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10 Special Family Christmas Traditions to Start This Year
Sweeten your holiday at home with these fun activities for the whole family.
Christmas is looking a little different this year, and honestly, I think that's the perfect excuse to switch things up and start a fun, new tradition at home. Scope out some of my favorite festive ideas below, from matching pajama sets to cookie-decorating kits, and add even more holiday cheer to your household.
Now here's a fun tradition that you'll definitely want to borrow from the British. Pack a few surprises into Christmas dinner, and set the table with these festive Nutcracker-themed party poppers. Each "cracker" contains a paper crown, a cheesy joke and a small toy that players win after a quick game of tug-of-war. The box comes with eight, so everyone will get a chance to play.
Hot cocoa is a must the night before Christmas. Get the kids even more excited for Santa's visit by breaking out these matching mugs inspired by the big man. They'll love how his hat curves down and becomes a handle and how the wide rim allows for heaps of marshmallows and crushed candy canes.
Settle into Christmas Eve in the snuggliest way possible by putting everyone in matching fleece pajamas. These navy pants feature an all-over festive string light pattern that will look good on the whole family and make for a very cute photo op by the tree.
MORE: Matching Christmas Pajamas
Christmas Eve calls for some good, old-fashioned family time. Put the screens away and create lasting memories with the kids by playing this charming vintage edition of Candy Land. The board game, playing cards and gingerbread place markers come tucked inside a special linen-bound book that will add even more nostalgia to your Christmas decor.
You might not be together this year, but you can keep your friends and family close with this sweet metal sign to hold their Christmas cards. The sturdy recycled steel piece will allow you to admire everyone's photos and incorporate them into your holiday decor.
Okay, this might be our new favorite Christmas tradition. Encourage the kiddos to count their blessings and spread good tidings and cheer with this thoughtful "12 Nights of Wishes" tapered candle set. Every evening before bed, you'll all come together to light a candle and make a big heartfelt wish for your friends and family.
If the kids are finally old enough to hold a piping bag (or at least lick the spoon), then it's time to kick off the first-ever family cookie-decorating contest. To make matters even more fun, snag this 22-piece kit inspired by How The Grinch Stole Christmas, which includes seven stainless cutters shaped like characters from the movie. But fair warning: Your heart might just grow three sizes too big from all the laughter!
We can't think of a better way to spend the night before Christmas than huddled around the kitchen table putting together this 1,000-piece Charlie Brown puzzle. If you grew up on the Peanuts cartoon strip, share the animated special with your kids and then come together to complete this festive image. In the background, the gang sings carols while Charlie trims the little tree.
The only thing better than a Christmas movie marathon? A Christmas movie marathon complete with sweet and savory gourmet popcorn. Add an exciting new element to your family's favorite tradition with this Popcorn-Lovers Advent calendar. Behind each door, you'll find special seasonings like salted caramel and French toast, mini marshmallow bits, fun recipes and even a small needle and thread for creating your own garland.
MORE: Non-Candy Advent Calendars
Create a new Christmas morning tradition, and send the kiddos flying around the house in search of Santa's big red bag. This generously-sized satchel is perfect for holding a large gift for the whole family, like a new telescope or a bike trailer, and can even be embroidered with your last name.
