One of the most special things about being a parent at Christmas is building traditions—the little rituals that make the season feel uniquely yours. Whether you’re continuing something from your own childhood or trying something new, traditions aren’t just fun—they’re a gift for your children’s emotional wellbeing.
“Taking part in traditions together fulfills a hugely important developmental need for children to have a sense of belonging and being part of something bigger than oneself,” says child psychotherapist Dr. Sharie Coombes. “The repetition is crucial—it embeds a pattern of ‘this is how we do this’ and lays down a template for tackling future challenges together as a family.”
If you’re looking to freshen up your festive routines, why not take inspiration from around the world? There are so many lovely traditions to explore—and some may even become lifelong family favourites.
1. Iceland: A Christmas book flood
In Iceland, families exchange books on Christmas Eve, then cosy up for an evening of reading. This tradition, called Jólabókaflóð (or "Book Flood"), is so beloved that most books in Iceland are sold during the festive season.
Dr. Sharie Coombes says, “This is a beautiful tradition that creates healthy brain patterns for children. Reading together not only builds emotional bonds but also supports the development of language and imagination. It’s a calm, grounding activity that contrasts beautifully with the excitement of Christmas morning.”
Why not try this tradition?
Take the tradition one step further by personalising the stories you read! One of my family’s favourites is Wonderbly’s Our Family Saves Christmas. It’s a fun, personalised book where your family members become the heroes of a magical Christmas adventure.
Honestly, I’m obsessed. My son loves seeing himself in the story, and the customisation options—like choosing hair colour, skin tone, and even glasses—make it so special. Plus, it doubles as a keepsake you’ll treasure for years.
At home, I’ve set up a small display of Christmas-themed books on a shelf, so my son can pick what he fancies at bedtime. Sometimes his attention wanders, but just watching him light up at the pictures is more than enough!
Wonderblywww.wonderbly.com
Looking for a gift that brings the whole family together? “Our Family Saves Christmas” is a fun, personalised storybook that turns your family into the heroes of a Christmas adventure!
2. Philippines: Movies on Christmas Day
In the Philippines, families head to the cinema on Christmas Day to watch the films of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival. It’s a big event, featuring everything from comedies to thrillers (though you might want to stick with lighthearted holiday flicks for little ones).
Why not try this tradition?
You can recreate this tradition by heading to a baby-friendly cinema or having a Christmas movie night in. Everyman Cinema’s Baby Club offers screenings with lower sound, dimmed lights, and even treats like coffee and cake for parents. Or try VUE’s Mini Mornings, where tickets cost just a few pounds for kids and grown-ups alike. We've listed here the best baby-friendly cinemas for you and your little one.
Prefer staying in? Gather the family under a blanket, grab some snacks, and put on a cosy Christmas movie. It’s a tradition that’s simple, relaxing, and perfect for bonding.
The Little Tailor www.johnlewis.com
Make sure your little one stays cosy while watching the movie! We adore this Christmas Fair Isle Jumper from The Little Tailor. This luxe-feeling jumper has a heavy, warm knit that’s perfect for the festive season. The classic Fair Isle pattern adds a touch of Christmas cheer, making it the ideal addition to any holiday outfit. It's made from soft, comfortable cotton, it's designed to keep your little one snug while watching a movie in the cinema or at home.
3. Venezuela: Get active together
In Caracas, Venezuela, locals roller skate to Christmas Eve mass—a unique tradition that combines celebration with physical activity. While your toddler might not be ready to hit the streets on skates, getting outdoors as a family is a great way to release feel-good endorphins and bond together.
Why not try this tradition?
After opening presents or recovering from Christmas lunch, head outside with your little one. Bring their trike or bike, or simply go for a stroll. "Undertaking something physical together can encourage the idea of being part of a community where people enjoy shared experiences for pleasure,” says Sharie. “This strengthens bonds and builds a sense of mutual purpose and support.”
Top tip: Make sure your child is warm and snug!
