Simple Slow-Living Traditions to Start With Your Kids This Christmas
The holiday season can feel overwhelming — twinkling lights, endless to-dos, and the pressure to make everything perfect. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Slowing down and creating intentional, simple traditions with your kids can make the season feel magical without the stress.
Here are some of our favorite slow-living Christmas traditions that are easy to start and full of meaning.
1. Advent with Simple Daily Invitations
Instead of a commercial advent calendar, try creating small daily invitations that focus on connection, creativity, or reflection.
Examples include:
Drawing a holiday picture together
Reading a short festive story
Writing a simple note of gratitude
These tiny moments build anticipation while keeping the focus on presence over presents.
Quick tip: Keep a little basket or box where you store your daily prompts so kids can reach for them on their own.
2. Baking Together With Organic Ingredients
Baking is a natural slow-living activity because it invites patience, creativity, and togetherness. Pick simple, kid-friendly recipes and swap in organic ingredients wherever possible.
My daughters favorite:
Apple pie using a favorite read-aloud book (How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World) — we use the recipe in the back of this book and swap in organic ingredients
Let children participate in small ways — stirring, sprinkling, or decorating — and savor the process rather than racing to the finished product.
Quick tip: Check out our Holiday Baking Essentials: Best Non-Toxic Tools for Family Baking With Kids to make baking safer and more fun for little helpers.
3. Nature Walks and Gathering Natural Decor
Take a stroll with your kids to collect pine branches, pinecones, dried citrus, or small evergreen clippings. Use them to decorate your home in a way that’s simple, beautiful, and compostable.
Why it works:
Connects kids to the rhythm of the season
Reinforces a love of nature
Reduces reliance on plastic decorations
Quick tip: Let kids lead the walk and choose the items that feel special to them.
4. Read-Aloud Christmas Stories
Make reading a nightly ritual in December. Pick slow, cozy stories that invite discussion or reflection. Here is a great list of best Christmas books for kids to inspire your nightly read-alouds.
Some of our favorites:
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (pairs perfectly with baking apple pie)
Short holiday picture books that highlight kindness or gratitude
Reading together creates calm, connection, and quiet anticipation for the holidays.
Quick tip: Let your kiddos choose the book — it makes reading feel special and empowering.
5. Handmade or Thoughtful Gift-Giving
Instead of rushing to buy, create gifts with your kids — or choose items that are long-lasting, meaningful, or experience-based.
Examples include:
Hand-decorated gift wrap or reusable cloth wraps
Handmade ornaments from clay, salt dough, or natural materials
A simple coupon for a “special day together”
This approach keeps gifting intentional and reduces holiday clutter.
Quick tip: Invite kids to personalize gifts with drawings or messages — it makes presents feel extra special.
Explore our Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas for more inspiration.
6. Slow-Paced Evenings With Music or Lights
Set aside a few evenings just to slow down together. Turn on soft holiday music, sip warm drinks, and enjoy the lights without distractions.
Ideas to try:
Drive through neighborhood light displays
Watch a favorite Christmas movie in pajamas
Do a simple candle-lighting ritual with your kids
The goal is presence, not perfection.
Quick tip: Make these evenings predictable — maybe every Friday night — so kids can anticipate the calm ritual.
Tips for Making Slow-Living Traditions Stick
Start small: Choose 1-2 traditions that feel achievable.
Be flexible: Some days will be hectic — that’s okay.
Involve kids: Let them contribute ideas and take part in decisions.
Keep it visible: Use a small calendar or basket to remind the family of each day’s activity.
Pair with sustainable holiday habits: For example, see our How to Reduce Holiday Waste (Easy, Realistic Tips) for ideas that complement slow-living traditions.
Final Thoughts: Intentional, Meaningful Holidays
Slow-living traditions help your family focus on connection, mindfulness, and joy, even amid the busyness of the season. They teach kids that the holidays aren’t about perfection, but about togetherness and thoughtful moments.
By starting just a few of these traditions this year, you’ll be creating memories that last far beyond Christmas morning.
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