Articles contain affiliate links. For more information on affiliate links, click here.

There’s something about Christmas that brings you right back to childhood – the soft glow of the tree, the smell of something sweet in the oven, the matching pajamas you’ll probably laugh about years from now. As our kids grow and life gets busier, these little traditions feel even more special.

Here are the Christmas traditions I cannot wait for each year – the simple, joyful ones that make the season feel magical.

Matching Christmas Pajamas

One of my favorite traditions is cozying up on the couch, all together, in Christmas pajamas. It instantly sets the tone for a slow, cozy, stay-in-your-PJs kind of day.

Warm Cinnamon Rolls Right Out of the Oven

I love pairing our cinnamon rolls with a mug of rich, old-fashioned hot cocoa. It’s simple, nostalgic, and makes the whole house feel extra cozy.

Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate or good dark chocolate, chopped
⅓ cup sugar
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla (added at the end)
Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermints

Directions:

1. Warm the milk, chopped chocolate, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low–medium heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Heat until hot (don’t boil), remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla.
3. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Christmas Movie Marathon

We love to settle in for our Christmas movie marathon – one of my favorite traditions. These are the movies we come back to every year, plus a few for toddlers and faith-focused families.

Family Favorites

🎅 The Santa Clause (1994) – Funny + magical
🧝‍♂️ Elf (2003) – Silly and heartwarming
🚂 The Polar Express (2004) – Pure Christmas wonder
🟢 The Grinch (2018) – Bright and kid-friendly
🎁 Arthur Christmas (2011) – Underrated gem
✉️ That Christmas (2024) – New, whimsical, great for little attention spans
🎨 Klaus (2019) – Beautiful animation
🏠 Home Alone (1990) – Classic
⛄ Frosty the Snowman (1969) – Short + nostalgic
🦌 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – Claymation magic
🌟 The Star (2017) – Heartfelt Nativity story
🎄 A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Simple + meaningful

Cute for Toddlers–Preschool

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
Prep & Landing
Paw Patrol: Pups Save Christmas
Super Simple Songs: Christmas (YouTube)
The Star (also great for this age!)

Faith-Forward Christmas Picks

The Star
That Christmas
VeggieTales: The Best Christmas Gift
VeggieTales: Saint Nicholas
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

As our has family grows, these little rituals mean more and more each year. They’re the moments we look forward to – the ones our kids will remember long after the gifts are opened. I’d love to hear from you, too: what’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

Tell me in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas to make the season even more special.

Check out some other holiday goodies!

Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!