Baby Mori babymori.com
We love the Baby Mori Recycled 3-in-1 Padded Coat for its versatile, thoughtful design. This winter essential features removable sleeves and a hood, perfect for adapting to changing weather. With water-repellent, wind-resistant fabric and cosy recycled padding, it’s ideal for cold, festive outings. The zip fastening ensures quick and easy dressing, even with a wriggly toddler!
4. Belgium: Bake speculoos biscuits
In Belgium, baking Speculoos biscuits is a cherished tradition for St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th. These festive spiced treats are simple to make and double as delightful edible decorations for your Christmas tree. Toddlers will love helping out—whether it's stirring the mixing bowl or adding the finishing touches with icing.
“Celebrations are often expressed through food, as it’s all about providing for your loved ones,” says child psychotherapist Dr. Sharie Coombes. “Children enjoy this, too, which is why they often make cups of tea or pretend meals in their role play. Baking together strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.”
Annabel Karmel, renowned children’s cookery author and nutritional specialist, agrees:
“Baking with kids has countless benefits—it teaches core skills such as reading a recipe, following instructions, counting, weighing, and measuring. Plus, it’s a great bonding activity, particularly during the festive season when you’re looking for ways to keep little ones busy! Spending time in the kitchen also builds self-confidence as kids proudly say, ‘I made it myself,’ which gives them a real sense of accomplishment.”
She adds, "My ethos is that we as parents need to help give our children a positive relationship with food, and that means letting them help out in the kitchen. Yes, it might be messy, or chaotic and their enthusiasm might disappear half way through a recipe but believe me they’ll always be back to eat the goods at the end!"
Why not try this tradition?
Create your own Speculoos
Here’s an easy recipe to try with your little helpers:
Ingredients (makes 12):
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100g plain flour
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp ground ginger
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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50g soft brown muscovado sugar
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1 tbsp whole milk
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75g butter
Method:
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Preheat your oven to 160°C/350°F/gas mark 4 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
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Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and knead the mixture into a dough.
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Sprinkle flour onto a clean surface and roll the dough out to approximately 5mm thick.
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Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking tray.
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Bake the biscuits for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
Pressed for time?
If you’re short on time, Annabel's festive baking kits are a lifesaver! These pre-prepped kits are perfect for parents who want to skip ingredient hunting and focus on the fun.
Annabel Karmelwww.craftandcrumb.com
We’re especially loving the Rudolph and Friends Gingerbread Biscuits Kit. Not only can you bake and decorate these adorable festive treats with your little ones, but the kit also comes with a bonus—its packaging transforms into a mini reindeer house that your kids can decorate for extra holiday fun. It’s a creative, engaging way to spend time together while making memories.
Annabel says, "Christmas is a time for crafting lots of festive creations in the kitchen. My top tip is to keep it simple! Children (especially toddlers) have short attention spans, so choose recipes that are easy and provide a result reasonably quickly. Gingerbread people biscuits or reindeer muffins are good options. They can knead dough, measure and weigh ingredients, line baking sheets with parchment paper, stir mixtures, pour batter into muffin tins, wash dirty bowls and most importantly…decorate!"
Annabel says, "I firmly believe in the saying ‘everything in moderation’. Treats are allowed (it is Christmas after all!) but always have a good range of different foods on offer and a supply of healthy snacks on hand. I have some great recipes on my Baby & Toddler Recipe App such as my Banana & Strawberry Santas which are still fun but a healthier take on the Christmas treat. You can also go down the savoury route. I love making my Christmas Tree puff pastry pizzas which the kids will love to decorate with lots of colourful veggies."
For babies, Annabel says, “Baby’s first Christmas is a very special time and the good news is that they can join in on the foodie fun too."
Annabel suggests baby-friendly canapés like mini pancakes with cream cheese and salmon, breadsticks with dips, or mini turkey bites made with leftovers and cranberries for a festive twist. You can also offer finger foods like soft turkey slices, mashed sprouts with carrots or parsnips, and clementine segments for a Christmas dessert treat.
5. Finland: Feed the birds
In Finland, families leave food for birds on Christmas morning, a tradition believed to bring good luck. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and teach kids about kindness.
