If it’s your baby’s first holiday, it’s the perfect time to start a few of your own holiday traditions—whether they’re customs you grew up with, ideas you’ve always wanted to try, or something brand new that feels just right for your family. (Also, it’s never too late to start!)

We asked friends, family, Babylist team members, and even polled Babylist parents in our newsletter, to share the holiday traditions they loved growing up or the new ones they’ve started since becoming parents. The best part? Most don’t take much time or planning, and even the tiniest family members can join in.

Maybe one will become your new favorite.✨

A Special Ornament

Kicking it off with one of the most mentioned traditions: a meaningful ornament.

Every Christmas, my grandma would get all of us kids a special Hallmark ornament (my theme is Wizard of Oz), and the tradition’s still going strong. It's something she's continuing for all of the great grandkids and something I’ve also done with my own kids—three and five—since they were born. I always choose something that reflects whatever they were into that year (last year my son got a dino nugget and my daughter got a banana—clearly I’ve got a couple of foodies!)

You could also let them pick out their own ornament. One parent shared in our poll, "Our kiddo gets to pick a new ornament each year for the Christmas tree that represents his year. When he moves out eventually, he will have a set of ornaments to decorate his tree with. We take a picture and write a little description in a Christmas notebook so we remember what was happening that year in his life."

Another sweet idea a bunch of parents mentioned was getting crafty and making photo ornaments with a picture of their baby or toddler each year.

Handprints & Keepsakes

Another well-loved tradition is anything that captures those tiny hand and footprints in time.

"We got a plain tree skirt that we add our kids' handprints [to] each year. We started it when my oldest was about two! My husband's and my prints were added the first year too, but it's just the kids after that!" one Babylist parent shared in our poll.

And it’s not just for Christmas! Baby handprint ghosts or Thanksgiving turkeys are a fun, festive way to mark each season. One parent shared a fun DIY t-shirt idea: "Any project with baby’s hands to make it fun, creative, and a lasting memento to show growth. My husband, baby, and I use our hands to paint turkeys on a shirt our baby wears for Thanksgiving.”

Matching Pajamas

Nothing is cuter than matching family pajamas. There's a set out there for virtually every holiday and style, from traditional fair isle patterns to Star Wars and Disney characters.

"We always got new pajamas on Christmas Eve and wore them to bed and then for opening presents in the morning,” one Babylist parent shared. “I’m excited to start this with my little one!”

Many families give PJs as the one gift opened on Christmas Eve. We also loved this creative twist one parent shared: "On November 30th Santa will leave a note asking her to leave out her Christmas bag (reusable gift bag) and in its place on December first, she'll wake up to Christmas PJs and a Christmas book as a thank you/first gift of the season!"

Advent Calendars

We love a countdown calendar in my house, and it turns out other Babylist families do too.

Many parents shared their love for countdown calendars leading up to holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And there are plenty of ways to get creative.

“We do book advent calendars! Disney has one that they release every year. We get to read a new book every night, and they make for great travel books throughout the year since they're small and light,” says Kim, mom of three.

Another parent shared, “I’ll be doing a 25 Days of Christmas countdown where she reveals what book we’ll read each night. I’m saving The Night Before Christmas for the 24th!”

Another fun spin on the advent calendar? Taking daily instant photos and displaying them in a wall hanging.

“For Christmas, we have a canvas pocket-style advent calendar. We print a photo from each day in December using an Instax printer and add it to the calendar. The day after Christmas, we look back on the things we did that month—and we leave the photos in there to look at the following year,” a Babylist parent shared.

It’s a beautiful way to capture the everyday magic of the season—not just the big moments, but the cozy ones too.

Holiday Card Scrapbook

If you send out a holiday card, set one aside each year and store it in a special place. You'll love looking back on your old cards and watching your children grow and change.

"When my first son was born, we started a photo album just to store our Christmas cards each year. We write one or two bullets about what made that holiday season special. Easy to maintain, and will continue to get bigger as he ages,” one Babylist parent shared in our poll.

Make a Yearly Santa Photo Album

Annual Santa photos are another tradition many parents mentioned. "I bought a photo album last year just for yearly photos with Santa and I'm so excited to be able to add to it each year!" one Babylist parent shared.

And for a more decorative spin on the yearly Santa photo, another parent said, "My family has always bought a picture of me and my sister when we saw Santa and framed them and put them on the fireplace. I plan on doing that with my baby each year to watch them grow up."

Make a Gingerbread House

A classic holiday activity, and the messier the better! You can make one from scratch, or to save on time, use a pre-baked kit that just requires a bit of assembly before decorating. Gingerbread houses are a nostalgic craft that’ll bring everyone together for some festive fun.

Bake Cookies (or Other Treats!)

Whatever your favorite holiday treat is, this is the perfect time to bake it, and maybe pass along a tradition (or start a new one of your own).

