7 Christmas Traditions You Should Start This Year
As young Kenyan professionals, many of us are now establishing our own homes and families, moving beyond the traditions of our parents.
This Christmas, it’s the perfect time to plant the seeds for new holiday rituals that reflect your family’s unique identity and values. Here are seven fresh traditions to start right now.
The advent calendar of experiences
Instead of a calendar filled with cheap chocolates, create an Advent calendar that holds small, non-material experiences. Each day, the card or envelope contains an activity: “Watch a Christmas movie,” or “Bake cookies.”
This focuses the countdown on quality time rather than consumerism.
‘Year-in-Review’ time capsule
Start a tradition of creating a simple ornament that encapsulates the past year. Write down three things that happened, three things you learned, or three things you’re grateful for as a family.
Roll it up and seal it inside a clear, fillable bauble. When you decorate the tree next year, you can look back and reflect on your growth.
A signature Christmas meal
While imported traditions are lovely, create a signature holiday meal that truly speaks to your heritage and home.
Maybe it’s a beautifully presented roasted meat, or a special seafood dish with local ingredients, or maybe a chapati stack served in a unique holiday shape.
Document the recipe and make it the non-negotiable culinary centrepiece every single year.
The family compliment exchange
On Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, sit down and go around the circle. Each person must give a sincere compliment or share a positive memory about every other person present.
This simple act elevates gratitude and appreciation, ensuring that the focus of the day is on the people you love, not just the gifts under the tree.
A book-themed Christmas Eve box
Create a special box that is only opened on Christmas Eve. It doesn’t contain a lot, but its contents are specifically designed for a cosy night. It may contain a new Christmas-themed book and a handwritten note expressing your love.
The focus is on winding down and enjoying a moment together before the big day.
New Year’s resolution vision board (on Christmas Day)
Christmas Day can be quiet after a flurry morning. Use this downtime to look forward. Bring out magazines, glue, and a large poster board.
As a family, create a joint ‘Vision Board’ for the coming year, cutting out images and words that represent your collective goals, dreams, and desired experiences for the new year.
The Post-Christmas charity box swap
A few days after Christmas, create a charity box that sits in a prominent spot. Every family member must choose three items that are still in good condition but that they are ready to part with to make space for their new gifts.
This is a practical and immediate lesson in decluttering and sharing good fortune with those less fortunate.
Building your family’s legacy is a continuous journey, and the holidays offer the perfect chance to define your own rhythm. Choose the traditions that reflect your values and your Kenyan home.
