There is something about the holidays that makes time feel a little softer, a little slower, and a whole lot more magical. ✨ Maybe it is the twinkle lights, or the familiar songs, or the way your kids start counting down the days with wide-eyed excitement. Whatever it is, this season always reminds me that the things we repeat year after year become the stories our families remember most.

As a Houston family photographer, I get a front-row seat to so many beautiful holiday moments: the matching jammies, the cookie-covered hands, the way little ones light up when they talk about what they look forward to every December. It always makes me curious about the traditions that make each family’s Christmas feel like their own.

So this year, I am putting together a list of the very best Christmas traditions, a mix of my own family favorites and the incredibly sweet ideas shared by my followers. Some are simple. Some are silly. Some are deeply meaningful. But all of them are full of connection, memory-making, and that warm, cozy holiday magic we crave this time of year.

Whether you are brand new to creating family traditions or you are looking to add something fresh to your December rhythm, I hope this list brings inspiration, joy, and a few moments you will treasure long after the season ends. 🎄✨

1. MAGIC INK

I realize we're kicking it off with one that is a little controversial: Elf on a Shelf. You either love or hate these little mischief makers. If it's not for you then scroll on to the next tradition, but if you find yourself running out of ideas this one is my absolute FAVE and it takes minimal effort.

The elf idea that has gotten the biggest response in our home is the "magic ink". We write a note each year in red marker that says something like the following:

DO NOT READ THIS OUT LOUD!

This letter is written in magic ink that adults cannot read. While your parents were sleeping, we sprinkled them with magic dust that will make them think that ice cream for dinner is a GREAT idea! Just say the magic words to make the spell work. "Should we have ice cream for dinner?" Your parents will love the idea! Don't tell them about this note or the magic will break.

Love, Your Elf

I can't tell you how delightful this is for everyone. The mischief and joy is so fun to watch and who doesn't want ice cream for dinner? To quote my Grandmother, "life is short, eat dessert first!"

2.CHRISTMAS ADAM

This is a full on Dad pun with serious fun. Christmas Adam, You know, like Adam and Eve? Have I ruined it yet? 😆 We celebrate Christmas Adam the day before Christmas Eve, which is usually reserved for a church service and family time. We've turned this into a fun Christmas dinner tradition with our besties. We plan a yummy meal, have Christmas crackers, the best cookies, and the best part is we do it with the kids at the big table. They get a fancy dinner NOT at the kids table. Highlights from the past include custom cocktail/mocktails, a caviar service, beard ornaments, musical lollypops, and so much laughter. It's a time we get to celebrate with chosen family and I highly recommend you grab your besties for your own Adam.

3.ADVENT CALENDARS

There are so many options out there now compared to when I was a kid. We love these and have done everything from store bought themed calendars with toys, legos, science experiments, puzzles, rocks, or chocolate. And we've also done homemade ones with strips of paper that tell the story of Christmas a little bit each day.

No matter how you Advent Calendar, I find they accomplish a few things. They help the littles have a better idea of time and how many times can we answer "how many days until Christmas?". They are a fun way to count down the days and add excitement. And they can be paired with reminders of why we celebrate the season.

1.HOT COCO AND LIGHTS

Three families replied that this was their favorite tradition and I think I might have to add this to our list! They get in their cozies or pjs, make a hot chocolate to-go, and drive around looking at Christmas lights. We look at lights each year but why haven't we been adding the pjs and hot chocolate?! That feels like a rookie mistake we will not be making again!

2.JUST ONE

One family responded that they open one gift on Christmas Eve and that sounds so fun! Story time: My sister and I actually used to sneak one gift each year. We'd wait for a time when we were home alone and we would very carefully unwrap one gift to see what it was. Then we'd rewrap it and it would be the first thing we opened on Christmas Day! I don't know if we ever told our parents that...🫢

3.HOLIDAY MOVIES

So many of you had favorite holiday movies to suggest! Here's a list of all your faves:

• Home Alone (1 and 2)
• Klaus
• Elf
• The Holiday
• Muppet Christmas Carol
• The Grinch
• A Christmas Story