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My Childhood Christmas Traditions (and the Ones I Hope to Carry Forward

Christmas has always been a season of magic for me, not just because of the lights or the presents, but because of the traditions that made everything feel cozy, connected, and memorable. Growing up, we had a handful of traditions that made December feel like pure childhood wonder.

One of my favorite memories was making little Santa treats out of Nutter Butters. We would dip them in chocolate and cover the hats with sanding sugar until the whole kitchen looked like a confectionery snowstorm. My siblings and I would get into a rhythm, dip, sprinkle, set, laughing the whole time. It reminds me so much of the sweet turkey treats I shared recently, and it’s something I can’t wait to recreate with my own family.

We also each had a special ornament we hung every year. Mine was a Sleeping Beauty Hallmark ornament, and it always felt like my little moment of magic on the tree. That simple tradition made the tree feel personal, meaningful, and full of memories.
➡️ If you want to start an ornament tradition with your family, start here for some more ideas!

Another tradition was our December visitor, Elf Eddie, long before Elf on the Shelf became the thing it is today. Eddie wasn’t mischievous; he was more like a cozy little friend we checked on each morning. I loved him growing up, although I’m 50/50 on keeping up with the elf tradition as a parent. (We’ll see what future-me decides!)

And of course… cinnamon rolls! Homemade. Warm. Sticky. A Christmas-morning staple that made the whole house smell like joy.
We also always opened Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, which made bedtime feel like its own little celebration.

But above all else, Christmas wasn’t complete without centering our hearts on the Nativity, remembering our Savior and why we celebrate in the first place. Those quiet, reverent moments shaped my childhood, and they’re the traditions I hold closest to my heart.

The Traditions We Want to Bring Into Our Own Family

As my husband and I build our own family culture, there are a few traditions I deeply want to continue:

1. Ornaments That Tell a Story

Each family member gets one special ornament each year — something meaningful, symbolic, or handmade. This creates a tree full of memories instead of generic decor.
➡️Check out our custom laser-engraved ornaments here.

2. Christmas Baking Days

Whether it’s Nutter Butter Santas, cinnamon rolls, or homemade treats, I want baking to feel like a fun, shared experience, not just a task. Messy counters, kids helping, the whole cozy vibe.

3. Keeping Christ at the Center

I want our kids to grow up knowing why we celebrate Christmas. That includes Christ-centered traditions like:

  • reading Luke 2 together
  • acting out the Nativity
  • a Nativity advent calendar
  • serving others as a family
  • visiting the LDS Giving Machines each year (a tradition I cannot wait to start)

4. Presence Over Presents (Inspired by My Husband’s Family)

One of the things I love most about my husband’s side of the family is how grounded they are. They care most about being together, talking, laughing, relaxing — the simple joys. I love this so much and want to weave it into our own traditions moving forward.

Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Family

Sentimental Traditions

  • Give each child a yearly ornament (store-bought, handmade, or engraved)
  • Create a family Christmas scrapbook
  • Record a yearly video message for your child to watch when they’re older
  • Hang stockings for loved ones who have passed away

Christ-Centered Traditions

  • Attend a live Nativity
  • Create a “service advent calendar” with small acts each day
  • Visit the Giving Machines
  • Host a scripture-highlight swap or share favorite Christ-centered quotes
  • Do a Christ-centered Christmas Eve devotional

Fun & Cozy Traditions

  • Matching Christmas pajamas
  • A family Christmas movie marathon
  • Build gingerbread houses
  • Make Nutter Butter Santas or other treats
  • A hot cocoa bar night
  • Decorate sugar cookies together

Family Experience Traditions

  • One big December outing (lights, ice skating, a holiday festival)
  • A “silent night drive” where kids look for the brightest house
  • A Christmas Eve box (pjs, snacks, and a family activity)
  • Pick a country each year and learn about its Christmas traditions

Homemade Treat Traditions

  • Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning
  • Christmas Crack
  • Crockpot candy
  • Fudge varieties
  • Holiday popcorn mix

Final Thoughts

Traditions don’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming, they just need heart. Whether you keep things simple with pajamas and cinnamon rolls, or fill December with daily activities, what matters most is the memory you’re making with your family.

And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to start your own ornament tradition, check out the custom keepsake ornaments I make each year — created to capture the memories that mean the most.