7 Holiday Traditions to Start with Friends

Christmas can be such a magical season–the snow-capped trees, evergreen-scented candles, sugar cookies baking in the oven, and Hallmark movies playing in the background. However, most of the holiday spirit and memories made in December, well, they come from us moms. During the holiday season, we tend to soak up lots of quality family time, but one of the best gifts for me each Christmas, is time with my girlfriends.

Christmas is the very best excuse to gather with friends and creating Christmas traditions that last for years to come isn’t difficult, but it does require intentionality. Whether you want to add one new tradition to this holiday season, or fill up your calendar, my best advice for this time of year is–don’t wait for Christmas fun to come to you! Start early and make plans when you are already with your friends. Get the ball rolling when everyone is together so you can create a memorable holiday season. Here are seven of my favorite holiday traditions to enjoy with your friends.

1 | Holiday Night on the Town

There are so many festive Christmas concerts, plays, recitals and movies to enjoy during the holiday season. A dear friend started a tradition a couple years back where each Christmas we pick a night to get dressed up, go out to dinner at a favorite restaurant, walk around downtown under the lights, and then head to a holiday show–Elf, White Christmas, the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol–there are so many fun productions in the month of December. Another idea is to purchase tickets to a local dance studio’s holiday performance. Being downtown on a snowy night with all the trees decorated to see a live performance is always a perfect way to get in the mood for Christmas.

2 | Schedule a Winter Activity

Skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sledding…choose your winter adventure and pick a date to get it on the calendar. Winter is an ideal time to try a new outdoor activity and what better way to stay warm on the chair lift than chatting it up with a friend?! Fitting in a few active adventures can be just the way to ward of cabin fever, escape from seasonal stressors, and squeeze in some exercise.

3 | Christmas Craft & Charcuterie

I am not at all crafty, but my friends are and one of them is amazing at organizing crafts for a large group. A great way to start a Christmas craft night is by creating a group board on Pinterest. Everyone can pin inspiration for a decoration of some sort–maybe a Christmas garland, wreath, floral centerpiece, or mantle decoration. Once a craft is picked out, someone can do a supply shop and then the group meets up at someone’s house and crafts the night away! Turn on Christmas music, add a festive Charcuterie board and even the least crafty of you will have the best time. Another way to craft without all the prep and planning is to book a Class with a Glass or Sip & Paint night–such an easy way to tap into your artistic side during the holidays.

4 | Themed Christmas Party

This year our bible study is having an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. We are each bringing an appetizer or dessert and a wrapped ornament to exchange. We’ll play games, eat delicious food, watch a movie…and just enjoy being together. If you are already in a small group of some kind, make a plan to fit in some fun.

5 | Plan a Coffee & Shopping Date

One of my girlfriends started this tradition 3 years ago at the end of November. She invited our group of friends to meet up for lattes and then do a little Christmas shopping together. We met at Starbucks to get a fun holiday drink, visit for a bit, and then head across the street to Hobby Lobby to meander through the aisles sipping coffee and catching up. It’s such a relaxed way to spend time together during a hectic season and a great opportunity to gather Christmas decorating ideas, pick up anything you need for your tree or wrapping arsenal, and simply savor the season together.

6 | Christmas Movie Night & Cookie Exchange

The Holiday, Christmas in the Smokies, Daddy’s Home…what better way to unwind after a long week of work and family festivities than to snuggle in on the couch and watch a Christmas movie. Who doesn’t love an excuse to eat cookies and chill with friends?! Come in your best holiday jammies and slippers and get cozy! Add in a cookie exchange to round out your Christmas cookie platter without having to bake eight varieties yourself!

7 | Christmas Brunch + Recipe Exchange

I’ve never tried this one, but how fun would a Christmas brunch and recipe exchange be? Everyone could bring a dish to share–cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, egg bake, fruit salad…and enough copies of your favorite recipe so that everyone can exchange recipes for a holiday dish to add to their collection. Last year our bible study swapped recipes and I always think of those girls when I’m making their recipe. What a sweet way to bless one another year round!

This is just the beginning of so many great ways to celebrate the season with friends!