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The most awaited time of the year is just around the corner, and you’re probably already planning fun activities to spend this year’s joyous Christmas with your family and friends. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration with family.
To help you celebrate, we have gathered some memorable Christmas traditions for teens that you can start now. These unique traditions will help you to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit.
50 Christmas Traditions for Teens
1. Keep an Advent Calendar
The Advent Calendar is a popular Christmas tradition that is perfect for teens. It’s a fun and interactive way to count down the days leading up to Christmas, and it can also provide opportunities for reflection and giving.
Advent Calendars typically contain small gifts or treats behind each numbered door, which can be opened each day of Advent. Some Advent Calendars also include religious or spiritual messages, or activities that can be done as a family or group.
For teens, an Advent Calendar can be a great way to encourage them to slow down and appreciate the holiday season.
It can also provide opportunities to do something kind or thoughtful for others each day, such as writing a letter to a friend or family member, or making a donation to a charity.
There are many different types of Advent Calendars available, from traditional ones with chocolates or candies, to ones with beauty or skincare products, or even ones that are DIY and customizable. You could even make your own Advent Calendar as a fun and creative project with the teens in your life.
2. Advent Candles
Advent is the season of preparation leading up to Christmas, and lighting candles during this time is a way to symbolize the coming of Christ and the hope and joy of the holiday season.
To incorporate Advent candles into a Christmas tradition with teens, you could start by purchasing or making a wreath with four candles.
Each Sunday during Advent, you can light one additional candle, starting with one on the first Sunday, two on the second Sunday, and so on.
You can involve the teens in the preparation of the wreath and the lighting of the candles. For example, you could have each teen take turns lighting the candles and saying a prayer or sharing a reflection on the season. This can be a great way to encourage reflection and gratitude during the busy holiday season.
3. Deck the Halls
You can decorate your house with handmade Christmas ornaments such as hand-painted pine cones or salt dough ornaments.
4. Christmas tree Hunt
Going on a Christmas tree hunt can be a fun and festive activity for teens during the holiday season. There are many ways to approach a tree hunt, depending on your preferences and location.
One option is to visit a Christmas tree farm or lot, where you can select and cut down your own tree. This can be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air, while also choosing the perfect tree for your home. Some tree farms even offer additional activities, such as hayrides or hot cocoa stands.
Another option is to go on a scavenger hunt in search of the perfect tree. You could explore local neighborhoods, parks, or forests in search of a tree that meets your criteria (such as a certain size, shape, or type of tree).
This can be a fun and adventurous way to spend an afternoon, and you may discover some hidden gems in your community along the way.
Once you’ve found your tree, you can bring it home and decorate it with your family or friends. This can be a great way to bond and create lasting memories, while also getting into the holiday spirit.
5. Admire Christmas Lights
Once you have decorated your tree, you should turn off the lights off your house and admire the colorful Christmas lights around your house.
6. Drive-Thru
You can ake small drives with your family around the neighborhood and admire the beautifully decorated and lit up houses.
7. Christmas Treats
You should bring your family together and bake Christmas sweets together, such as marzipans, fruit cakes, etc. We love making special Christmas cookies and peppermint bark to give to our friends and neighbors.
My nieces absolutely love to bake fresh bread and enjoy it with their friends as well. Nice warm bread on a cool evening is amazing!
8. Hang Customized Stockings
Hang stockings around your house for each family member. You can get their name stitched on the stocking.
9. Set up Nativity Scene
You can set up a prominent nativity scene outside your house made out of hay, or you can choose to set up a small one indoors.
10. Read Christmas Books
Reading Christmas books can be a cozy and relaxing activity, perfect for curling up by the fire or snuggling in bed on a chilly night.
There are many classic Christmas books to choose from, such as “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens or “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore, as well as newer titles that are perfect for teens, such as “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.
11. Movie Marathon
You can keep a movie marathon at your place and invite your friends and family over. There are many beloved holiday classics, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story,” as well as newer films that are perfect for teens, such as “Elf” or “The Polar Express.”
Watching Christmas movies can be a great way to spend time with family or friends, and can help create a festive and cozy atmosphere.
