There are many ways to spend the holidays. You can soak up the comforts of the house, and you can quickly watch all the old holiday movies in retrospect. Or maybe you’re a Christmas cookie hoarder and like to bake away on the weekends. And, of course, if you live in an area where it’s snowy and cold, there’s no better time of year for an outdoor adventure.
Whatever your plans, we can all agree: vacations are better when the stress is low and there’s enough space in your schedule to enjoy it all. We’re committed to making this season magical, and our 2024 holiday traditions will help you get there. Because we get it—being busy has a way of catching up with us. And it can be very tempting to let our productive days overlap with the holidays. But take this list as permission to put your mind at ease and make time for all the things that spark great joy. (Sledding, hot cocoa, and a nap, included.)
Psst… we made a magazine! Get your Camille Styles holiday issue EDIT, out now.
2024 Holiday Traditions That Will Spark Joy This Season
With our 2024 holiday trends to guide you, we hope you can make this year sparkle and shine in all kinds of special and fun ways. Let these ideas guide your list of goals, and get ready to make the most of your vacations.
Week 1
1. Plan your Thanksgiving menu (or potluck offering).
2. Light a candle and make your journaling session romantic. Practice gratitude for some of this information.
3. Make mulled wine, glögg, or hot apple cider in a pitcher. Your house will smell wonderful.
4. Bake pumpkin bread. Double the recipe and give it to a friend, neighbor, or coworker just because.
5. Work on your holiday gift list. Jot down ideas for each person on your list and tap our holiday gift guides for new ideas.
6. Plan your festive clothes. Take a look at the calendar and think of any times you might want to make some effort—and steal all of our holiday inspiration.
7. Clean out closets and donate clothes you haven’t worn all year. If you have children, pass on the toys and donate any that are older. Now is the best time to free up space before buying a single item or bringing gifts to the house.
Week 2
8. Warm yourself up with a cup of homemade chai.
9. Have a design holiday. Scroll through Pinterest for ideas or get inspired with our favorite holiday DIYs.
10. Go shopping for a special new tree ornament. Our family tradition is that everyone gets one new ornament a year, and it’s a great way to look back and remember past Christmases.
11. Choose a theme or color palette for your holiday gift wrapping, then proceed to purchase. Store it somewhere with scissors and tape for stress-free folding.
12. Give back: The season is brighter when we shine a light on someone else, so think about how you want to give back this year. One of our favorites? Find a children’s organization wish list and “take” one for a gift.
13. Treat yourself to cozy socks or slippers that you will wear all winter long.
14. Make plans with an old friend you haven’t seen.
Week 3
15. Buy vintage Christmas books and bring them to a local donation drive for the kids to enjoy.
16. Visit a small business and buy gifts for friends and loved ones.
17. Make a DIY wreath for your front door.
18. Take a Thanksgiving walk—leave your phone at home. As you walk, mentally write down your current gratitude. Meditate on each joy they bring to your life.
19. Make paper snowflakes and use double-sided tape to display on your windows.
20. Order holiday gifts. Many retailers have sales all week of Thanksgiving, so avoid the pressure to do everything on Cyber ​​Monday.
21. Call a friend or distant relative and tell them how grateful you are for them.
Week 4
22. Spread the joy—leave a nice tip for your barista.
23. Find a new red lipstick that flatters your skin tone. Here’s how to keep it in place for holiday parties.
24. Close the laptop and shop for at least one gift in person.
25. Start an advent calendar—here’s a list of fun advent calendars for 2024.
26. Visit a holiday market in your town—buy decorations, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy the joy of Christmas!
27. Make a night out of decorating the Christmas tree. Turn on the music, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy the process.
28. Organize a playlist of your favorite festive songs.
Week 5
29. Set aside an afternoon of holiday baking. Download the Holiday Cookie Guide and bake a recipe (or two). You can also prepare the dough and freeze it for later.
30. Open your favorite holiday album and do at least one cleaning job you’ve been putting off.
31. Set up a cozy wrapping station and start wrapping presents, even if it’s just one a night.
32. Make a holiday meal filled with all your family’s favorites.
33. Buy or DIY a few appreciation gifts for teachers, postmen, housekeepers, your hairdresser, etc.
34. Recreate your favorite Starbucks holiday drinks at home. Invite friends and vote for the best—Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha?
35. Scroll through the previous month’s camera roll. Revisit your best memories and delete any duplicates or screenshots.
Week 6
36. Take one thing off your calendar and choose a holiday movie night at home instead.
37. Light a candle and make a grocery list of holiday dishes for next week.
38. Go for a walk or go looking for holiday lights.
39. Read The Polar Express.
40. Have a holiday night of self-care at home. Get tips to help you design the perfect night out.
41. Go through old vacation photos, and text your favorite ones to family and friends you shared those memories with.
42. If you have extra holiday cookie dough, bake it and take it to the neighbors.
Week 7
43. Let your playful side come out and pass on something amazing as your child. Watch a movie you loved as a child or play a game.
44. Make peppermint bark or our favorite—white chocolate winter wonderland bark. A perfect dish for all your Christmas week activities.
45. Make a cold boiling pot. Boil cranberries, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks or anything else you want to spice up your home in a pot on the stove.
46. ​​Find an unexpected act of kindness that you can do with those you share daily life with. It will make a big difference this season, both for you and the recipient.
47. Ask your friends or family over for a pajama date—holiday movies and the requisite treats.
48. Put treats on Santa and his reindeer.
49. Buy a fresh evergreen and place it down the center of your table for a simple, festive wreath.
50. Celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Hug them and hold them close. If you’re spending Christmas away from family and friends, call and send texts to let them know you’re thinking of them.