10 Holiday Traditions That Shape the Season

As we head into the holidays, we welcome a time of transformation, taking pause from the hectic pace of modern life for the few things that truly matter: family, friends, and the many traditions we share with the ones we love.

We find solace in these timeless rituals as reminders of where we belong, each borrowed from generations past and made uniquely ours. We come back to them, again and again… even in those years that we can't return home.

We all have these holiday traditions. And while they differ from family to family, they are bigger than ourselves—spanning cultures and creeds, uniting us in something wonderfully human. It is in this universal will to celebrate that we find our reason for the season.

So join us. Here we honor some of the many ways we each put our spin on the holidays—remembering, all the while, the common thread that binds them.

There’s something incredibly special about documenting your family’s growth through crafts, especially when it comes to handmade keepsakes. These simple creations hold immense sentimental value, marking a specific moment in time that will be cherished for years to come. As you hang these keepsakes on the tree, they serve as gentle reminders of how much your little one has grown and how the holidays have evolved alongside them. Each ornament becomes a snapshot of love, creativity, and the joy of family, turning the tree into a living scrapbook of memories.

“Keeping traditions, no matter how understated, creates a sense of unity, rhythm, and delight. This past year we lost my grandma right before the holidays. It was really difficult not having her there (her faith, her food, her love), but the traditions she instilled into our family made us feel like her spirit was near and brought us deep comfort. Traditions offer an opportunity to live beyond the years we have here on earth. What a special opportunity.” – Emma Allen, AU Ambassador

For many families, picking out and decorating a holiday tree is more than just a seasonal task—it's a celebration of togetherness. For families with children, the magic begins the moment you step onto the lot or into the woods, breathing in the fresh scent of pine. Watching your little ones debate over which tree is the ‘right one’ adds a layer of excitement that will be remembered for years. Once home, the real magic begins—transforming the tree with treasured ornaments, each one a memory waiting to be hung. It’s not just about the decorations; it’s about the shared laughter, the mess of pine needles, and the sense of home that fills the room once the lights are turned on.

Building a gingerbread house has long been a holiday favorite, but when multiple generations come together to create one, it takes on a whole new level of meaning. Grandparents can pass down decorating techniques and stories of past holidays, while children bring fresh creativity and joy to the process. This shared activity bridges the gap between generations, creating a space where tradition meets new memories. Building a gingerbread house is one of those classic holiday traditions that really never loses its charm.

“When my brother moved to Manhattan in 2015, my family decided to trade all of the usual holiday traditions we had honored for 20-something years for a Christmas in New York. We haven’t skipped a year since. We rent an apartment where all of us can gather in one place, and my brother snags a tree from the nearest street vendor. I come from a close-knit family of four that somehow wound up spread across the country… So gathering for Christmas is in and of itself our tradition—the holiday happenings are always a little different. One year it was endless rounds of espresso martinis that kept us up all night, one year it was a party at my brother’s friend’s in the West Village, one year it was using mopeds as our only mode of transportation, and one year it was walking 5th Avenue to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

Occasionally I miss our old traditions (mostly, spending time with my extended family), but each year when the holidays roll around, we just can’t resist the thrill of a few idyllic cold, wintry days in the city that never sleeps. Wherever the plans take us, three traditions remain the same: coffee chats in the morning, dancing around the kitchen, and enough unconditional love to fill us up until next year.” – Chandler S., AU Senior Copywriter

“In my family, the weekend before Christmas is all about one thing—cookies. My mom goes all out, sometimes making up to 10 different types. But there’s one cookie that’s special to the entire family: the cucidati, an Italian fig cookie. It’s the hardest to make but also the most meaningful, because it’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations.

My Nani made these cookies with her mom back in Italy, and now she’s passed the recipe on to my mom and aunts.What makes it extra special is that it's a full family affair. My Nani, aunts, cousins, and I all spend the day together baking this cookie. My mom and aunts handle the heavy lifting—mixing the dough and preparing the fig filling—while my cousins and I help out and learn the recipe, so one day we can be the ones making the cookies for the family. Once all the hard work is done, and we’ve baked dozens of cookies, we all get to sneak one for a taste test, but that’s it—because my mom hides the rest until Christmas.” – Jenna H., AU Senior Designer

“To my husband and I, receiving cards from loved ones is the best part of the holiday card tradition—but we’ve always felt awkward taking ‘nice’ photos of ourselves. Life can get crazy and stressful as you get older—especially around the holidays—and our quirky holiday card tradition has always been something we look forward to. We put on some music, crack open a bottle of wine, and reconnect with our creativity and silliness. It’s been a blast to include our children in this tradition and watch them add their mark to the process, too. Hopefully, they enjoy it as much as Mom and Dad do!” – Melissa M., AU Senior Physical Product Manager

“Christmas Eve has always been the center point of my family’s holiday traditions. Growing up it was always my mom, aunt, and grandma in the kitchen cooking and cleaning all day to make a special meal for our big family while the rest of us ran around having fun. A few years ago we decided it would be better for everyone to cook together so that they could also relax and enjoy the holiday... which is how a homemade pasta tradition was born. Everyone makes their own small batch of pasta while we listen to records, sip on festive drinks, and spend quality time with one another. Sitting down for the meal is so rewarding because everyone has a small hand in it and it makes it taste that much better.” – Morgan H., AU Partnerships Manager

Baking during the holidays is about more than just creating delicious treats—it’s about spreading warmth and joy to those around you. Whether it's cookies, pies, or festive breads, sharing homemade goodies with neighbors and loved ones brings a sense of community and connection. The act of baking becomes a way to show care and appreciation, filling homes with the comforting scent of fresh-baked goods and hearts with the spirit of giving. It’s a tradition that reminds us that the holidays are as much about giving to others as they are about celebrating together.

“Whether it's the first snow of the season or we are deep into the throes of winter and just need to get out of the house, heading outside to go sledding is something everyone in my family enjoys! We love building up the hill, and trying it out for the first time always makes the work worth the effort!” – Kim C, AU Ambassador