Ready to Start a New Christmas Tradition?

I’m often asked about my favourite Christmas traditions, and I never mind, because Christmas is one of my absolute favourite subjects. For me, the true magic of the season is found not in the big, expensive experiences, but in the small, simple rituals we repeat year after year.

These little moments - often inexpensive and sometimes even unplanned - are what make Christmas truly special. If you’re looking to start a new tradition this year, here are a few of our family favourites that might just inspire you too.

1. Make a Christmas Cake or Pudding Together

Nothing says tradition like a homemade Christmas puddings and it has the added benefit of making your house smell insane as it bakes. Don’t forget to pop a sixpence inside the pudding for good luck! This year, Stir-Up Sunday falls on 23rd of November, so pop it in the calendar now.

2. Make Your Own Christmas Cards

Now I can definitely advise with this… Turn up the tunes, pull on your favourite festive jumper, and make an occasion of it. It’s such a fun way to spend an afternoon and each of my card-making kits comes with a little practice worksheet so you can perfect your prints before starting out on your final card.

3. Give a Special Decoration Each Year

Give a special decoration. Each year I find one new decoration for Thomas and Willow to hang on our tree. I keep them in their own very special numbered keepsake box - beautifully made by @hartnackandco. Over the years, we’re building a collection of decorations full of memories that will be theirs forever.

4. Go on a Pretty Light Hunt

This one is simple but magical. We just pick a night in early December and drive the long way home through the villages to see all their Christmas light displays. We use our very own “clapometer” to rank to rank their efforts as we go and the children love it.

5. Bring Out the Christmas Books

Bring out the Christmas books. I started a book advent when the children were little but now I simply hide the books away each year ready to bring out again on the Ist of December. I tie ribbons around them to make a pretty display in their bedrooms for them to discover when they wake.

6. A Grown-Up Treat - Make Eggnog

This one’s just for the adults! Make Eggnog it’s delicious and it will make you very popular with your friends and neighbours (I’ve got a wonderful recipe if you’d like it) - it makes a great gift too! This is a last minute job though as it only lasts 3 days.

What’s Your Tradition?

These little rituals are what make Christmas magical for us, but I’d love to know if you have any traditions in your family that we might like to try?