At Little SoCal, holiday traditions have always been a way to make memories that last a lifetime. Even now, with two adult children and one fun preteen, some of our favorite traditions continue to bring joy to our family each year.

One tradition we love is picking one new ornament every year. It’s always a surprise to see what everyone brings home, and it makes decorating the tree extra special. Each weekend leading up to Christmas, we enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas movie nights, with favorites like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.

We also bake Christmas wreath treats — rice crispy treats made with corn flakes, green food coloring, and red hots. They’re simple, delicious, and so much fun for the kids to help make.

Our kids also had a holiday shopping tradition, where they were given a set amount of money to buy each sibling a gift. It was always funny to watch our two older kids pick out the same gift for each other! Now that they’re adults, they continue the tradition on their own budgets.

On Christmas Eve, the kids open their Christmas Eve pajamas from mom and dad and the gifts from their siblings, then we all settle in to watch Elf before heading to their grandparents house for a great time with extended family. 

These traditions are simple, joyful, and full of connection — and we hope they inspire your family to create your own holiday memories.

 

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Fun and Simple Holiday Traditions for Newborns

Your newborn’s first holiday season is magical, even if they’re too little to understand it. These simple traditions help you create lasting memories and set the stage for family rituals that will grow with your child.

1. Make a Keepsake Ornament

A newborn handprint or footprint ornament is a classic holiday keepsake — perfect for remembering how tiny they once were. Hang it on your tree each year and watch your child grow.

2. Take a Yearly Holiday Photo

Newborn holiday photos don’t need to be complicated. A soft blanket, warm lights, or cozy pajamas creates a timeless look without the pressure of a professional session. If you want something comfortable and photo-friendly, soft bamboo outfits from littlesocal.com photograph beautifully. Start a yearly family photo tradition and watch how much your little one grows each season.

3. Start a Holiday Bedtime Story

Pick one holiday book to read every December. Even though your newborn won’t understand yet, they’ll love hearing your voice, and the tradition will grow with them.

4. Celebrate a “First Christmas Morning” Memory

Whether it’s unwrapping one small gift, taking a photo by the tree, or sharing a quiet moment, create a tiny ritual to repeat each year.

5. Make a Holiday Memory Jar

Write down one sweet moment from this holiday season — a smile, a cozy nap by the tree, or a funny moment — and save it in a jar. Add to it each year for a heartwarming trip down memory lane.

 

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Toddler Holiday Traditions

Toddlers can actively participate in holiday fun, making their first festive season a time for joyful memories.

1. Decorate the Tree Together

Let your toddler help hang ornaments (with supervision) or add soft decorations they can reach. Even if a few ornaments get knocked over, these moments become funny memories and give your little helper pride.

2. Holiday Cookie Decorating

Bake simple cookies and let your toddler decorate with frosting and sprinkles. Messy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.

3. Pick a Family Holiday Song

Choose a song to play every year while decorating, baking, or wrapping gifts. Over time, your toddler will associate it with joy, love, and holiday excitement.

4. Create Toddler-Friendly Crafts

Salt dough ornaments, handprint wreaths, or paper snowflakes are fun and simple ways for toddlers to contribute to holiday décor.

5. Read a Holiday Book Every Night

Select one special holiday book to read together each year. Toddlers love repetition, and reading the same story annually creates a comforting tradition.

6. Make a Holiday Memory Box

Collect keepsakes like crafts, photos, gift tags, or notes about funny moments. Open it in future years to enjoy a trip down memory lane.

7. Volunteer or Give Back

Even small acts of kindness — donating toys, helping pack a food basket, or making cards — teach gratitude and make the holidays meaningful.

8. Celebrate a “Holiday Morning Routine”

Create a simple Christmas morning ritual: opening one small gift first, reading a special book, or having hot cocoa together. These routines bring excitement and consistency for toddlers.