12. Remember the real meaning of Christmas
You should read the Christmas story from the Bible to your family and kids to remember the real reason why we celebrate Christmas, which is the birth of Christ.
13. Christmas Shopping Spree
Go with your family for a Christmas shopping spree and buy things from decorations to cozy sweaters and Christmas lights together.
14. Christmas Caroling
Christmas caroling is a wonderful holiday tradition that can be enjoyed by teens and people of all ages. It involves going door-to-door in your neighborhood or community and singing traditional Christmas songs.
To organize a Christmas caroling event, you can start by gathering a group of friends, family members, or members of a community group or organization. Choose a date and time that works for everyone and create a list of songs to sing.
It’s also important to consider the weather and dress appropriately. You may want to wear warm clothing, hats, and gloves if it’s cold outside, or bring umbrellas if there’s a chance of rain.
When you’re ready to go caroling, start at one end of the neighborhood or community and work your way through the streets.
Knock on doors or ring doorbells and ask if the residents would like to hear some Christmas carols. It’s also a good idea to bring some song sheets with the lyrics, so people can sing along if they’d like to.
15. Christmas Plays
You can participate in Christmas plays that are mostly held in family clubs or at church. If you don’t want to participate, you can watch live Christmas plays with your family.
16. Play Christmas Music
Play classic Christmas music in the background throughout the day in your house and car to keep you going with the holiday spirit.
17. Christmas Family Card
Send out Christmas greeting cards to your loved ones with your family picture on the front of the card.
18. Christmas Karaoke
You can arrange a Christmas Karaoke at your place and have a fun sing along with your friends and family.
To host a Christmas karaoke party, you’ll need a karaoke machine or app, as well as a list of Christmas songs to sing. You can choose classic holiday tunes like “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” or “Deck the Halls,” or opt for more modern favorites like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey or “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Encourage everyone to participate and take turns singing their favorite songs. You can also make it a competition and have a prize for the best performance, or just keep it casual and enjoy singing together as a group.
To create a festive atmosphere, you can decorate the room with Christmas lights and ornaments, and serve snacks and drinks that are popular during the holiday season.
19. Gift List
Make a list of how many gifts you have to give out too who and what you plan to give them.
20. Homemade Gifts
Instead of buying gifts, you can be a little crafty and make handmade gifts such as a handmade Christmas frame, stockings, or handmade candy canes.
Homemade gifts are a great way for teens to show their creativity and thoughtfulness during the holiday season.
Making gifts by hand can also be a more personal and meaningful way to show someone you care, as it demonstrates the time and effort you put into creating something unique and special.
There are many different types of homemade gifts that teens can make, depending on their interests and skills. For example, if you enjoy baking, you could make cookies, brownies, or other treats and package them in a festive way.
If you’re crafty, you could make handmade ornaments, knitted scarves, or personalized photo albums.
Another idea for homemade gifts is to create DIY kits, such as a kit for making your own candles or bath bombs. These ideal Christmas traditions for teens will stay with them for live. These can be a fun and creative way to give someone the tools they need to create something special on their own.
21. Build a Snowman
Building a snowman is a classic winter activity that many teens enjoy during the holiday season. It’s a fun and creative way to spend time outside, get some fresh air, and make the most of the snowy weather.
To build a snowman, you’ll need some fresh snow that is moist and packable. If the snow is too dry, it won’t stick together well, and if it’s too wet, it will be heavy and hard to lift.
Start by packing together a large ball of snow for the base of the snowman. Roll the snowball around in the snow to make it bigger and more round.
Once you have the base, repeat the process to make two more balls for the middle and top sections of the snowman. The middle section should be slightly smaller than the bottom, and the top section should be smaller still.
When you have all three sections, stack them on top of each other, using more snow to pack them together firmly. You can use sticks, rocks, or other objects for the arms and face of the snowman, and add a scarf or hat for a finishing touch.
If you want to get really creative, you can also decorate the snowman with food coloring, paint, or other materials. However, be sure to check that any decorations you use are safe for the environment and won’t harm any animals or plants.
22. Quiz Night
You can arrange a quiz night at your place in which you can ask questions regarding Christmas to test everyone’s knowledge about Christmas.
