Fun, Classic Christmas Traditions to Start When Your Kids Are Young

There’s something magical about celebrating Christmas with little ones. The sparkle in their eyes, the early morning excitement, and the cozy family moments that quickly become lifelong memories. Whether you’re celebrating your baby’s first Christmas or your toddler is starting to understand the magic of the season, it’s the perfect time to start a few family traditions that will grow right along with them.

Here are some sweet and simple ideas to make each holiday season extra special:

1. Matching Pajamas on Christmas Eve

There’s nothing more heartwarming than a family photo in matching pajamas— especially when they come from your favorite local boutique. Let your little ones unwrap their Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve to wear for cocoa, bedtime stories, and waiting for Santa. It’s a tradition that brings joy year after year (and makes for the cutest photos!). Try our pajamas.

2. A Special Christmas Morning Breakfast

Whether it’s cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees or pancakes topped with whipped cream “snow,” create a breakfast your family can look forward to every December 25th. Let your kids help decorate the table or stir the batter— it’s a simple way to slow down and savor the morning together.

3. The “Giving Tree” Tradition

Help your children experience the joy of giving early on. Set up a small “Giving Tree” in your home, and each year, choose a local charity, church drive, or family in need to support. Let your kids help pick gifts or wrap donations. These small acts of kindness leave a lasting impact and show what Christmas is really about. Donate to a charity that means a lot to us. 

4. Annual Ornament Exchange

Each year, give your child a new ornament that represents something special from that year— maybe a favorite book, sport, or trip. Write the year on the back, and when they grow up and decorate their own tree someday, they’ll have a collection of memories to take with them.

5. Letters to Santa (and a Keepsake Box)

Set up a cozy evening for writing letters to Santa, complete with hot chocolate and festive music. Keep the letters in a special box instead of mailing them— when your children are older, you can look back together at their childhood wishes and giggle at their sweet handwriting. Keep them in a Petite Keep for a gorgeous box! 

6. Christmas Storytime Under the Tree

Start a bedtime ritual of reading one Christmas story each night in December. Classics like The Polar Express or The Night Before Christmas bring comfort and tradition to the season— and it’s the perfect way to unwind together before bed.

7. Family Walk to See the Lights

Bundle up and take a family walk (or drive) to admire neighborhood lights. Bring along some cocoa in travel mugs and let your kids pick their favorite house each year. You can even make a “light scavenger hunt” list— find a reindeer, a nativity, a snowman, and more!

8. Christmas Eve Box

Fill a small box for each child with cozy socks, a Christmas book, a snack, and their holiday pajamas. Let them open it on Christmas Eve before bedtime— it makes the night feel magical and helps wind down all that excitement before morning.

9. Baking Day

Choose one day in December to bake together— whether it’s sugar cookies, peppermint bark, or Grandma’s secret recipe. Let your kids take turns decorating (messy frosting is part of the fun!). Package a few to deliver to neighbors or teachers for an extra-sweet touch.

10. The Annual Family Photo

Make it a yearly ritual to take a family photo in front of the tree — even if it’s just on your phone. Someday, you’ll look back and see how much everyone has grown from year to year— and those little matching outfits will be priceless memories.

When your kids are small, Christmas isn’t about perfect wrapping or perfectly staged photos— it’s about creating moments that feel warm, joyful, and uniquely yours. Whatever traditions you start this year, they’ll become the stories your children tell for years to come.

From all of us at Ann + Reeves Kids, we hope your holiday season is full of laughter, matching pajamas, and magic.