40+ Unique Christmas Tradition Ideas
Words by Emma Hughes
December 21, 2022
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5m
Whether you’ve moved into a new home, started a family, or simply feel like you’re missing out, introducing a Christmas tradition can make this time of year feel even more special.
Well look no further! We’ve pulled together some incredible Christmas tradition ideas, inspired by our brilliant Barker and Stonehouse team.
Christmas Eve
It seems many of us have more traditions for Christmas Eve than for Christmas Day itself. So if your 25th feels a little too frantic already, then take note.
Clearly, a good pair of PJs is an essential part of Christmas Eve. Extra points if they’re matching!
“Christmas Eve PJs and treat boxes with a takeaway.”
“We each open one present on Christmas Eve – usually pyjamas!”
“Panto every Christmas Eve!”
“A seaside walk on Christmas eve!”
“Christingle Christmas eve service, and mulled wine.”
“Cinema and a meal with family on Xmas Eve.”
“Christmas Eve making mince pies and watching Christmas stuff on TV.”
A great one for the kids
“Whilst the kids are in the bath “the elves” drop an Xmas box off with new pyjamas and slippers. Then at 6pm we go outside with our neighbour and ring the bells, so Santa knows we are ready for him.”
Activities
Whether you have children to entertain or you love to keep busy during the holidays, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Christmas events and activities.
“Late on in December my mam used to take my sister and I out in the car to look at all the lights and how people had decorated their houses - A tradition I hope to continue with my family.”
“Annual trip to the Christmas tree farm to choose a tree.”
“Play Monopoly every Christmas Day.”
“Cold meats and snacks in the evening with board games.”
“Decorating the tree to Xmas songs”
“Wreath making.”
Presents
If you dread your Christmas shopping, agreeing on a specific annual gift could take the pressure off!
The most popular answer seems to be baubles, which is a brilliant idea because they’re a lovely keepsake and will make up a collection that’s truly unique to your tree.
We also love the idea of holding on to a sentimental sack or stocking from your childhood.
“Annual photo baubles for the tree.”
“Every Christmas since I was little, my parents got me a bauble or two for my future Christmas tree.”
“Buy each other a special bauble each year.”
“Santa sacks and stockings – many of us still use the same ones we had as children and just can’t bear to throw away.”
Get togethers
There’s no nicer tradition than getting together with loved ones, so make sure the date is always kept in everyone’s calendar!
Playing host this year? Check out our top tips for hosting a festive gathering.
“Boxing Day is all family together. Food, drink and party games.”
“On the 23rd of December, unfortunately my Nana passed away in 2004. So we all get together at my Mam’s – she makes a curry and picky food, and we have a few drinks together.”
“Family games night with a buffet – I’ve been on the winning team 3 years running!”
“Always go to our Auntie’s for the Christmas party.”
Decorations
Christmas and decorations go hand in hand, and for some, December just wouldn’t be the same without a specific Christmas decoration or theme.
“We have a really old tree decoration that I had when I was little, a nursery rhyme book. It will be 34 years old this year and it's really tatty and falling apart but it's our tradition to still put this on the tree every year.”
“Always have crackers on the Christmas tree.”
“Homemade stocking on the back of a sofa.”
“Red, gold and green decorations.”
Food and drink
‘tis the season to eat, drink and be merry – so why not introduce a Christmas tradition that celebrates this notion?
“Xmas eve curry.”
“Full English for Christmas Day breakfast!”
“Savory pudding for starters, made by Grandma.”
“Jamie Oliver 15 minute meal Christmas Eve (Takes about two hours...)”
“Open the Bucks Fizz at 8am!!”
“We put out Xmas cake, cheese and a glass of sherry for Santa.”
Movies and shows
While the topic of “best Christmas movie ever” can be divisive, most of us have that one movie or TV special that gets us into the Christmas spirit. Some more festive than others!
Why not make a tradition of watching the same one(s) with your loved ones each year?
“A glass of Baileys on Xmas Eve watching White Christmas.”
“Make eggnog Christmas Eve and watch The Mummy.”
“Watch Muppets Christmas Carol every Christmas Day”
Our favourite responses
“We enjoy a traditional Polish Wigilia on what we call Christmas Eve and a Traditional English Christmas day.”
“Yearly competition - which sibling sends a photo of the Christmas lights up in town to our Mam first!”
“I have to go downstairs first to see if Santa has been.”
“We have Christmas dinner on Christmas eve in our Christmas pyjamas, there are 11 of us in the immediate family. We then have a buffet on Xmas Day so that no one is slaving over a hot stove all day.”
“Horse Ride with tinsel around their tails and neck.”
“One person will be dressed up as Santa and will bring the bag of gifts. Those will be distributed to the kids and grownups too , while exchanging some laughs and pictures.”