23. Letters to Santa
Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa. This will keep them excited throughout the holiday season.
24. Write letters to your Little Ones
Write letters to your kids on behalf of Santa and let them know that they made it on the ‘nice list.’ Teens can help write letters to their siblings or help other neighbors and friends with making a cute letter to send out.
25. Celebrate with those in Need
Christmas is all about giving and celebrating with your loved ones but many people don’t have these gifts. Celebrating with those in need is a wonderful way for teens to give back during the holiday season and make a positive impact in their community.
There are many ways to reach out to those in need and spread some holiday cheer, from volunteering at a local shelter or food bank to organizing a gift drive or fundraiser.
One way to celebrate is to volunteer at a local homeless shelter or food bank. Many of these organizations provide meals and shelter for those in need during the holiday season, and they often rely on volunteers to help with meal preparation, serving food, and clean-up.
This can be a great opportunity for teens to give back and learn about the challenges facing those who are less fortunate.
You could also reach out to elderly neighbors or those who are homebound and offer to bring them a meal or spend some time with them during the holiday season. This can be a simple yet meaningful way to brighten someone’s day and make a difference in their life.
26. Charitable Deeds
You can arrange a charity or go to charity functions in which you can take Christmas treats, warm clothes, and gifts for those in need. Another idea is to organize a gift drive or fundraiser for a local charity or organization.
This could involve collecting gifts or donations for children who are less fortunate, or organizing a fundraising event to raise money for a specific cause or organization.
27. Christmas Mass
Attend the Christmas service at your nearest church with your family. It is the best way to start Christmas day with your friends and family.
28. Sweater Weather
Wear cozy matching sweaters and pajamas with your family members. You can get customized Christmas sweaters for your friends and family.
29. Holiday Party
You can throw a holiday party for your friends and family where you all can just eat, dance and sing. Hosting a holiday party is a fun and festive way for teens to celebrate the holiday season with their friends and family.
There are many different types of holiday parties, from casual get-togethers to more formal events, and the key is to plan ahead and create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Here are some tips for hosting a successful holiday party:
Choose a theme: Decide on a theme for your party, such as an ugly sweater party, a cookie exchange, or a festive holiday dance. This will help you plan decorations and activities that fit with the theme and create a cohesive atmosphere.
Plan the menu: Decide on a menu for your party, taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. You can serve traditional holiday favorites, such as roasted turkey or ham, or get creative with appetizers and desserts.
Decorate: Create a festive atmosphere by decorating your home with holiday decorations such as wreaths, lights, and ornaments. You can also incorporate your theme into your decorations, such as having an ugly sweater contest or setting up a cookie decorating station.
Plan activities: Plan some fun activities for your guests to enjoy, such as a gift exchange, a holiday trivia game, or a karaoke sing-along. Make sure to include activities that appeal to all ages and interests.
Send invitations: Send out invitations to your guests in advance, either by email or traditional mail. Make sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and any special instructions.
30. Secret Santa
Another good Christmas tradition for teens is to organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. This is a fun way to exchange gifts with a group of friends or family members without having to buy gifts for everyone.
Here’s how to organize a Secret Santa gift exchange:
Set a budget: Decide on a budget for the gifts, and make sure everyone agrees to the same amount.
Draw names: Write the names of all participants on pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Each person will draw a name and keep it a secret.
Buy a gift: Purchase a gift for the person whose name you drew, keeping their interests and personality in mind.
Wrap the gift: Wrap the gift in festive wrapping paper and label it with the recipient’s name.
Exchange gifts: Set a date and time for the gift exchange and have everyone bring their wrapped gift. Each person will give their gift to the person whose name they drew.
Open gifts: Once everyone has received their gift, have them open it and guess who their Secret Santa was.
A Secret Santa gift exchange is a fun and easy way to exchange gifts with a group of friends or family members during the holiday season. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for others and make lasting memories.
31. Gingerbread House
Building a gingerbread house is a fun and festive activity that can be enjoyed by teens and their friends during the holiday season. It’s a great way to get creative and show off your baking skills while also indulging in some delicious treats.
