S2 E33 The Wonder of Holiday Traditions

The Wonder of Holiday Traditions Through a Child’s Eyes

The holiday season is officially upon us! For many of us, this time of year is about reconnecting with loved ones, savoring festive meals, and celebrating traditions that bring warmth and meaning to our lives. Thanksgiving and Christmas, in particular, hold a special magic—especially when seen through the eyes of a child.

Children experience the holidays with such wonder and joy, and as parents, it’s a privilege to help shape these moments. Holiday traditions, whether long-standing or newly created, are not just nice to have—they’re essential. They ground our children in a sense of belonging and create lasting memories for the entire family.

Why Holiday Traditions Matter

Traditions are the heartbeat of the holidays. They provide structure, comfort, and connection. For children, these rituals go beyond the surface activities. Decorating the tree, baking cookies, or reading holiday stories is about more than just fun; it’s about shared experiences, sensory delights, and the unspoken reminder that family time matters.

In our fast-paced lives, traditions give us permission to pause. They allow us to connect in ways that feel intentional and meaningful, creating a space for children to feel safe, loved, and part of something larger than themselves. For extended families, traditions are a bridge that links generations, sharing family stories, heritage, and values in ways that words alone cannot.

Reflecting on Traditions: Past and Present

Think back to your own childhood holidays. What stands out? Was it helping set the Thanksgiving table, hanging ornaments, or driving through neighborhoods to admire Christmas lights? For me, one treasured tradition was the family advent calendar my mom handmade. Each day, we’d pull a small ornament from one of the pockets, read a verse tied to the true meaning of Christmas, and take turns guessing the ornament before adding it to the calendar’s felt tree.

As we grow older and build our own families, traditions evolve. Some stay the same, while others naturally fade away. New ones emerge, shaped by the unique rhythm and values of our family life. In my home, for instance, we don’t do Santa, but we embrace the joy of gift-giving in creative ways—sometimes even including a "Sinbad the Sailor" gift, a tradition started by my grandfather. Check out Episode 22 on Gift Giving for ideas on how to involve your child in the process.

The beauty of traditions is that they don’t have to be grand to matter. What’s important is that they’re meaningful to you and your family.

Simple and Low-Cost Holiday Tradition Ideas

You don’t need an extravagant budget to create cherished holiday memories. Some of the most meaningful traditions cost little to nothing:

• A Gratitude Jar: During Thanksgiving week on on the day of, write down things your family is thankful for and share them at dinner.
• Christmas Story Countdown: Wrap 24 books (or borrow from the library) and read one each night leading up to Christmas.
• Decorating Together: Turn on some holiday music and make decorating a family affair. Whether it’s hanging garlands, stringing lights, or setting up the nativity, the act of transforming your home together is magical.
• Cookie Decorating: Our family goes all out with sprinkles, icing, and tiny masterpieces that take hours to create. It’s a tradition that starts in the kitchen and often ends as a shared gift for friends and coworkers.
• Holiday Movie Night: Snuggle up for a classic like White Christmas or Elf (my personal favorites... share yours int he comments).
• Homemade Ornaments: Let kids create ornaments for the tree. These may not be Pinterest-perfect, but they’ll bring a smile to your face (and theirs) for years to come.
• Outdoor Adventures: Take an evening stroll or drive to admire neighborhood lights. Add music and hot cocoa or candy canes for an extra festive touch.
• Advent Calendar: Create a meaningful countdown with a simple calendar that includes daily verses or activities leading up to Christmas. In our family, this was and still is my all-time favorite traditions.  It’s one my Mom made when we were little. It’s wall hanging that has the 24 pockets for the days leading up to Christmas, and a tree in the top half of the hanging, with 24 red velcro spots on it.  In each pocket, there is an ornament, with velcro on the back which gets placed on the tree.  With each ornament, are verses that remind us of Jesus’ birth, the reason for the season. We normally would read the verses aloud and whoever had “picked the pocket” would keep the ornament hidden so everyone else would get to guess what it might be.

The Bigger Picture

To wrap up, I just wanted to remind you that holiday traditions aren’t just for children—they strengthen the entire family. They remind us to slow down, connect, and savor the moments that matter most. Whether it’s baking, decorating, or simply sitting together around a glowing tree, traditions are a sort of gift we give to one another.

As you prepare for the holidays, take a moment to reflect on what traditions matter most to your family. Are there any you want to let go of, or new ones you’d like to try this year? Remember, it’s not about doing it all or doing it perfectly. It’s about creating intentional moments that bring joy and connection.

I hope this holiday season fills your home with warmth, wonder, and meaning. If you have a favorite tradition or plan to start a new one, I’d love to hear about it! Share your ideas in the Raising Thinkers Community—we’re all here to inspire one another.

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season filled with love and beautiful memories!