Christmas is my favorite time of year. But over the years, I’ve noticed something: The magic of the season isn’t found in the presents wrapped under the tree, but in the moments spent together. As a child, I don’t remember most of my gifts over the years. So as a parent, it was easy to fall into the trap of filling the house with toys, trendy clothes and techy gadgets.
My husband and I realized very early on that we only have 18 Christmas seasons with our children before they leave the nest. As my kids have grown, we have come to realize that the joy of Christmas has become baking cookies and candy, cuddling up with hot cocoa while watching movies, and driving around to see Christmas lights. Let’s look at some options that don’t have to break the bank to start some new traditions.
Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
For the littlest ones, it’s easy to think that toys equal happiness. And true — there’s nothing like seeing the delight on a toddler’s face when they get a new toy. But how long does that excitement really last? Babies and toddlers have short attention spans, and often, the toy that seemed like the perfect gift ends up forgotten in a pile just a few days after Christmas.
What I found was between our home, grandparents, aunts and uncles, the toys piled up quickly and the gift opening was a chore. Toddlers don’t need more stuff to feel joy — they need us. They crave connection, laughter and play.
One of the best gifts my husband ever gave to my kids wasn’t a toy, but a simple day spent outside playing in the snow. They built snowmen and made snow angels while I baked cookies and made warm stovetop hot chocolate. That day brought more smiles, giggles and lasting memories than any toy ever could.
For a few years, we took the kids on experiences for Christmas at our local zoo or a local children’s museum. A few times we enjoyed a local indoor waterpark when the kids were little. One year we let the kids pick lunch and they eagerly wanted McDonald’s. They still talk about that day, so we knew we were onto something.
More ideas for toddlers:
- Museums with holiday themed exhibits
- Lights at the zoo
- Visit Santa at a local mall or museum
- The Polar Express-themed train experiences
Ideas for Elementary-Aged Kids
As kids grow into elementary school age, the wish lists get longer. Video games, action figures, dolls — it seems like the options are endless. But here’s the thing: the more stuff we pile on, the less meaningful each individual gift becomes. I’ve learned that elementary-aged kids still have the same basic need for connection, even though their interests may have expanded.
We decided to start traditions that included pajamas, hot cocoa, and late-night drives to see Christmas lights. When they grew up, they were in the kitchen by my side baking cookies and candy while we listened to music. Decorating the house the day after Thanksgiving, gingerbread houses on the last day of school, and our traditional Christmas movie checklist are memories our kids talk about year after year. The toys? Not so much.
An easy win is always to take them on a tour of downtown. Dinner in the city, walking the streets to see the lights and decorated shops, and enjoying hot chocolate at a local cafe are highlights and low cost. This is a tradition our kids have asked to repeat again and again.
More ideas for elementary-aged children:
- Holiday-themed food experiences, like breakfast with Santa, high tea or cookie decorating
- Pajama night driving for Christmas lights
- Special holiday movie showings
Ideas for Tweens and Teens
By the time kids hit their tween and teen years, finding the right gift becomes even more challenging. Their interests change so quickly, and they’re more likely to outgrow whatever you buy within months. At this stage, it’s more important than ever to find ways to stay connected. While it’s tempting to buy the latest tech gadgets or trendy clothes, I’ve found that what my older kids really value is the time we spend together.
Teenagers, in particular, can be tricky to shop for, but they still want (and need) quality time, even if they don’t always say it. Last Christmas, instead of giving my tween and teen a bunch of material gifts, we planned intentional time together. We traveled to Chicago and went to Shedd Aquarium, ate Chicago pizza, and saw Hamilton. It showed them that no matter how old they get, they’re never too old for family time. And it turns out they still love jumping on hotel beds!
More ideas for tweens and teens:
- Holiday show at a local theatre
- Walking the downtown streets to see Christmas lights and trees
- Historical society or museum holiday exhibits
- Orchestra or musical concert
That’s not to say you should skip gifts entirely. Toys can be fun and exciting, and it’s natural to want to give your kids things that make them happy. We decided to make a big charcuterie spread on Christmas Eve, stick with small gifts from Santa on Christmas morning, and stuffed stockings on Christmas Eve while watching The Muppet Christmas Carol — it has become our yearly tradition.
So this Christmas, I’m making a promise to myself — and my family — to focus more on experiences and less on things. Because in the end, the toys will fade, but the memories we create together will last forever.
