Oh, the holidays! Don't you just WISH you could be a kid again and soak up all that magic? Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around Christmas and spending precious time with my family over the winter holiday. I hope my kids will say the same when they're older. That's why I try to make this season as fun and memorable as possible. We've carved out our own family traditions that are near and dear to our hearts and I'm excited to partner with Gymboree to share how we do holidays with kids to make Christmas the very best time of the year.
Holidays With Kids
- How to make it the very best time to be a kid -
1.) Make salt dough ornaments for Christmas keepsakes. Those little hands aren't going to stay small forever. Capture them with our salt dough ornament recipe and make Christmas keepsakes that your family will treasure for years to come.
I started making salt dough ornaments with my son when he was just about 18 months old and they're still some of my very favorite ornaments. They're always a big hit with the grandparents too!
2.) Make a "Christmas Eve Box." Every year on Christmas Eve, my kids get to unwrap a very special gift. I prepare a box full of items to make even more special.
The box contains a Christmas movie to watch, lots of fun snacks, a blanket to cozy up with, a new pair of Christmas jammies, and a new bedtime story to read before drifting off to sleep before the big day.
This year, Gymboree sent me some adorable Christmas pajamas (at no cost) to include in our Christmas Eve Box. Aren't they cute?! I seriously love Gymboree clothing, and their jammies are no exception. The quality is fantastic and they hold up so well to my rough and tumble kids.
Be sure to label your box so everyone knows it's off limits until December 24th. If you'd like, grab my free printable Do Not Open Until Christmas Eve label, go ahead and print it.
3.) Check your local events calendars for special events and holiday outings. We attended the tree lighting in our town and my kiddos were elated to help decorate the huge trees there.
One thing I've learned about kids is that they won't enjoy themselves if they're uncomfortable, and then you won't enjoy yourself either. I tried to dress my son in stuffy little suits and dress clothes when he was little but that never went over well. That's why I love Gymboree clothing for kids. It's beyond cute, made so well, and they let kids be kids.
I was perusing the Gymboree Toddler Girls winter clothing selection and just fell in love with this Star Velour Dress. It goes perfectly with their Sparkle Tights, Velour Bow, and Silver Velvet Flats. It's so easy to put great holiday looks together at Gymboree.
And, how about this little guy in this super awesome Chewbacca Lights Tee?! He was so excited when he saw it, and it's so soft.
4.) Let them each buy a special gift for someone they love. This is something I started doing with my son right after his sister was born and it's a must-do for us now.
My little guy was just 3-years-old when his sister was born and by the time Christmas rolled around 6 months later, he was finally getting used to having her around. I took him to the store and told him to pick out a special gift for someone (anyone) he loved. He ended up picking out a cute stuffed animal for his baby sister and my heart nearly exploded with love.
I take them individually so we can have a little alone time, and so that if they want to buy a gift for each other they can without spoiling the surprise. This year, he picked his sister again. He selected a few fun trinkets for her and was really excited about his selections. Again, he's decked out in stylish clothes from Gymboree. I love this combination of Gymboree's Incredi-Soft Fleece Shirt, Lined Cargo Pants, and Heather Gray Camp Boots.
I know this is the best time to be a kid and I'm thrilled to see all the wonder and excitement in my children's eyes. I'd love to hear what you do to make holidays with kids the very best they can be. Leave me a comment and tell me what you're up to! Don't forget to check out Gymboree for their awesome selection of winter clothing!
Julie Wood says
How much fun is this! It is so important to make the Holidays fun for the kids. We make cookies every year, go see Santa and go to the mall and try out the Holiday treats. We love Christmas at my house!
Kaycee says
My favorite is buying a new ornament per kid to signify something important from their year.
Tracy D. says
Our favorite tradition is to drive through a local neighborhood that goes all out for the holidays, and look at all the beautiful lights and decorations. We will pick up a DQ blizzard on the way and enjoy them while looking. Thanks for the giveaway!
Lisa Garland says
I love your ideas, I was gonna make your salt dough ornament recipe with my granddaughter soon. I can’t wait to start these traditions this year! She just turned 17 months. Of course, we live to dress her in Gymboree clothing.
Heather says
My favorite holiday tradition is opening presents with my mom and dad on Christmas Eve. Santa's elves also bring my kiddos a package with a new Christmas book and Christmas pjs. They love it!
Jenn Koziol says
Our favorite holiday tradition is to sprinkle "reindeer dust" on the ground outside, so the reindeer can see our house. The kids get so excited to do this! Then of course milk and cookies for Santa and some carrots and water for the reindeer
Sarah Hayes says
we love baking together! its such a great time to spend with family and try new recipes.
Sheryl Holden says
There are so many things we enjoy, decorating the tree, baking, picking out a present for our teacher and siblings, donating to the Salvation Army bell ringers are just a few.
Tina says
I have a lot of favorite traditions. My favorite one is when we all load up in the truck, sing carols and head to the woods to find our perfect tree. We walk around and everyone gets to find a tree, then we pick the one that we love the best.