Here are some tips for building a gingerbread house:
- Gather your materials: You will need gingerbread cookie dough, royal icing, and a variety of candies and decorations such as gumdrops, candy canes, and frosting. You can either make your own gingerbread dough or purchase a pre-made kit from a store.
- Cut and bake the gingerbread: Use a gingerbread house template or create your own design by cutting out the gingerbread pieces with a knife or cookie cutter. Bake the gingerbread according to the recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely before assembling.
- Assemble the gingerbread house: Use royal icing to glue the gingerbread pieces together, creating the walls and roof of the house. Let the icing dry for a few hours before decorating.
- Decorate the gingerbread house: Use a variety of candies and frosting to decorate the gingerbread house, creating a festive and colorful scene. You can add windows, doors, and a chimney using candy canes or pretzels, and use gumdrops or M&Ms for roof tiles.
- Enjoy your creation: Once the gingerbread house is complete, display it for everyone to see, and enjoy a sweet and tasty treat with your friends and family.
32. Bonfire Night
Light a bonfire in your backyard and sing and dance to carols around it with your friends and family. Make sure to supervise the bonfire at all times, and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergencies.
33. Hang Sentimental Ornaments
Hang ornaments that might have a deep meaning to each of your family members.
34. Bake Treats Together
Gather all of your family members and friends together and bake all kinds of Christmas treats.
35. Santa’s Treat
Make your kids prepare some cookies and milk for Santa as a fun activity. We also like to leave out some carrots or veggies for the reindeer to enjoy!
36. Christmas Themed Cutlery
Use Christmas themed mugs, plates, and dishes throughout the holiday season.
37. Traditional Christmas Breakfast
Have a traditional Christmas Breakfast with your family, including the traditional eggnog.
Eggnog French toast
Eggnog is a popular holiday beverage in the United States, and it’s often used to make French toast. The bread is soaked in a mixture of eggnog, eggs, and spices, then fried until golden brown.
Pancakes or waffles
Pancakes or waffles are a classic breakfast dish in the United States, and they’re often served with syrup, butter, and fresh fruit.
Breakfast casserole
A breakfast casserole is a popular dish in the United States that’s made with eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread. It’s typically prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Cinnamon rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a sweet and indulgent breakfast dish that’s perfect for the holidays. They’re made with a rich, buttery dough that’s filled with cinnamon and sugar, then baked until golden brown.
Quiche
Quiche is a savory pie that’s made with eggs, cheese, and various fillings, such as bacon, spinach, or mushrooms. It’s a popular breakfast dish in the United States and is often served on Christmas morning. Checkout this Recipe!
Breakfast tacos
Breakfast tacos are a popular dish in the southern United States, and they’re often made with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese. They’re served in warm tortillas and topped with salsa or hot sauce.
38. Send out Thank you Notes
You can send out thank you notes to people who you are grateful for. Remind them of their goodness during the Christmas season.
39. Snowball Fight
If you live in an environment where it snows, you can have a snowball fight with your friends and family. This is a very fun tradition that kids enjoy.
40. Go ice Skating
Go on ice skating rings with your family. Ice skating is a fun and festive activity that’s popular during the holiday season. Many cities set up outdoor ice skating rinks during the winter months, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Ice skating is a fun activity for teens to enjoy with their friends or family members. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors during the colder months. Ice skating can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll be gliding across the ice in no time.
When ice skating, it’s important to wear warm clothing and dress in layers, as the rink can get chilly. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold and to bring a scarf or hat to keep your head warm.
41. Prepare Hot Chocolate
Prepare some yummy hot chocolate drinks for your family and drink them together when you watch a classic Christmas movie.
42. Dress Formally
You can choose t dress formally with your family members on Christmas Day to make the day look special.
43. PLAY Santa for THE Kids
Make someone dress up as Santa for a Christmas party to get your kids excited. Dressing up as Santa Claus is a fun and festive activity that can be enjoyed by teens during the holiday season.
Whether you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer or just have a little fun with your friends, dressing up as Santa can be a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
To dress up as Santa, you’ll need a few key items, including a Santa hat, a red suit, a white beard, and a pair of black boots. You can purchase these items at a costume shop or online, or you can even make your own costume if you’re feeling creative.
