Traditions are significant in building family unity and bonding, but even before that,  traditions are important in building and maintaining a strong marital relationship. Holiday traditions are what this season is made of, and creating them as a newly married (or engaged) couple is the quintessential way to begin your life together.  There is no better time than now to start coming up with some traditions that your family will covet for years to come, whether passed down to children or as a reminder of your early years, traditions are the stuff that memories are made of.  Read on for some ideas on holiday traditions that you can do together.

Holiday Movie Marathon

Grab some matching PJ’s, stock up on some holiday treats and get ready for a movie marathon. Think popcorn, hot cocoa and maybe even some peppermint fudge and a cozy spot on the couch. While this may be a typical Friday night for some couples, the twinkling glow of the tree and the holly jolly rom-com will certainly create a holiday atmosphere.

Purchase a New Ornament or Decorative Piece Every Year

Pick out an ornament that represents something special that you have experienced over the past year.  Whether you grab a decoration on a romantic getaway, or an amazing excursion…the memory of that time together can be reminisced every time you decorate your tree or home.  If you tried a new hobby, or found a new favorite food..there is no doubt you can find an ornament  to represent your special time together.

Stuff Your Stockings With a Theme

Make gift giving fun with a stocking stuffer challenge.  Choose a theme and then fill your partner’s stocking up with little gifts that relate. Dreaming of a tropical getaway, wanting to do a kitchen remodel, or just wanting to express one another’s love…make it fun and sentimental. This is a fun and meaningful way to up the ante on gift giving this season.

Spend Some Time in the Kitchen Together

Baking and decorating  cookies is a great way to spend a wintry weekend together. Flex your creative muscles with a little light-hearted competition between the two of you.  Another great tradition that can be carried on through the years is making breakfast together on Christmas morning.  After a morning of exchanging gifts, a delicious and hearty breakfast prepared together is an ideal way to carry on the holiday excitement.

Gingerbread Showdown

Whether you team up or compete against one another (a little healthy competition never hurt anyone), a gingerbread house contest is a great tradition to carry on if and when you decide to grow your family. You can purchase individual kits for everyone and work in teams or alone, if it is just the two of you, post some pics on social media and see who gets the most votes.  A little  competition is great for the soul and a whole lot of fun.

Holiday Inspired Weekend Getaway

Whether you are both wanderlusts or just need a quick getaway to recharge, a holiday inspired trip is a great tradition to start. The holiday season can get quite expensive, so if jet-setting to a romantic island is not in the cards, a simple and exciting road trip can be just the thing you need.

Spread Some Christmas Cheer

Volunteering and giving back around the holidays is a great way to spread Christmas cheer while filling your own heart. Whether you decide to donate some of your time to a food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or local hospital, adopt a family and purchase their wish list or simply just make a monetary donation to your favorite charity, the repercussions of your good deed will be tenfold in your heart. Every year you can change up how you give back or repeat the same volunteer efforts over time.

Decorate Together…And Don’t Forget the Mistletoe

Whether you pick out a real tree or go for a faux beauty, decorating the tree is arguably what kicks off the magic of the season.  All you need is some holiday tunes, yummy hot cocoa and you will have a blast together adding Christmas ornaments and other decorations as a tradition year after year. And don’t forget to get caught under the mistletoe.

Host a Holiday Party With Friends and Family

The holiday season is all about fancy soirees, family gatherings and cozy get togethers…so why not throw your hat in the game.  Use this time of year to encourage connections with others and make some happy, long lasting memories while doing so.  Consider starting a tradition of hosting a get-together for all of your favorite people; make it an ugly sweater party, white elephant exchange or a fancy fete.  This tradition can change over the years as your forever friends begin to have children, making it a fun celebration for the kids as well.

The holidays are a perfect time to begin establishing customs and traditions that you would like to carry on throughout your marriage and pass down through generations.  It is a joyful time of year, when people come together with family and friends and create cherished moments.  We hope we inspired you to make some traditions with your spouse.  Happy Holidays from Anyvent.

While we are talking about holidays, maybe you are thinking about adding a holiday inspired wedding to your plate.  Winter is a beautiful time to get married, different and understated but definitely magical.  Read our blog for some inspiration for your winter nuptials.