10 Family Tradition Ideas for the Holidays You Love

Yup, it’s finally winter, and you know what that means! The holidays are a great moment to slow down and create memories your family will cherish for years. Whether you’re celebrating a major holiday like Christmas or Hanukkah, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, traditions can help anchor your family in joy and togetherness. At GoGo squeeZ®, we believe in making time for fun, creativity, and connection, because the sweetest memories often come from the simplest traditions.

Why Start New Holiday Traditions?

Holiday traditions can be great for many reasons, but at the end of the day, they help families grow closer. It’s a great way to enforce structure in kids, plus they’ll love having something to look forward to year after year. Maybe it’s baking cookies in December, or planting seeds in the spring! These repeatable moments in time stand out to us as anchors throughout the years, becoming the building blocks of positive memories. Over time, they can form a steadfast yet comforting sense of rhythm, belonging, and joy.

Holiday Tradition Ideas for Each Season

Holidays don’t have to be winter related, because every season holds its own kind of magic! Each time of year offers unique opportunities to build traditions your family can enjoy together. Try one (or all) of these seasonal ideas to celebrate all year long.

Autumn Holiday Traditions

With it’s cozy sweaters and warm colors, fall is the perfect season to get outside, craft something fun, and create new memory-making traditions centered around gratitude and creativity.

1. Family Pumpkin or Apple Picking

Visit a local orchard or pumpkin farm each year and make it your family’s fall kickoff. Let everyone pick their favorite pumpkin to decorate or carve out at home, or gather apples to use in pies, crisps, or homemade cider. Don’t forget to pack a few GoGo squeeZ® pouches in your bag for an easy, no-mess snack while you explore the farms! 

2. Halloween or Fall Crafts

Set up a crafting table and let imaginations run wild. Create leaf collages using items from nature sourced during walks, or design DIY Halloween costumes from recycled materials and craft supplies. 

3. Thanksgiving Recipe Exchange

Help kids feel involved in Thanksgiving by letting them choose or help prepare a special dish. You can also start a recipe-sharing tradition with friends or relatives each year. Try creating a dessert inspired by your family’s favorite GoGo squeeZ® flavors—mini apple crisps, anyone?

Winter Holiday Traditions

Winter is all about warmth, reflection, and cozy indoor traditions that brighten even the snowiest days!

1. Holiday Cookie Baking

Gather the family for an annual cookie bake-a-thon. Try new recipes, decorate cookies with colorful icing, or assemble treat boxes to share with neighbors and friends. And if you’re looking for a great gingerbread cookie recipe using GoGo squeeZ®, we’ve got you covered! 

2. DIY Ornament Crafting

Make simple but meaningful ornaments each year like salt dough shapes, hand-painted wooden designs, or photo ornaments that capture the year’s highlights. These homemade treasures will fill your tree (and your heart) for years to come!

3. New Year’s Eve Reflection and Goal Setting

End the year with a family reflection session. Share favorite memories and what each person is excited for in the year ahead! Keep it upbeat and fun—kids can draw their “goals” or write them on colorful cards to revisit next year.

Spring Holiday Traditions

Spring can be a symbol for growth and new beginnings, making it an ideal season for fresh traditions full of creativity and outdoor fun.

1. Spring Cleaning Day

Turn the yearly deep clean into a family event instead of a chore. Put on upbeat music, divide tasks into fun challenges, and celebrate afterward with a small treat or outing. A shared approach can make the experience feel more meaningful!

2. Planting a Family Garden

Start a family garden by planting flowers, vegetables, herbs, or all of the above. Let your kids help choose what to plant and enjoy watching the garden take shape together as the season unfolds. 

3. Easter Egg Decorating

Put a creative twist on egg decorating: try nature-inspired designs using leaves or flowers, dye-free options like stickers and markers, or even creating them out of wood or foam for long-lasting keepsakes.

Summer Holiday Traditions

Summer is made for sunshine outdoor adventures. These warm-weather traditions are easy to repeat every year and fun for all ages.

1. Backyard Barbecue Night

Make a family cookout part of your summer rhythm. Set up lawn games, enjoy relaxed time together, and keep kid-friendly snacks on hand—GoGo squeeZ® pouches fit right in when families are spending time outdoors!

2. Family Picnic Day

Pick a park, pack a blanket, and head out for a summer picnic. You can even rotate who chooses the location each year to keep things exciting! 

Involving Children in Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions can take on new meaning when kids are involved in small choices, whether it’s picking a craft, choosing a recipe, or helping plan an outing. These shared moments can create traditions in a way that feels unique to your family. We hope these ideas add a bit of seasonal cheer and inspire joyful moments, old and new. Happy Holidays from all of us at GoGo squeeZ®! ❄️💚