Inside: Learn how to develop meaningful holiday traditions that won’t add more stress to your plate.  Also, download your FREE bucket list printable.

Learn how to develop meaningful holiday traditions to make lasting memories. Download a free printable bucket list. #simpleholidays

>>> Scroll down for your FREE printable simple holiday tradition bucket list!

“At the heart of every family tradition is meaningful experience.” ~Unknown

When you think of the holidays, are there one or two traditions that come to mind?  When I think back to my childhood holidays I remember decorating sugar cookies with my mom, visiting my extended family and playing with my cousins, and seeing Santa in the local parade.

My parents planned simple traditions, but since we did them consistently year after year, I have fond memories of the holiday season.

I want to do the same thing for my kiddos and husband, but when I look to places like social media and Pinterest, it is extremely overwhelming!  The following steps helped me to come up with traditions for my little family and I hope that they are helpful for you this year as well!

How to develop meaningful holiday traditions

Step 1.

Start with a clean slate. Forget about what you did in the past, what you think you need to do and what society says is the norm.  Don’t worry about perfection and having Pinterest or Instagram worthy pics.

Step 2.

Think about what YOU like to do. Not what your family likes to do. We will get to them next, but for now think about You. It’s crucial for you to enjoy the holidays as well!

Step 3. 

Now, think about what your family members love to do.  If there is something that one person loves to do, how can you incorporate that into a whole family activity?  Think about what kind of family you are as a whole. Are you outdoorsy?  A board game family? Do you love to read as a group? Are watching movies your thing?  Try to incorporate something for everyone.

Learn how to develop simple holiday traditions to make lasting memories. Download a free printable bucket list. #simpleholidays

Step 4. 

Start small.  It doesn’t have to be homemade or complicated, cost a ton or take a ton of time for it to be meaningful.

Step 5. 

Mix and match big and little things.  Incorporate traditions that require minimal planning with those that may need more forethought.

  • Some examples of small traditions are making hot chocolate or hot apple cider, driving around to look at holiday decorations, writing Santa a letter, or reading the same book every year.
  • Some examples of bigger traditions could be baking cutout sugar cookies and delivering them to your neighbors, hosting a holiday party at your house or attending a holiday party, or participating in a giving-tree at your church or school.

Whatever you choose to do (or not do) remember that the bottom line is to focus on what and who matters most.  It’s not about packing more and more into the season!

Free Meaningful Holiday Traditions Bucket List

To help you make the most of your holiday season I have created a bucket list printable you can download here.  The one page printable has several examples you can use for your holiday traditions.  It also has a few blank lines for you to fill in your own ideas as well!

Related Posts

How to Simplify and Enjoy Hospitality During the Holidays

How to Intentionally Spend Your Holidays

Your Turn

Does your family have its own meaningful holiday traditions?  What do you do?  If not, what do you plan to do to make the most of this season?

Learn how to develop simple holiday traditions to make lasting memories. Download a free printable bucket list. #simpleholidays

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash

Learn how to develop simple holiday traditions to make lasting memories. Download a free printable bucket list. #simpleholidays

2 Comments on How to Develop Meaningful and Stress-Free Holiday Traditions

  1. So interesting! We did this process without thinking twice about it, but I was having trouble explaining it to friends. I’ll just direct them here! I like how simple your explanation is. Thanks!

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