Every tradition has to start somewhere. The holidays are a time for meaningful holiday traditions that can last for generations and create cherished memories. If your kids or grandkids are visiting for the holidays, this is your chance to start new traditions.
Every family is unique, so you can create holiday traditions that reflect your uniqueness. However, here are some tips and ideas to get started.
1. Cook together 
Cooking doesn’t have to be a burden or a source of stress during the holidays. When everyone takes part in cooking, it can become a joyous opportunity for togetherness. The downside is that a kitchen can get crowded fast, and you might not like anyone else getting in your way, but with a little planning and coordination, you can overcome this. Think about the tasks you want help with, and decide when they should be done. You can also take advantage of the time to pass down family recipes.
2. Play games
Pictionary is a classic, but there are many other games that you could play instead. Think about the type of game your family would enjoy – for example, puzzle games, word games, card games, competitive games, cooperative games. For ideas, check out these family games from Amazon.
3. Read stories aloud
It’s common to read stories to young children, but people of all ages can enjoy this tradition. If you’re not sure what to read, you can’t go wrong with A Visit from St. Nicholas.
4. Create “stations”
If you have a hard time bringing everyone together because no one wants to do the same things, you can make that part of your tradition. For example, you can have one station where sports fans watch the game, another station where gamers play together, and a third station where people can drink tea and chat. No one feels forced to do anything, and everyone can have fun.
5. Consider a theme
Parties often have themes, so why can’t your holiday get-togethers have themes, too? For example, you could pick a cuisine, such as Italian or Thai, for your theme. Or you could go with an international theme where everyone brings dishes from different regions, or a tour of the world theme where the cuisine changes each year. Other themes could be a winter wonderland or a tropical Christmas.
6. Offer kid-friendly activities
You want the kids to have fond memories, so provide them with activities they’ll enjoy. For example, you can get a Christmas coloring tablecloth that the kids can color like a coloring book. Or you could create a scavenger hunt where kids have to find certain items in your home. When it doubt, fall back on the classics and make a gingerbread house!
7. Make decorations
Holiday decorations help create a festive atmosphere, and making them can be fun for everyone. If you search for “DIY holiday crafts” you’ll see a lot of great ideas for all skill levels.
8. Keep it relaxed
Although you may really want to get a holiday tradition going, forcing it could backfire. For example, going around the table and having everyone say what they’re thankful for could be a nice tradition, but if it makes some people uncomfortable, it could also become a source of holiday dread. Instead, use more relaxed conversation starters. For example, you could play a lighthearted game of “would you rather” where no one is forced to answer.
9. Make it special
Little details can go a long way in setting the mood. Light some candles, set the table with festive placemats, play some Christmas music, and light a fire in the fireplace.
10. Don’t let anyone leave empty-handed
There’s no reason to let leftovers go to waste. You can get cute Christmas containers and send everyone home with their favorite leftovers. Or you can make recipe cards and send everyone home with recipes for the dishes they enjoyed the most.
11. Solicit ideas for next year
Before everyone goes home, ask them for suggestions for next year. Some of these suggestions could involve things they loved this year and want to do again, while others could be new things.
12. Repeat the favorites
When you have a popular activity or dish, make sure you bring it back next year. This is how traditions take shape.
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