone closer and adds a little extra sparkle to your Christmas celebration
06
Put Together A Hot Cocoa Bar
A chilly holiday season calls for hot chocolate! Reinvent your favorite bar cart, table or shelf with a holiday hot cocoa bar. Whether you choose to stock it with creamy, chocolate liqueur, all of your favorite candies or both, you can make it fun for the whole family.
07
Add Another Tree... Or Two
Who says you have to stop after one Christmas tree? Not us! Add another tree or two to your home décor this holiday season and make your home a winter wonderland.
08
Drive Around To Look At Lights
Pour the hot cocoa in to-go cups and hop in the car for a fun family drive around the neighborhood to admire holiday light displays. Checking out the neighborhood Christmas lights is a simple yet magical holiday tradition—a chance to bundle up and admire the twinkling displays that bring the holiday season to life.
09
Spend Quality Time By The Fire
Make your fireside a “No-Phone Zone” this year. It’s important to hang up and hang out for quality time with the family during the holidays!
10
Do Christmas Caroling Karaoke
Gather your friends and family for a lively Christmas carol karaoke night! Set up a small stage area, queue up your favorite holiday songs, and let everyone take turns singing classics like Jingle Bells and Silent Night. You can even turn it into a friendly competition with prizes for the most festive performance. It’s a fun, laughter-filled way to keep the holiday spirit alive and create a new holiday tradition everyone will look forward to year after year.
11
Get “Elf’d” In Your Neighborhood
Start the classic ring-and-run game, Elf’d, in your neighborhood this year. The premise is as follows: leave a gift on someone’s doorstep, ring the doorbell and run! That person now has to return the favor to someone else. (P.S. We suggest leaving your yummiest cookies!)
12
Treat Yourself
We tend to forget about ourselves during the holidays. Remember to treat yourself this season, whether it’s through a relaxing R&R session or something you’ve been eying up online. You’ve earned it!
13
Start a Christmas Eve Box Tradition
Begin Christmas Eve with a cozy new ritual by gifting each family member a Christmas Eve box filled with small treats like Christmas pajamas, a mug for hot cocoa, or a classic holiday movie. It’s a heartwarming way to build excitement for Christmas morning while creating a new family holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to each year.
14
Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Turn a winter weekend into a cinematic celebration by hosting a holiday movie marathon. Make popcorn, light some candles, and line up favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and Home Alone. Invite friends or family to wear their coziest sweaters and vote on the next Christmas story to watch. It’s a relaxed, joyful way to spend quality time together during the holiday season.
15
Bake a Signature Christmas Dessert
Create a new holiday tradition in the kitchen by baking one special dessert that becomes your family’s signature. Whether it’s a chocolate Yule log, frosted cookies, or a family pie recipe, make it together every December 1st or Christmas Day. Add a festive twist each year, like decorating with holiday lights or playing Christmas music while you bake.
16
Send a Handwritten Holiday Card
In the age of digital everything, receiving a handwritten note feels extra special. This holiday season, bring back the classic Christmas card tradition by sending heartfelt messages to loved ones near and far. Include a family photo or a memory from the past year—it’s a simple act that spreads love, gratitude, and holiday spirit.
17
Plan a New Year’s Day Brunch
Keep the festive feeling alive beyond New Year’s Eve by hosting a relaxed New Year’s Day brunch. Serve mimosas, pancakes, or your favorite holiday leftovers and set your intentions for the year ahead. It’s the perfect blend of celebration and reflection—and a lovely new tradition to carry into each year.
Make This Holiday Season One to Remember
No matter how you celebrate, traditions, both old and new, are what make the holiday season so special. From decorating the Christmas tree together to hosting a cheerful gift exchange or baking your family’s signature dessert, these simple moments become the memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
So this year, embrace the joy of creating new holiday traditions alongside your favorite ones. Whether you’re gathered by the fire, sharing stories over hot cocoa, or sending heartfelt Christmas cards, each act of togetherness adds a little more warmth and wonder to the season.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, heart-filled New Year’s Day, may your days be merry, bright, and full of lasting memories.
How do you celebrate Christmas? We want to see your traditions—new and old! Tag us @Lenox on Facebook and Instagram.
