10 Winter Traditions to Start with Your Family

The winter season is a special time to cozy up with your loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. There are plenty of winter traditions you can start with your family, be it indoor activities or outdoor adventures.

There are plenty of traditions that can make your winter more meaningful and memorable. Here are ten winter traditions you can start with your family.

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1. Decorate Cookies

sugar cookies for holidays
Sugar Cookie Recipe from Sally’s Baking Recipes.

Winter is the perfect time to bake some delicious cookies and decorate them with your loved ones. Whether you’re making gingerbread men or sugar cookies, the decorating process is always a festive and creative activity. Plus, you get to enjoy your tasty treats afterward.

2. Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

hot chocolate bombs

After playing outside in the cold snow, sit down and have some hot chocolate with the family. I love creating a mini hot chocolate bar at my house. The bar includes hot chocolate packets, marshmallows, sprinkles, coconut, and candy canes. Also, no hot chocolate bar is complete without DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs.

3. Host a Game Night

exploding kittens game
Exploding Kittens for Ages 7+

Winter is also a great time to gather your family around for a fun game night. Whether you’re playing board games or card games, it’s a great way to bond and have some healthy competition.

You can even make it a tradition to have a game night once a month throughout the winter season. Some of our favorite games to play as a family are Pictionary, Game of Life, and Exploding Kittens.

4. Read from the Bible

holy bible with coffee
iStock/Pamela_D_Mcadams

Winter is the perfect time to sit down with your family and open up the Bible for some meaningful reflection. Reading the scriptures gives us a reminder of what the season is all about. This is a tradition your family will remember for years to come. Some passages you may want to read with your family are:

  • Hebrews 1:1-4
  • Isaiah 6:1-7
  • Genesis 3:1-24
  • Romans 12:9-13
  • John 1:1-5
  • Luke 2:1-40

5. Have a Snowman Building Contest

family building snowman
iStock/LeManna

The first tradition on our list is a classic one. There’s nothing quite like building a snowman with your family. Not only is it fun, but it also creates wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Hosting a contest within the family can make building a snowman even more entertaining. You can have a few categories for the contest, such as the tallest snowman, the most creative, or the most colorful. Don’t forget to snap some pictures and post them on social media!

Recommended Reading: 40 Gorgeous Winter Decoration Ideas

6. Volunteer

We’re not sure where we want to volunteer this year, but we do love to volunteer our time, especially during this time of year.

You and your family can spend a few hours volunteering at the local soup kitchen, food bank, or toy drive. You can use websites like VolunteerMatch.org to find local volunteer opportunities.

7. Go Ice Skating

If you live in a snowy area or near an ice rink, then ice skating is a must-do winter activity. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, ice skating is a fun and exciting way to spend time with your family. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun.

ice skates
iStock/Akiromaru

8. Watch a Movie

Winter is the perfect time for movie nights. Choose a family-friendly movie or series, make some popcorn, and snuggle under blankets for a cozy night in. Some movies your family may enjoy are:

9. Winter Scavenger Hunt

Winter Scavenger Hunt
Winter Scavenger Hunt Free Printable

Make winter more exciting with a scavenger hunt. Create a list of winter-themed items like icicles, snowmen, and frozen lakes, and go on a hunt with your family to find them.

10. Read Winter-Themed Stories

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Winter-themed stories are classics that will never go out of style. It’s a perfect opportunity for your family to snuggle up together with your warm blankets and read a few classic winter stories.

Some of my favorites are “Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow,” “The Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland,” and even “Greenglass House.”

Winter is a wonderful season full of new possibilities and memories. These ten winter traditions are perfect for starting new family traditions. By spending more time with your family this winter and creating these traditions together, you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime.

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