The holidays are a time for family, parties, food, and traditions. While I used to scoff at traditions like Christmas music, wearing festive clothing and, well, decking the halls, I’ve changed my stance and have been inspired over the past couple of Christmas seasons to embrace classic traditions or make new ones of my own choosing.

Sweet treats

Last year I really wanted to make a gingerbread house…that wasn’t made from gingerbread, but instead was a chocolate cookie house made from Godiva chocolate. I opted to skip the purchase since I’ve never built a cookie or gingerbread house before, and have no idea how difficult (or easy) it is to construct, or what the finished product even tastes like.

And, the Godiva cookie house kit wasn’t cheap, it was around $20, so instead of the house, I chose to make cookies and fudge for the first time in several years. I’m still not sold on the idea of making an “edible” cookie house, so this year I’m making more goodies like cookies and fudge.

A vintage vibe

Outside of food, I’m embracing a very specific holiday vibe, perhaps best summed up as March Sisters Core. Allow me to explain!

I’ve always loved the Little Women story, especially the 1995 movie version. Last year, I was really into the Little Women Christmas aesthetic, which to me is all about simple, old-fashioned activities and using what you have to decorate. Some of the aspects of a Little Women Christmas mean quiet time to reflect by reading or journaling, watching my favorite movies (holiday or otherwise), eating warm, nourishing foods, and decorating my home with simple items like candles, ribbon, twine and nature-inspired decor. 

Given that I’ve always gravitated toward vintage things and embracing old-fashioned habits, skills, and ways of living, it’s no surprise that Little Women is playing heavily into my holiday season over the past couple years. 

Books + chocolate

I think it was the Christmas of 2019 or 2020 when I first saw a post circulate on social media that described a typical Christmas Eve in Iceland, called Jolabokaflod, which consists of a quiet evening of exchanging books and eating chocolate. This sounds like heaven on earth to me!

I’ve yet to try this, because usually we spend Christmas Eve at larger family events, but this year I intend to work this tradition into one evening, perhaps the night of the Solstice or on one of the nights between Christmas and New Year’s. And, since nothing is better than sipping a warm beverage while I read, I plan on making up a hot cocoa bar on that evening. 

Snack attack

Another thing I plan to do this holiday season is use my fondue kit, which I scored at a thrift store for next to nothing. When I was growing up, my dad always made a smorgasbord of snacks each New Year’s Eve and we usually stayed in that evening and nibbled, watched TV, or sometimes played games. Since I’ve been an adult, I’ve carried this NYE tradition on. I look forward to the various snacks I can make and the activities we’ll partake of to help ring in the New Year. 

A Christmas wish

And the final thing I hope to incorporate this season is to play in the snow…typically we’re not lucky enough to have a White Christmas, or even a White New Year. When we get precipitation around this time of year, it’s usually in the form of sleet or ice around New Year’s Eve (another reason I adore staying home that evening). But, if I’m able to live my best Hallmark-Christmas-movie life, I’d love to wake up to a White Christmas, so that I could make a bit of snow ice cream, throw a few snowballs or build a small snowman…and then head back inside where I can be warm and cozy and view the beautiful white stuff from the comfort of my home!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Share in the comments!