Decorate a tree? Sure. Play with a dreidel during Hanukkah? Of course. Put on an ugly sweater? Yes, every year. Let’s face it — there are some holiday traditions that are as common as they are meaningful. There is nothing wrong with the tried and true holiday traditions, but sometimes it can be fun to learn about the quirky, weird, or just super specific holiday rituals and traditions other families might have.
From some surprisingly sexy traditions (we see you, #6 on the list, proudly rocking a spot on the very naughty list) to sweet ways to keep old memories alive or fun ways to get into the holiday spirit, this list is actually a little inspiring for moms who might be looking for something new to do this year. There are probably lots of things that are going to be weird this 2020 holiday season, so embrace the weird and try one of these quirky ways to celebrate!
Feliz Navidad Prank
“My sister and I both HATE the song Feliz Navidad, so we spend most of the holiday season trying to find ways to trick the other one into hearing it. I’m talking voicemail messages, musical cards, sending each other ugly themed sweaters, hidden links to videos of it online, all of that! It is funny and annoying at the same time, just like having a sister!” – Frankie J., Chicago
Eight Sexy Nights
“We try to have sex every night of Hanukkah! Sometimes it is hard to get in the mood, especially if we’ve had too much fried food, but it is also a good way to stay connected during a busy time of year, since we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.” – Joni K, Brooklyn, New York
International Traditions
“Every year we choose a new country and try to learn about the Christmas or winter holiday traditions in that place. The kids like it and it’s fun to try new foods or ways of gift giving. This year is the Netherlands and we’re expecting Sinterklaas to come on December 5th this year!” – Jennifer K., Seattle
Christmas Color Meals
“We only eat food that is in Christmas colors (red and green) on Christmas Eve, which leads to some really odd combinations and lots of excuses to eat red candy. Sure, red Starbursts plus Red Vines is a totally valid breakfast choice!” – Heidi T., San Antonio, Texas
French Christmas
“Our family is all trying to learn French so we can move abroad next year, so this year we are watching all of our favorite Christmas movies but only in French! Should be a fun way to practice and still be festive.” – Audra M., Atlanta
Naughty List
“My husband gets me something from the adult store every year and hides it in our room somewhere. It is wrapped and labelled “from Santa” and, let me tell you, Santa is a perv! Last year Santa gave me some furry handcuffs because I was on the naughty list.” – Name withheld by request
Honoring Grandma
“My grandmother was OBSESSED with Christmas. She went all out, every year. She passed five years ago, so every year we go to her grave site and decorate her stone with tinsel and poinsettias and other decorations. I think she’d love it.” – Nicole C., Provo, Utah
Grazing Day
“I refuse to spend all day cooking on Christmas, so we have declared Christmas to be the day of snacking. We have cheese and crackers, popcorn, ALL THE PIE, chips and dips, and just basically all day grazing. It is relaxing and delicious.” – Phyllis R., Raleigh, North Carolina
Lego Christmas
“I’m super into building new Christmas scenes out of Lego with my Lego obsessed kid. We are working on a Lego nativity scene right now. Last year was a big Christmas tree. It is fun and creative!” – Emily T., St. Paul, Minnesota
Family Photo Shoot
“We do a photo shoot with our kids and our pets all dressed in matching holiday sweaters. Did I mention our pets include a dog, two cats, one lizard, and a goat? It is a whole big ordeal getting and making the sweaters but everyone looks forward to getting our card!” – Andrea K., Kansas City, Missouri
Christmas in Seoul
“We’re both English teachers from the US but living in South Korea for the last five years. Living in South Korea is interesting because some of our holiday traditions and foods aren’t really a thing here. Every year my mom sends us a box of American food that is hard to find here and opening that box is always super fun and helps get us in the holiday mood.” – Amy P, Seoul, South Korea
Die Hard Holiday
“You can’t really celebrate the holidays without watching all of the Die Hard movies, right? Well, that is my wife’s deeply held belief, anyways. So we watch them all, even the terrible sequels.” – Kyra J., Las Vegas
Surprise Caroling
“I’m in a mariachi band and every year, except this one because of COVID, we go caroling in different neighborhoods. We choose some streets at random and nobody knows we are coming and then we go for it! The element of surprise is fun.” – Gabi R., El Paso, Texas
Christmas Camping
“We open all of our gifts on Christmas Eve and then go camping. We camp on Christmas and Boxing Day, no matter the weather. It is always so peaceful, especially if there is snow.” – Rachel V, London, Ontario
Alone Time
“My ex-husband and I share custody of the kids. I get them on Christmas Eve and he gets them on Christmas Day. It was a bummer at first, but now I love having the day to myself. I take a hot bath, don’t have to cook, and usually read a book or two by the light of the Christmas tree. It is actually really chill and nice.” – Bethany E., Oakdale, Minnesota