Couturegal chic says
Love baking cookies
Shawnna Kellam says
This year I want to make the salt dough handprint with my 14 month old son ‘
Becky VanGinkel says
We do the Christmas Eve Box as well!! We also do Elf on the Shelf, but my favorite tradition is baking Christmas Cutout Cookies, frosting and decorating them, and then leaving a couple out for Santa:)
Hollie Newlin says
What wonderful ideas! Im definitely going to have to incorporate these into my holiday traditions! My family's favorite holiday tradition is baking & decorating cookies & of course, leaving some for Santa & the reindeers! Happy Holidays!
Amy says
Every year we decorate the tree and house together. Then on Christmas Eve the whole family, Grandparents included all get together in our pjs and exchange gifts and enjoy great company and tons of laughter.
jennifer peters says
We really try to enjoy the holidays as a family. We see as many beautiful lights as possible. My favorite tradiion started with my dad. We listened to Christmas music, drink eggnog or hot chocolate & decorate the tree...
Dawn Meyers says
Per family tradition we play the white elephant game
Jessica Wilson says
My favorite family Christmas tradition is playing our Christmas Eve Game.
Every year everyone buys an unisex gift and then on Christmas Eve we all sit in a circle, while my dad reads Twas the night before Christmas(wearing his Mickey Santa Ears hat, of course) . We each start holding our gift and every time my dad reads AND we pass the gift to the left. Then what ever gift you end up with you get to open it.
Chantelle webber says
Great ideas. We are doing our first salt dough ornaments next weekend. I cant wait.
Angela Trindle says
We do a pajama gift exchange on Christmas Eve and family game night Christmas Day!
Lauralee Hensley says
Favorite Holiday Tradition is baking a birthday cake for baby Jesus together on Dec. 24th. The cake can be whatever you like, but usually we have a chocolate layer at the bottom, a red velvet layer next, then on top a white cake layer. Some put a green tinted cake layer on top of the white. The chocolate layer to represent sin in the world, the red layer to represent Jesus Blood that saves or Christmas birth of Jesus, then the white layer represents his blood washes our sins white as snow, if you want a forth green layer it can represent everlasting life. Then frost the whole thing white and sprinkle if you like with coconut flakes. Then the next day December 25th, at lunch we together sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Now you can have as many candles on the cake as you want, or just one. We together blow out the candle and then say together "We are not blowing out the light of this world, we are taking him into our hearts." It is after all his birthday and don't we get Happy Birthday sung to us on ours?
Danielle B. says
Making ornaments with the kids isn’t always fun. We haven’t done it every year, though. Usually I get to go with them to see Santa, but I’ve been working during all the Santa appearances so far this year.
RoseMahleyConner says
My favorite tradition is staying up all night Christmas eve & playing board games.
Kathy Rouse says
Picking out our live Christmas tree together! The way the house smells after you bring it in, absolutely the best fragrance ever!
Mylinda says
Our favorites are picking out & decorating tree, doing family picture & going to see lights ❤
shelly peterson says
We love decorating the tree and baking cookies.
Charisse womble says
Those are some great ideas! Every Christmas we do the Elf on the shelf, decorate Gingerbread houses, open up one gift on Christmas Eve as part of our German Christmas, watch our favorite Christmas movies and read a Christmas book. Can't forget our chocolate advent calendars!
Mandy Hammons says
My favorite tradition is picking out, cutting down and decorating our Christmas tree as a family
Dandi D says
My children get so excited to help us pick out our Christmas tree on the farm every year.
Helen says
I love holiday traditions. Every year my sister and I get together and bake homemade goodies. My husband and I take our little girl to the Christmas light displays. We all go to my grandma's house on Christmas Eve and eat party foods and our homemade treats. Then we exchange gifts with the family. Later we come home to chill out and watch some Christmas movies before going to sleep while wondering what Santa will bring the next day.
Tara says
On Christmas Eve, we open up new pajamas & new board games!
Ellen Thompson says
We have a lot of fun traditions but some of my favorites are making homemade ornaments with the kids, getting new pajamas for the kids for Christmas Eve, and having game with the family during the holidays.
Amanda M. says
I like snuggling up with the kids to watch Christmas movies and making crafts.
mami2jcn says
My favorite holiday tradition is driving around to see the Christmas light displays.
Amber Ludwig says
We kind of do something similar here but since my hubby is predominantly German heritage we do St Nick! So St NIck brings Holiday Jammies, Holiday book, a treat and This year a personalized plate to leave cookies for santa 😉 I love it. My son is so Santa obsessed that this is his FAVORITE time of the year!
Roslyn Crawford says
Baking cookies! I make a variety (about 20 different kinds/dozens of each) for family and friends! Many of the recipes were passed down through the generations. I hope my son likes to bake when he is older and will continue this tradition.
Chrissy Marie says
My Favorite Holiday Tradition Is Going To See Santa And Watching My Little One Ride the Train At The Mall
Michelle Bonnett Turner says
all the magic of Christmas was what i loved as a kid. Sant, lights, presents, Jeses's birthday..the songs all of it
Emily R. says
Our favorite holiday tradition is making our own advent calendar with fun things to do each day in December!
