This year, I’m focusing on establishing holiday traditions with the family! Instead of packing everything I can in—Cookie exchange! Secret Santa! Holiday parties!—I hope to make memories with the kids they will take with them once they grow up with their own families. Hopefully, my list of holiday traditions will help you focus on what activities you want to do with the close people in your life. From baking cookies with friends to taking a holiday staycation, there are plenty of ways to make the holidays special however YOU think the people in your life would enjoy them most.

Click here to see more of our Concordville setup.

This year is all about creating new memories with loved ones while still honoring old traditions we cherish so much.

01

New: Setting up Our Concordville Holiday Village

Concordville Village $34 – $98

I have such fond memories of setting up the Christmas village each year, and I’m excited to create new memories with my kids setting up our holiday town this year. Each Concordville piece is made from zinc and dated with a year. You can expand your collection as the years go on (and someday pass it along to the next generation).

02

Themed Ornaments

Baked Potato Glass Ornament $32

Last year I started collecting themed ornaments that represent something special from the previous year. This year? A baked potato ornament as a nod to my daughter’s Halloween costume this year. It’s a fun way for us to remember all the good times we had throughout the year and share them with our friends and family during the holidays.

03

Tree Topper

Starry Snowflake Tree Topper $34

Another thing on my list is to buy a unique tree topper each year. Whether it’s an angel or a star, these little decorations add a special touch that makes our Christmas tree complete. Plus, it’ll be fun to see how our decorations evolve over time as we collect more pieces each holiday season!

04

New: Painting a Nutcracker

I have a growing collection of nutcrackers that I didn’t think much of (most were picked up at Goodwill) but my kids are OBSESSED. They name them, switch up the display, and always find something new to discover about their designs, hairstyles, etc. So this year, I found some plain wood nutcrackers at our craft store and set out acrylic paints for them to decorate. They were so proud! I can’t wait to see how their designs change over the years.

05

Tray of Cookies for Santa

Fair Isle Round Ceramic Platter $48

The night before Christmas we set out a tray of cookies and cocoa for Santa, and carrots and water for the reindeer. The kids take so much care in picking out THE perfect cookies.

06

Glogg (Mulled Wine)

Cocktail Kit $26

 Finally, what would Christmas be without some mulled wine? My mom never skips making this. It takes me back to my college years, reuniting with my brother and sister over multiple mugs of this drink before heading to the candlelit church service. (I’m adding this craft cocktail kit to my list this year!)

What Holiday Traditions are you implementing this year?

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.