Written by Dr Tessa Grigg and Stephanie Lord-Darby

Is this your first or second Festive Season with your baby? The holidays can be magic with a young child around – seeing the wonder in their eyes as you celebrate with family, friends, and all those sparkly decorations! Now is the perfect time to think about what magical Festive traditions you will create for your family to cherish in the years to come.

Traditions don’t have to be grand (or stressful!). They’re about fun, togetherness, and making memories your children will love to look back on. Think about what you enjoyed as a child – or even something new you want to try! Whether you combine your own family’s customs, your partner’s, or invent something fresh, you get to shape a unique festive celebration that reflects what matters most to you. What do you want your children to value about celebrations? What will they remember?

Of course, not every family celebrates Christmas—but the holiday season is a wonderful time for all families to embrace their own special traditions, whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Diwali, or simply enjoy the extra time together. Whatever your holiday looks like, it’s the love, joy, and connection you create that really matters!

Here are some Christmas ideas to get you thinking:

• Who is Father Christmas in your house?Maybe he delivers joy, is a fun storyteller, or is simply a way to share the spirit of giving. Have fun deciding how you want to share this story!
• Santa Sacks and Stockings:Hang them by the fireplace,  or anywhere that feels special. Some families get creative—who says pets can’t have stockings, too? The tradition of opening stockings is something children (and even adults) look forward to year after year.
• Treats for Santa and Reindeer:Milk, cookies, or a crunchy carrot left out the night before can become a tradition that brings giggles and anticipation. Even as children grow older, the fun of leaving a snack for Santa lives on!
• Advent Calendars:Countdown to the big day with tiny chocolates, stickers, or even little notes. You can make your own or find creative versions that fit your style—some even avoid sugar if you’d like them to!
• Elf on the Shelf:Some families love this playful tradition! You may like to do some research into the backstory. Whether you invite an elf to visit or not, the goal is to add a little laughter and surprise to the season. 
• Getting Busy in the Kitchen:Let those tiny hands help with festive baking, from simple cookies to decorating gingerbread houses. Cooking together is messy, hilarious, and always memorable!
• Decking the Halls:Make a family event of putting up decorations and the Christmas tree. Babies love shiny baubles, and older children can help with homemade ornaments—these masterpieces become treasured keepsakes year after year.

Every family creates its own special blend of holiday traditions. Whether you stick with classics, blend different cultures, or invent something totally new, what matters most is the fun, love, and laughter you share.

As Queen Elizabeth II once said, with a smile,  when asked if she believed in Father Christmas: “I choose to believe in Father Christmas because of all the joy he brings to children.”

Here’s to a Festive Season filled with joy, wonder, and magical memories with your loved ones. Happy holidays!

Dr Tessa Grigg (PhD, Dip Tch Primary and ECE) is an experienced teacher and the Research and Education Manager at GymbaROO-KindyROO. 

Stephanie Lord-Darby (MRes, B.Ed.) is an experienced teacher and passionate Education Program Specialist at GymbaROO-KindyROO