Once you have your costume, you can start spreading some holiday cheer by visiting local holiday events, such as parades or tree lighting ceremonies. You can also surprise your friends and family by showing up at their homes dressed as Santa and delivering small gifts or treats.
If you’re interested in spreading some extra holiday cheer, you can also volunteer to play Santa at a local charity event or hospital. This can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and spread some joy during the holiday season.
44. Pray as a Family
Pray together as a family on Christmas Day, and thank God for all His blessings.
45. Christmas Dinner
Invite your friends and family over for a formal Christmas dinner. Christmas dinner is a special meal that’s enjoyed by families and friends on Christmas Day in many countries around the world. Each friend or family member can bring their own favorite dish
The menu can vary depending on the region and personal preferences, but some common dishes served for Christmas dinner include:
- Roast turkey or ham: Roast turkey or ham is a classic Christmas dinner main course in the United States. It’s often served with gravy, cranberry sauce, and a variety of side dishes.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish for Christmas dinner in many countries. They’re usually made with butter, milk, and seasonings, and they pair well with a variety of main courses.
- Stuffing or dressing: Stuffing or dressing is a flavorful mixture of bread, vegetables, and seasonings that’s often served as a side dish with roast turkey or ham.
- Vegetables: Many families serve a variety of vegetables with their Christmas dinner, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
- Rolls or bread: Rolls or bread are a staple at many Christmas dinners, and they’re often served warm with butter or jam.
- Desserts: Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without some delicious desserts. Popular options include Christmas cookies, fruitcake, and pumpkin or apple pie.
46. Christmas Visit
Pay a visit to your friends and families on Christmas Day and take some homemade Christmas treats for them.
47. Christmas Parade
The Christmas parade is a beloved holiday tradition in many communities around the world. Typically held in the weeks leading up to Christmas, these parades feature festive floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and other holiday-themed attractions.
Attending a Christmas parade can be a fun and exciting way for teens to get into the holiday spirit. Many parades also offer opportunities for community involvement, with local schools, businesses, and organizations often contributing floats or marching groups.
In addition to the traditional parade elements, many Christmas parades also feature special appearances by Santa Claus, who usually closes out the parade to the delight of children and families.
48. Host a Potluck
Teens love to eat! And they love to be with their friends. You can host a holiday potluck party for your teen and their friends. It is a great way to bring people together and share a variety of dishes. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful potluck party:
- Decide on a theme: You can choose a specific cuisine, such as Mexican or Italian, or go with a broader theme, such as comfort food or holiday favorites.
- Assign dishes: Create a sign-up sheet and assign each guest a dish to bring. Make sure to coordinate with your guests to ensure that there’s a good mix of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts.
- Provide the basics: As the host, you’ll want to provide the basics such as plates, utensils, napkins, cups, and beverages. Make sure to let your guests know what you’re providing so they don’t bring duplicates.
- Coordinate the setup: Coordinate with your guests to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time and that dishes are set up in a logical order. Consider labeling dishes and providing serving utensils.
- Clean-up: Make sure to have plenty of trash bags and recycling bins available, and assign someone to clean up after the party.
A potluck party can be a fun and easy way to bring people together and share a variety of delicious dishes. With a little planning and coordination, your potluck party is sure to be a success!
49. Christmas tree Star
You can choose the youngest or oldest member of your family to put up the star on the tree.
50. Spend Time with your Family
Create as many memories as you can with your family and share different stories with them to bring each other closer during the Christmas season. Use this list of ideas to find some fun ways to spend time with those you love. Even if its just enjoying a nice meal with your teen or going shopping- that time is invaluable.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is a special time of year that offers a wide variety of Christmas traditions for teens to enjoy. From classic activities like caroling and baking holiday treats to newer traditions like virtual gift exchanges and online shopping, there are plenty of ways for teens to celebrate the holidays in their own unique way.
So, whether you prefer the warmth of a cozy fire, the excitement of outdoor activities, or the joy of spending time with loved ones, there are plenty of holiday traditions to explore and enjoy this year.
The holiday season offers something for everyone, and there’s no better time to start creating memories that will last a lifetime.