Traditions don’t just happen.

They’re shaped by intention.

As women, we naturally become the curators of what our families celebrate year after year. Whether yearly holiday family photos, going all out with decorations leading up to the day, or making homemade specialty dishes, traditions make their reemergence every holiday season thanks to us women. Some are true, some are new, and some bring the nostalgia of what our childhood once felt like.

But beyond the treats, photos, and decorations, we have the privilege of weaving Jesus into the heart of our homes.

Joshua 24:15 says, “As for Me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” which emphasizes the need for everything we do to be pleasing unto the Lord. Traditions rooted in Christ not only strengthen the family but also serve as a light to those who may be lost, weary, and seeking hope.

When we intentionally put Christ at the center of our traditions, our families are better for it.

hERE ARE 5 ways you can create Christ-centered traditions in 2026:

For the Kids: Child-like Daily Devotional
The Bible tells us to train up a child in the way they should go. This takes preparation before each holiday. Pick the amount of days you’d like to devote to reading a daily children’s devotional that teaches the true meaning of each holiday that helps your children learn who Jesus is. This could be related to a niche topic that aligns with smaller celebrations.
Read the Story of Jesus
Read through the book of Luke over a month-long period — one chapter or verse at a time. Meditate on the Word of God together and close with family prayer.
Host a Praise and Worship Night Beforehand
On the night before a holiday (or week before, because let’s be honest, every season is a busy season), gather your family and friends, choose your favorite hymns and worship songs, and lift your voices to the King!
Add Scripture Around Your Home
Turn your home into a living reminder of the Word of God. Write a Bible verse on a makeshift ornament, homemade card, or paper chain each day or week of the month leading up to the holiday. Choose a verse as a family or individually, turn it into a mini study, and talk about why the verses were chosen. By the holiday morning, your home becomes a visual testimony of God’s promises — a decoration that points directly to Jesus.
Give Back to Jesus
We buy gifts for everyone else for just about every major holiday — but what about Jesus? He deserves more than we could ever physically give. What gift can your family give Him throughout this year? (Forgiveness? Prayer time? Service? Worship?)

While traditions create memories, they can easily become monotonous — something we do simply because it’s what we’ve always done. We forget why we started them or the meaning behind them.

As we head into this brand new year, let our traditions be filled with intention and Christ-centered purpose. Let them fill your home, your quiver, and your loved ones with joy — and remind the world that Jesus Christ is at the center of it all.