The holiday season always seems to arrive in a whirlwind—school events, family gatherings, decorating, cooking, and trying to create meaningful memories in between it all. But sometimes it’s the small, simple traditions that make the biggest impression on our kids.

Here are some fun, low-stress ideas to bring extra joy into your home this season—plus a few clever stocking-stuffer suggestions parents swear by.

1. Start the Day With a “Holiday Note” Surprise

Kids love small daily traditions, and slipping a little holiday-themed note into lunchboxes, backpacks, or on breakfast plates is an easy way to keep the magic going all season long. Our budget-friendly Holiday Notes 4-Pack brings festive jokes, riddles, and sweet messages that brighten your child’s day with zero prep required.

2. Make a Hot Chocolate Bar

Set out marshmallows, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream.
Kids feel like they’re running their own café—and suddenly hot chocolate becomes a memory instead of just a drink.

3. Choose a Family Holiday Movie Challenge

Write favorite holiday movie titles on slips of paper, fill a bowl, and pick one each night or weekend.
Some favorites:

• Elf
• Home Alone
• The Grinch (animated or original)
• Klaus
• The Santa Clause

Add cozy blankets and you’ve created the easiest tradition ever.

4. Add Something “Tiny” and Fun to Stockings

Stockings don’t have to be stuffed with candy and random trinkets you're tired of stepping on. Think simple + memorable.

Great stocking-sized ideas:

• Add Love Notes or Christmas Facts & Funnies for kids, teens, and significant others—tiny bursts of holiday cheer and everyday happiness.
• Fun socks
• Travel-size games
• Craft pens or stickers
• Mini puzzle books

Kids always pull out the notes first.

5. Do a Night of “Light Hunting”

Hop in the car with pajamas on, bring hot cocoa, and drive around looking for the best holiday lights.
Give “awards” like:

• Most Creative
• Brightest House
• Best Theme
• Most Likely Visible From Space

Simple. Free. Kids adore it.

6. Try a Family Game Night with Holiday Twists

Play your usual games but add seasonal rules:

• Say “snow” and you lose a turn
• Winner gets the last cookie
• Loser must sing a holiday song

Instant upgrade to a regular night.

7. Write Kindness Notes to Others

Use Love Notes or your own handwritten messages to:

• Tape to a neighbor’s door
• Leave for a teacher
• Stick to a sibling’s bedroom mirror
• Give to a senior at a nursing home

It’s a great way to teach giving that isn’t about material gifts.

8. Start a “Memory Ornament” Tradition

Each year, choose or create an ornament connected to something meaningful—a new hobby, a trip, an inside joke, a favorite book, or even a milestone. Kids love revisiting the memories each year while decorating the tree.

9. Do a Day (or Hour!) of Decluttering Before Gift Chaos

Turn on holiday music, set a timer, and let kids gather toys they’ve outgrown. This makes room for new gifts while teaching gratitude and generosity.

10. Keep Some Magic Year-Round With the Tooth Fairy

Even outside the holidays, kids love enchantment—and parents love simple traditions that reduce stress.Our Tooth Fairy Kit and Bella’s Big Apple Tooth Fairy Tale Book ) is great for gifting during the holidays. It turns each magical Fairy visit into a keepsake-worthy moment rather than a last-minute scramble.

Final Thought

Holidays don’t have to be perfect or elaborate—kids remember the giggles, the surprises, the cuddles on the couch, and the tiny traditions that repeat year after year.A little joy each day is more than enough to make the season magical.