“Early in December, we start making cookies—my mom always made thumbprint cookies and pfeffernusse, so I like to mix at least one of those in each year. It reminds me of my childhood and my family, and it's a fun bonding activity with my daughter. Holiday music is a must while baking,” says Karen, a mom of one.

Once your child is old enough to help, it’s even sweeter.

“My two-year-old is old enough to help me make cookies now, and we like to drive through the holiday light show at the county park with hot chocolate and treats,” a Babylist parent shared.

And holiday cookies make great gifts, too.

“We love to make and decorate classic Christmas cookies, put them in a cute tin, and give them as gifts to family and friends,” another parent said.

Of course, you don’t have to stop at cookies.

“We make doughnuts as a family to kick off Hanukkah, and the Nutella is disastrous and delicious,” says Lisa, a mom of three.

Cook a Delicious Meal

Gathering around a meal is one of the oldest traditions there is—and there are so many ways to make it meaningful for your family.

Some Babylist parents shared special dishes or spins on classic meals:

“We fry a turkey (or 10!). Instead of a formal holiday dinner, we fry one for ourselves and extras for our older neighbors and friends with little ones who might not have time to cook. It’s a good excuse to gather outside (bundled up!) with snacks and mulled wine while the birds cook—they go fast! Plus, it takes the pressure off whoever’s in the kitchen making sides.” —Alainna

“For Thanksgiving, my family doesn't make the traditional American turkey. We make Panes con Pavo, which means 'bread with turkey.’ The turkey is cooked in a tomato sauce, then we break it down to make sandwiches with bolillo rolls, curtido (a Salvadoran slaw), lettuce, watercress, radishes, and sliced tomatoes. Then you pour the sauce over the sandwich. It's my favorite meal during the holidays.” —Diane

Sometimes, the best tradition is the one that skips the cooking entirely.

“When we were younger and needed a place for all the cousins, we somehow landed on the McDonald's PlayPlace for Christmas Eve. It meant my mom didn’t have to cook, and it was perfect for a big crew of kids. Now we’re all grown, and we still go. I’m convinced it’s the best holiday spot in town.” —Maddie

“We don't celebrate Christmas, so we’ve made it a tradition to eat Chinese food that day (since it’s usually the only thing open)—and it’s really fun.” —Lisa

Other “non-traditional” but beloved meal ideas from Babylist parents:

Ordering catered food from Whole Foods
Breakfast for dinner on Christmas Eve
Chili on Halloween before trick-or-treating

Light the Menorah

If you celebrate Hanukkah, lighting the menorah together can become a cherished yearly tradition.

“For Hanukkah, the whole family gets together and brings their own menorahs. We light them one by one, starting with the youngest child and going up to the oldest. We still do separate lightings on the actual nights, but this group moment is a fun way to celebrate all together,” says Amanda, a mom of three.

Many Babylist families shared this as one of their favorite ways to celebrate all eight nights, and create memories that grow with each year.

Take In the Holiday Glow

Holiday lights are pure magic, especially when you’re seeing them through your baby’s eyes.

A neighborhood walk or drive to check out the decorations is a simple tradition that’s low-effort but big on joy. Some families visit special neighborhoods that go all out, while others head to drive-through light shows or local parks.

“We like to drive through the holiday light show at the county park with hot chocolate and treats,” one Babylist parent shared.

Depending on where you live, zoos, botanical gardens and public parks may host seasonal light events too. Some families even visit multiple displays throughout the season—it’s a great way to build in some fresh air, sparkle and snuggly memories.

Seasonal Outings That Make Memories

One of the best parts of the holiday season? Getting out and doing all the cozy, seasonal things—especially if it’s your baby’s first time.

Pumpkin patches, apple picking, Christmas tree farms…these outings make for great memories and even better photo ops.

“We love apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. We do it every year with all the little ones in the family, and it’s always extra special when we have a new addition for great photo memories!” one Babylist parent shared.

“We go to a local tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree every year,” said another. These kinds of seasonal traditions grow with your family—and they’re just plain fun.

Wrap It Up (With a Twist)

Some families with more than one child use different wrapping paper for each kid, but keep the assignments secret until Christmas morning.

“The kids have no idea which wrapping paper is theirs. We hide a scrap of their paper in the bottom of their stocking. Once they open their stockings, they find out which presents are theirs and then the fun begins!” one Babylist parent shared.

It’s a small twist that adds extra excitement and turns present time into a mini mystery reveal.

Give a Little, Feel a Lot

The holiday season is a natural time to spread a little love. Whether it’s volunteering, donating gifts, or finding small ways to support others—many Babylist families have made giving a part of their traditions.

“For Christmas, we take our daughter to help us shop for Toys for Tots. We hope it’s a good teaching experience. She helps pick out the toys, and then we donate them,” says Kristina, a mom of one.

Others turn giving into a hands-on project:

“We’ve started making holiday gifts for friends,” one parent shared. “It gets us in the holiday spirit weeks before Christmas and builds the excitement of giving to people we love.”

