Every year, I like to ask friends, family, and pretty much anyone who’ll answer: “What’s your go-to holiday tradition?” The answers are always a mix of the classics—think cookies, carols, and chaos—and the wonderfully weird. It’s a fun way to spark conversations, learn a little about different cultures, and maybe even pick up a few new ideas for myself.
For all you educators enjoying some well-earned downtime this winter break, this might be the perfect opportunity to explore new traditions with your loved ones or even plan something unique to share with your students next year.
Over the years, I’ve come across some unconventional traditions that are gaining popularity, and honestly, they’re too good not to share. So, if you’re looking to mix things up this winter, here are six quirky, delightful, and downright fun holiday traditions that just might make their way onto your must-try list.
1. Bling Out a Roadside Tree
This quirky tradition started in Austin, Texas, back in the 1990s, when locals decided the trees along Loop 360 needed a little holiday sparkle. Over the years, it’s become a beloved custom—and there’s no reason you can’t bring it to your own neighborhood! Find a tree that could use a festive makeover, deck it out with ornaments and garlands, and spread some holiday cheer. Just one golden rule: take your decorations down after the season ends, unless you want to end up on your city’s naughty list for turning your masterpiece into a year-round eyesore.
2. Rock Those Ugly Sweaters
Ugly holiday sweaters have become a beloved tradition, adding a playful touch to the festive season. The trend gained momentum in the early 2000s, notably with the first official Ugly Christmas Sweater Party held in Vancouver, Canada, in 2002. This event encouraged attendees to don their most garish holiday sweaters, sparking a cultural phenomenon that has since spread worldwide.
To join the fun, invite friends and family to scour thrift shops for the ugliest sweaters they can find. Host a contest to crown the “Ugliest Sweater,” and don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures—it’s a tradition guaranteed to bring laughter and memories to last all winter long.
3. Light Up the Night with Lanterns
Let me introduce you to one of the most stunning holiday traditions out there: the Giant Lantern Festival, or “Ligligan Parul,” from San Fernando, Pampanga, in the Philippines. This celebration dates back to the early 1900s and features massive, intricate lanterns—some as tall as 20 feet—that light up the night in the most dazzling way possible.
Now, unless you’ve got the space (and skills) to recreate one of their masterpieces, you can still borrow the idea for your own festivities. Grab bamboo sticks, colored paper, and LED lights to make your own glowing creations. Or you can do what I did and buy giant floating sky lanterns—my kids loved it. Bonus points if you write your wishes for the new year on them before sending them up into the night.
This tradition isn’t just beautiful—it’s an unforgettable way to add a little glow (and maybe a lot of glitter) to your winter celebrations.
4. Shoes by the Fire, Sinterklaas Style
Ever heard of Sinterklaas? This Dutch tradition, celebrated on December 5th, is like Santa Claus’s cool European cousin. Instead of stockings, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, often with a carrot for Sinterklaas’s horse. In return, they receive small gifts or poems.
Why not bring a bit of this European charm into your holiday season? Gather your family, place your shoes by the fireplace (or the front door if you lack a fireplace), and exchange small gifts or heartfelt notes. It’s a delightful way to add a new twist to your celebrations and experience a piece of Dutch culture.
5. Fried Chicken for the Holidays? Yes, Please.
In Japan, KFC is a holiday tradition. Yep, you read that right—Kentucky Fried Chicken. This all started in the 1970s with a brilliant marketing campaign that positioned fried chicken as the Christmas meal. Decades later, it’s still a beloved part of the season, with families placing orders weeks in advance to avoid missing out.
If you’re looking to shake up your usual holiday menu, skip the stress of cooking one night and grab a bucket of chicken instead. Pair it with your favorite sides and holiday movies for an easy, delicious twist on tradition. Because who says festive has to be fancy?
6. Take the Plunge (Literally)
Feeling adventurous? Join the exhilarating tradition of the Polar Bear Plunge, where brave souls welcome the New Year by diving into icy waters. This chilly custom dates back to 1904 in South Boston, Massachusetts, and has since become a global phenomenon.
My neighborhood gathers at our lake park every year for this invigorating event (but honestly, any body of water will do—even if it’s your kiddie pool). It’s always a photo-worthy moment, especially if you capture it in slo-mo mode on your camera. Before taking the plunge, consider writing down your hopes and wishes for the upcoming year. Then, as you dive in, imagine washing away the old and embracing a fresh start. It’s a fun, refreshing way to kick off the New Year with a splash!
No Wrong Way to Celebrate
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you’re plunging into icy waters, eating fried chicken in holiday pajamas, or crafting a lantern that looks more like a Pinterest fail (hey, effort counts). The magic of the season isn’t in perfection; it’s in the stories you create and the people you share them with.
So, when the cookie dough burns, the lights won’t untangle, or the copy machine fails you again, just laugh it off and focus on what really matters — being with the people who make the holidays, well, the holidays. Because no matter how you celebrate, the memories you make are the ones that truly shine.
