5 Magical Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Family (That Don’t Cost the Earth)

Christmas with young children is one of life’s sweetest joys, their excitement, the sparkle in their eyes, and the simple moments that make the season feel magical. BUT it can get very expensive and overwhelming can't it? 

Here are five easy, affordable Christmas traditions your family can start this year, perfect for building connection, creativity, and Christmas cheer (without breaking the budget!).

1. Create a Simple Christmas Eve Box

A Christmas Eve box is a lovely way to kick off the festivities. It doesn’t need to be fancy, even a reused gift box or shoebox will do!

Fill it with:

• Matching pyjamas or festive socks

• A Christmas storybook or family movie

• Hot chocolate sachets and marshmallows

Open it together on Christmas Eve for a cosy night in. It’s a simple, low-cost Christmas tradition that young kids will look forward to every year.

Budget tip: Reuse the same box each Christmas for an eco-friendly touch.

2. Make a Family Christmas Ornament Each Year

Start a new family Christmas tradition by crafting one ornament together every year. It can be as simple or creative as you like:

• Salt dough shapes painted by the kids

• Decorated baubles with your names and the year

• A photo ornament of your family each December

In a few years, your tree will tell your family’s story, a timeline of handmade memories you’ll treasure forever.

Idea: Take a yearly photo holding your new ornament to see how everyone grows and changes. imagine looking back through these, so cute! 

 3. Go on a Christmas Lights Walk

One of the most magical and free, family Christmas activities is exploring your neighbourhood’s Christmas lights. Wrap up warm, bring a flask of hot chocolate, and take a stroll (or drive) to admire the decorations.

To make it extra fun for kids:

• Print a “Christmas Lights Bingo” card (find a snowman, Santa, reindeer, etc.)

• Play Christmas music as you go

• Vote for the “best decorated house” at the end!

It’s a festive, budget-friendly way to enjoy the season and create beautiful memories together.

4. Bake and Share Homemade Christmas Treats

Baking together is a classic Christmas tradition for kids that never gets old. Choose simple recipes like:

• Gingerbread biscuits

• Chocolate bark

• Festive cupcakes

Let your little ones get messy with sprinkles and icing, then package your treats as heartfelt gifts for neighbours, teachers, or friends.

Eco tip: Save jars, tins, or boxes throughout the year to reuse for homemade Christmas gifts.

5.  Have a christmas movie night

Not just sitting on the sofa watching a film together, make it special. Think christmas PJs, popcorn or mince pies, christmas lights on, and maybe even have a vote within the family for which film will win. Warning, you're likely to have more than one of these movie nights an each christmas but they're so fun. 

Start small, keep it simple, and watch these moments turn into treasured memories your children will carry for a lifetime.