It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Even a simple act of generosity can leave a lasting impression.

Make Space for Meaning

However you gather—around a table, a tree, or a toddler-proofed living room—the end of the year is a chance to slow down and appreciate the people around you. These quiet, intentional moments often become the ones that stick.

“My favorite tradition is what we call our family circle,” says Dawn. “Before our holiday meal, we all stand in a big circle. One person starts by sharing something they’re proud of—an accomplishment, a new hobby, anything positive. Then they turn to the person next to them and say what they’re grateful for about that person—what they mean to them, how they make their life better. Our large family includes everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Everyone takes it seriously, and it’s always a beautiful reminder of what really matters.”

You don’t need a script. Just the intention to pause, connect and reflect.

Traditions for New Beginnings

Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, but many families have some way of marking a fresh start together. Whether it’s snapping family photos in front of your New Year’s decor or heading outside to welcome the first sunrise of the year, it’s a moment that can feel meaningful, and entirely your own.

“My family doesn’t celebrate Christmas—but New Year’s Eve is huge for us,” says Lyuba. “Russian tradition is similar to Christmas but non-religious, so we have a New Year’s tree and do presents on December 31. We also have a version of Santa called Grandpa Frost. The kids don’t totally get the difference between New Year and Christmas yet, but it ends up being an awesome mish-mash.”

“On New Year's Day, we head to the beach to catch the sunrise and set intentions as a family,” shares Dawn.

It doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Just something that feels like your own kind of beginning.

When the Best Tradition Is Doing Less

Sometimes the best tradition is the one that makes everything feel a little easier. If big gatherings or high expectations aren’t your thing (or just aren’t doable this year), you’re not alone. Here are some smart, low-pressure traditions Babylist parents say help take the edge off.

Stay in your own cozy lane. “Staying home Christmas Day—my son is now old enough to get upset when he has to leave behind all of his presents that Santa just brought. Christmas Eve was always big in my house growing up, so we celebrate with the extended family the night before. Christmas Day is for us at home.”

Try a “mini holiday” before the main event. “We do mini-Thanksgiving with just our trio and our favorite Thanksgiving foods before we leave for big family Thanksgiving chaos.”

Celebrate after the rush. “We focus on doing all our Christmas fun after December 25, during the traditional 12 days of Christmas. There are less crowds and it prevents holiday burnout. One of our favorites is to go to a local diner and get pancakes on December 26!”

Make a memory, not a pile of presents. “Last year we took a trip instead of doing gifts, and will be bringing it back this year and forever if I can help it!! No hosting, no in-law drama and no pouring money into more ‘stuff’ that my kid doesn't need. Going on a trip is a great alternative that teaches the value of experiences over things.”

Crowd-Sourced Holiday Magic

The beauty of traditions is that they can be anything that feels right for your family. Here are a few more ideas Babylist parents say they look forward to every year:

Cinnamon buns on Christmas morning.
We started an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos this year.
My husband and I love doing Jólabókaflóð, where we gift each other a book on Christmas Eve and stay up late reading. This year, we'll be getting our new baby a book and starting the tradition with him.
We do the “find the pickle” tradition—whoever finds the pickle ornament gets an extra present.
Felt Christmas tree for baby to decorate.
Each weekend is a 'step' to Christmas: decorate, cookies, wrapping party.
Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving—gets the wiggles out!
We started a Thanksgiving tablecloth where everyone writes gratitude messages each year.
Family Christmas photos every year.
Annual recorded interviews asking the same questions to see how answers change.
Part of gifts is envelopes labeled with the month—one family activity per month all year.
Homemade stockings: each baby 'chooses' their fabric for their lifelong stocking.
Santa's presents are topped with hair accessories instead of bows—two gifts in one!
Family wears matching colors or theme—new theme every year.
Zoo lights walk through.
We love watching The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown leading up to Halloween and having family Play time with a fall fireplace theme on the TV!
Christmas bake off family photos and karaoke.
A yule log is a fun, easy tradition to start. Yule logs are super fun to do with toddlers because you ask them to find offerings to stick on the log and they bring in really off-the-wall (but well-meant) things.

How to Find Traditions That Stick (and Actually Feel Good)

Not every tradition will work for every family—and that’s more than okay. The best ones are the ones you actually want to keep doing. Here's how to find the ones that feel right for you:

Start small. Choose one or two things that genuinely excite you—not the ones that feel like a “should.” If it feels like a chore, it probably won’t last.
Think about your values. Do you want to focus on giving back? Creativity? Quiet moments together? Let what matters most to your family lead the way.
Stay flexible. What works with a baby might need a tweak when you have a toddler—or a teenager. You’re allowed to adjust.
Skip what doesn’t fit. You don’t have to keep every tradition from your childhood. It’s totally fine to say “not for us” and create something new instead.
Make it yours. The most meaningful traditions are the ones that feel like you. There’s no right or wrong way to do that.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection and making space for joy, whatever that looks like for your family.