7 Super Sweet Holiday Traditions to Start This Year

The holidays are a time to reflect, connect, and create memories with the littles (and bigs!) in your life. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shopping and decorating, focusing on meaningful traditions can bring more joy and purpose to the season. By incorporating sustainable practices, you can ensure these traditions are not only cherished by your family but also kind to the planet. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate that leave a lasting impression - on your famm and the place we all call home.

1. Outdoor Adventures: Explore and Celebrate Nature

Bundle up and head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the season.

• Holiday Nature Walks: Take a family walk in a nearby park, forest, or nature reserve. Collect natural items like pinecones or leaves to create eco-friendly decorations at home.
• Stargazing Nights: Pick a clear winter evening to stargaze. Bring blankets, hot cocoa, and a telescope (or a stargazing app) to make it special.
• Tree Planting: Start a tradition of planting a tree as a family to give back to the environment. It’s a gift that will grow for years to come.

2. DIY Decorations from Natural or Recycled Materials

Skip the store-bought plastic décor and craft your own using sustainable materials.

• Make garlands using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and twine.
• Create ornaments from salt dough, pinecones, or upcycled cardboard.
• Reuse old holiday cards to make festive gift tags or banners.

These activities not only reduce waste but also provide quality bonding time for the whole family.

3. Volunteer and Give Back

Teach kids the importance of helping others by making giving back a family tradition.

• Host a Donation Drive: Collect toys, clothes, or food as a family and donate them to a local shelter or charity.
• Serve Together: Volunteer at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or community event.
• Adopt a Family: Many organizations allow families to sponsor someone in need during the holidays by providing gifts or essentials.

These acts of kindness foster gratitude and compassion in children while making a tangible difference.

4. Sustainable Gift-Giving Practices

Focus on gifts that align with your values.

• Experience Gifts: Instead of toys, consider gifting memberships to zoos, museums, or activity classes.
• DIY Gifts: Handmake candles, baked goods, or photo albums for personal and meaningful presents.
• Secondhand or Upcycled Gifts: Thrifted books, vintage treasures, or upcycled items can be unique and thoughtful.

5. Family Time Without Screens

Carve out dedicated time to unplug and connect.

• Storytelling Nights: Share stories from your childhood or make up new ones together.
• Game Night: Play board games, charades, or a holiday trivia game.
• Cooking or Baking Together: Make festive cookies, gingerbread houses, or your family’s favorite holiday recipes.

These activities focus on presence over presents and strengthen family bonds.

6. Focus on Experiences, Not Things

Instead of exchanging excessive gifts, prioritize shared experiences.

• Plan a family hike, sledding day, or ice-skating outing.
• Have a holiday movie marathon with homemade snacks.
• Organize a neighborhood caroling group and spread holiday cheer.

7. Reflect and Set Intentions Together

The end of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and plan for the next.

• Start a gratitude jar where family members write things they’re thankful for and read them together during the holidays.
• Create a vision board for the coming year with sustainable goals, like reducing waste or planting a garden.

Why Sustainable Traditions Matter

Sustainable traditions create lasting memories while teaching children the importance of caring for the environment. They remind us that the holidays are about connection, generosity, and the joy of giving back - not just acquiring more stuff.

This year, start a tradition that truly reflects your family’s values. After all, the best gifts we can give are memories, kindness, and a better world for the current (and coming) mmini generations.

What meaningful traditions will you begin this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments - we’d love to be inspired by your creativity!