Renee Smith says
I think my favorite holiday tradition is bundling up all the kids and trudging into the woods on my family's land to pick out and cut down our Christmas tree. The girls have so much fun running between the trees looking for just the perfect one. We let them choose so some years it' might be a little lopsided or crooked, but they always think it's the most beautiful tree ever, lol! Then dad cuts it down and the girls do their best to help drag it out of the woods. Then we have fun cleaning off all the burrs and grass that have gotten stuck to our hats and mittens during the hunt. It's always a good year if we haven't gotten any in our hair, lol. I hope my girls look back at those memories someday and smile.
Kayla Coleman says
My favorite tradition is decorating the tree with my kids!
Vivian says
Opening up new pajamas, baking cookies, and watching Christmas movies.
Lauralynn Mangis says
These are wonderful ideas! We always put up our Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving while listening to Christmas music. We also visit a local greenhouse center called Kraynak's to see their tree and light display and to visit with Santa. That's my favorite holiday tradition!
Howard says
Our holiday tradition is lighting the Hanukkah candles, decorating, singing traditional songs, and - of course - a present for the children each night!
Amanda Alvarado says
Our favorite tradition is watching our daughter sing in the children's choir at Christmas Eve Children's Mass!
Sandra U. says
I love the idea of a Christmas Eve Box! I might have to add that into our schedule too.
We love to bake and decorate cookies together with the kids on Christmas Eve. We have so much fun!!
Aqdas ahmed says
My favorite tradition is the annual family portrait. It’s nice to Dress up and have a photo taken to send to family and Friends.
Darcy Koch says
My favorite holiday tradition is going with a friend of the family when he dresses as Santa and goes to visit the residents in our town nursing home.
Ivette says
My favorite tradition is picking a theme each year for the tree!
Dorothy B says
Favorite holiday tradition is Lighting the Menorah
Barbara Platt says
I love the tradition of baking goodies for Christmas with my grandkids. And decorating a gingerbread house together. We also craft together. It’s a very special time. We also go see their performances at church.
Merry Christmas
Kelsey vinson says
Every year we bake Santa’s cookies and make reindeer feed on Christmas Eve. But until then we have a snowman Christmas countdown. Every night we push his nose to he next number. They get so excited!
Geri Sandoval says
I love making a birthday cake for Jesus and singing Happy Birthday to Him on Christmas morning as a family. We have been doing this since I has a little girl.
Trisha W. says
Every Christmas Eve my kids put on their new PJs and antlers and I take their pictures. My soon to be 20 y.o. has been a good sport and will still put his antlers on from when he was a little baby.
Linda Manns Linneman says
The holidays are so much fun. We really enjoy sharing and spending time together as a family. The biggest thing in our house is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Enjoy the holidays. God Bless
Kristin Noel says
Love looking at the lights. Also, going to see a Live Nativity Scene.
Megan says
I like making our traditions about family togetherness and Christ
Leela says
I love making ornaments and baking cookies with my kids.
Deborah D says
I love Christmas with little kids around. They make it so much more special.
Mia says
My grandkids always help me decorate and bake. They love going through the decorations and remembering them from years past.
Janet W. says
Their clothing styles are adorable!! My grandson would love to wear the Chewbacca Lights Tee!
Veronica Sinclair says
My favorite thing is that our city hangs up Christmas Lights every where! We have all kinds of outings and events to make it so much fun for our kiddos 🙂
Sue E says
We are empty nesters so we don’t decorate and get into all the other celebrations like we used to. We still kept up the festivities when we had our first couple of grandkids. They brought the excitement and smiles back for us. We loved to bake with the kids! We would bake cookies for Santa. We would watch Christmas movies on Christmas Eve. Then we would put on Christmas carols and have either hot chocolate or egg nog. I would let the kids pick one present out of their pile to open for Christmas Eve. It was fun watching them decide which gift would be opened. Of course, they still had to wait to see what Santa brought them. I really miss that! Time flies so fast! But it’s always nice to hear when the kids and grandkids talk about the past Christmases here and the good times they had! Those are memories that can’t be forgotten or replaced.
Jeffrey says
Very important to spend such a time with my loved ones.
Nancy Jachcik says
You've presented some great ideas to make the holidays memorable for children. It's fun to have a Holiday movie night too watching Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman while enjoying hot chocolate and popcorn!
kimberly frazee says
I just wanted to say that these are some of the cutest photos. The children are naturals and the products are unreal AWESOME!!! Thank you so much for all you do!!! Merry Christmas All
denise low says
My grandkids love coming for eve Christmas. We have a tradition every year on Christmas eve we have dinner and they unwrap gifts.
Michelle Elizondo says
Every child deserves a gift!
Lauryn R says
Super cute gift ideas, I ALWAYS have my kids open PJs as their Christmas Eve gift every year. 🙂 There is just something so special and cozy about falling asleep in new pjs the day before. We love making salt dough ornaments too, it's so fun and they last for years!