Dr. Sharie agrees: “Connecting children to the natural world helps them see that life exists beyond their immediate concerns. It also fosters empathy and the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.”
Why not try this tradition?
Make a birdhouse and bird feeders with your little ones. For the birdfeeders, tie a string to a pinecone, spread peanut butter or lard over it, and roll it in birdseed. Hang your creations in the garden, then watch for feathered visitors together. It’s messy, hands-on fun—and your little ones will be so proud of their handiwork!
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
We absolutely adore the Melissa & Doug Build Your Own Birdhouse! It’s the perfect hands-on activity to enjoy with your little one. Spend quality time together as you assemble the sturdy wooden birdhouse, then unleash your creativity by painting and decorating it to make it uniquely yours. Your feathered friends will adore their cosy "home tweet home"!
This kit includes pre-cut wooden panels, screws for easy assembly, four vibrant pots of paint, and a handy paintbrush—everything you need to create a personalised masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to display in your garden.
6. Italy: A visit from La Befana
In Italy, kids look forward to a visit from La Befana on January 5th. This kind old witch delivers sweets to good children and coal to naughty ones, flying through the night on her broomstick.
This tradition is a great way to extend the festive season and teach children about folklore. Rituals like this nurture imagination, which is vital for problem-solving and emotional resilience.
Why not try this tradition?
My 1st Yearswww.my1styears.com
This Christmas, let La Befana have a little extra room to deliver all the goodies with the Personalised Large Red Reindeer Christmas Stocking. Designed to delight, this adorable stocking features a jolly red reindeer with a fluffy pompom nose, textured antlers, and sweet ears. It's large enough to be filled with a treasure trove of surprises—from toys to sweets, stickers to notebooks—that will leave your little one’s heart filled with joy.
Personalise Rudolph’s cosy red scarf with your tot’s name to make this festive decoration even more magical. Your child will love waking up to find this stocking waiting by the fireplace, filled with treats beyond their wildest dreams.
7. Japan: Fried chicken for Christmas dinner
Thanks to a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s, KFC has become Japan’s go-to Christmas dinner. Families place orders months in advance to share fried chicken feasts complete with salads, cakes, and sides.
Why not try this tradition?
Make your own “fried chicken night”! Let the kids help bread the chicken and pick sides. It’s a laid-back, delicious way to create a festive family meal—and the kids will love being part of the prep.
8. Norway: Countdown with gifts
In Norway, the Advent season is about more than just chocolate calendars—children traditionally receive a small gift every day leading up to Christmas. This thoughtful tradition can help toddlers appreciate each present and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of gifts on Christmas morning.
Why not try this tradition?
Spread the joy by gifting your little one a small treat each day, such as books, puzzles, or festive activities. This way of giving presents is so much healthier than giving your child too much at once.
My 1st Yearswww.my1styears.com
Make this holiday season even more magical with the Personalised Fabric Christmas Tree Hanging Advent Calendar from My 1st Years. With 24 sweet little pockets ready to be filled with anything from chocolates to tiny toys or even special notes, this advent calendar will keep your little one excited as they count down to Christmas. The soft fabric design is perfect for hanging in your child's room or as a festive addition to your living room. Personalise it with your child’s name for an extra special touch that’ll make every Christmas morning a little brighter.
9. Ireland: Light a Christmas candle
In Ireland, families place a lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve as a symbolic welcome to Mary and Joseph—or any travellers passing by.
Symbols like this connect children to the stories and values behind Christmas. It’s a powerful way to introduce them to the idea of welcoming and supporting others.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Light a special candle with your kids and explain its meaning. You could even pick a themed candle—like the Winnie the Pooh Scented Candle—to add a whimsical, child-friendly touch to this tradition.
No matter which traditions you choose, the beauty of Christmas lies in the memories you create together. As Dr. Sharie says, “It’s not the gifts that children remember most—it’s the feeling of love and togetherness.” What are your family’s favourite Christmas traditions? I’d love to hear which ones you’ll be trying this year!
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.