Winter Traditions to Start with Your Kids
November 1, 2024
Winter is a magical time filled with holidays, snowy landscapes and the warmth of togetherness. It’s the perfect season to start traditions that your kids will look forward to every year. Traditions create a sense of belonging and memories that can be cherished for a lifetime, shaping how kids feel about winter and family. Here are some cozy, creative and fun ideas to start your family’s unique winter traditions!
1. The Winter Book Countdown
Books can be a powerful tool to spark imagination and excitement. A winter book countdown is a way to celebrate the season with stories. Gather a mix of winter-themed books, holiday classics and family favorites, and wrap each one individually. Starting on the first day of December, let your kids pick one book to unwrap each night and read it together as a family. This countdown builds anticipation for the season and encourages nightly family bonding through stories. It’s also a chance to share tales from around the world and introduce your children to different holiday customs.
2. Winter Nature Walks and Treasure Hunts
Winter transforms the world outside into a frosty wonderland, and even a simple walk can turn into a magical adventure. Bundle up and go for a family walk, focusing on finding and observing nature in its winter state. Look for animal tracks in the snow, unique ice formations, pinecones and other seasonal treasures. To make it even more fun, create a winter treasure hunt list. Include items like “a red berry,” “an animal track” or “a snow-covered tree.” This tradition encourages kids to notice nature's beauty in winter and to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the temperature.
3. Family Craft Day
The shorter days and longer nights of winter create the perfect setting for cozy indoor crafts. Gather supplies like paper, markers, pinecones, glitter and glue, and set aside a day dedicated to making winter crafts together. Some ideas include snowflake ornaments, handprint wreaths, or pinecone bird feeders. You could even make holiday cards for friends and family. Displaying the crafts around the house brings an extra layer of warmth to your winter decor and gives kids a sense of pride in contributing to the holiday atmosphere.
Tip: consider using treasures you find on your nature walks for your crafts.
Tip: consider using treasures you find on your nature walks for your crafts.
4. Family Story Night
Winter is a wonderful time to snuggle up for storytelling. Family story night can involve reading classic winter stories, sharing family memories or even letting kids come up with their own winter tales. Give each family member a turn to tell a story or share something they love about winter. You might even record these story nights to play back in future years—it’s a great way to preserve family memories and see how everyone’s interests change over time.
5. Year-End Gratitude Ritual
The close of the year offers an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Create a simple family gratitude ritual by making a “thankful jar” or “gratitude tree.” Each week, have each family member write down one thing they’re thankful for and add it to the jar or tree. On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, gather as a family and read through everyone’s notes. It’s a special way to close out the year, teaching kids to focus on the positive moments and appreciate all they have.
Starting winter traditions with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to choose activities that you’ll enjoy as a family and that reflect what makes winter special to you. These traditions are more than just fun—they’re about building bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for new spots to explore this winter? Check out these three must-visit places for your next adventure.
Details and deadlines surrounding the GBU Foundation scholarship and grants for 2025.
Looking to try some new recipes this winter?
We've found some tips to keep up your sleeve this winter.
The Defined Benefit Annuity from GBU Life can help you to create a plan for a guaranteed income in retirement by making regular contributions based on your retirement income targets.
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on your financial future. Building on the foundation you’ve already laid the groundwork for with smart money choices will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few key financial products to consider as you take the next step.
Kick-start your child’s journey to financial success with a whole life policy from GBU Life.
How well do you know the characters from the hit TV series The Office? Watch your reruns and get ready to test your skills in our winter trivia contest!
Did you know you can use your RMD to purchase financial products that can help to secure the future for you, your loved ones or a charitable organization that you care about?
Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys. However, packing smart can make or break your experience. With so many gadgets and accessories out there, figuring out what’s truly useful can be overwhelming. To help you streamline your packing list, here’s a guide to the most useful travel items that will enhance your adventures. 1. The All-Purpose Carry-On Bag A durable, well-organized carry-on bag is essential. Look for one with: Compartments: separate sections for clothes, electronics and toiletries Durability: waterproof or water-resistant materials for unexpected weather Mobility: wheels and an adjustable handle for easy transport This is a must-have item because it saves you from waiting at baggage claims and prevents lost luggage during flights. 2. Travel-Friendly Toiletry Kit Opt for a compact, TSA-approved toiletry kit with refillable travel-size bottles. Bonus points if it comes with a hook for easy hanging in small hotel bathrooms. Tip: keep a separate mini toiletry bag in your carry-on with essentials like toothpaste, face wipes, and lip balm to freshen up during long journeys. 3. Portable Charger and Universal Adapter Staying connected is crucial for navigation, translating apps and emergency calls. A reliable power bank ensures your devices stay charged, especially during long flights or train rides. Pair it with a universal adapter to charge your gadgets no matter the country you’re visiting. 4. Packing Cubes Packing cubes help you stay organized by categorizing your clothes and accessories. They also maximize space in your luggage. 5. Travel Insurance and Document Organizer Keep all your travel documents—passport, visas, insurance and itinerary—in a waterproof organizer. This can be as simple as a resealable sandwich bag. 6. Reusable Water Bottle Remember to stay hydrated! Plus, a water bottle with a built-in filter ensures you have safe drinking water even in remote areas. 7. Noise-Canceling Headphones Whether you’re on a noisy plane or staying in a bustling city, noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. Invest in lightweight, wireless options for added comfort. 8. Eye Mask For long-haul flights or train rides, a comfortable eye mask can help you get some rest. 9. Compact First Aid Kit Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime. A small first aid kit stocked with band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes and any personal medications is a must. Tip: add items like motion sickness tablets and electrolyte packs for extra preparedness. 10. Multi-Function Travel Jacket Look for jackets with built-in storage—many designs come with hidden pockets for passports, phones, and even water bottles! These jackets are perfect for streamlining your essentials. Tip: if you’re going somewhere with a cold climate, consider bringing a large scarf that can also double as a blanket or wrap. 11. Daypack or Sling Bag A small, secure bag for day trips is essential. Choose one with anti-theft features like lockable zippers or RFID-blocking technology to protect your valuables. 12. Versatile Footwear Depending on your itinerary, pack a pair of lightweight walking shoes, sandals and waterproof boots. Opt for neutral colors and comfortable designs to match various outfits. Packing the right items makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Start with these essentials, and tailor them to your destination and travel style. Remember, the key to efficient packing is quality over quantity. Remember to focus on versatile, durable and practical items that suit your needs!