Create unforgettable moments this holiday season. Learn ways to make the holidays more personal with thoughtful celebrations.
The holiday season isn’t just about gifts wrapped in shiny paper—it’s about the people we share it with, the memories we make, and the traditions that make us smile year after year. But with so many to-do lists and store runs, it’s easy for the season to feel a little… generic. This year, why not add a personal twist?
From homemade décor to one-of-a-kind experiences, there are countless ways to bring warmth and intention into your celebrations. Whether your budget is big, small, or somewhere in between, you can create moments that will be remembered long after the lights come down.
Bring Out Your Inner Maker with DIY Projects
Nothing says “personal” like something you’ve made with your own two hands. DIY holiday projects can be as simple or elaborate as you like—and they add a layer of heart to your celebrations that store-bought just can’t match.
Handmade Decorations
From salt dough ornaments painted by the kids to hand-sewn stockings, homemade décor adds character to your space. You could even host a decorating night where everyone crafts their own ornament to hang on the tree.
Custom Cards
Skip the generic boxed cards and create custom Christmas cards to showcase family photos, inside jokes, or a design that reflects your personality. It’s a simple gesture that makes a big impression.
Give Gifts That Tell a Story
According to Accenture, the average holiday shopper is expected to spend about $613 this year, with many prioritizing value over volume. Instead of buying more, think about giving better—choose gifts that carry meaning.
Memory-Based Gifts
Create a scrapbook of shared adventures, compile a playlist of songs from the past year, or frame a ticket stub from an unforgettable concert.
Experience Over Objects
The latest Deloitte survey shows that spending on experiences is projected to rise by 16% this holiday season. Think cooking classes, spa vouchers, or tickets to a show—something that can be enjoyed, not just owned.
Make Memories Through Experiences
Traditions are the heartbeat of the holidays. Whether they’re inherited from generations past or brand new, they give each season a sense of identity.
Start a New Tradition
Maybe it’s matching pajamas on Christmas Eve or a neighborhood hot cocoa crawl. Traditions don’t have to be expensive—they just have to be meaningful.
Interactive Family Nights
Set aside one evening a week in December for a themed activity: movie marathons, gingerbread decorating, or board game tournaments.
Personal Touch on Any Budget
A personalized holiday doesn’t mean overspending. In fact, Basis Technologies x GWI found that 68% of people plan to stick to a holiday budget this year. Creativity often shines brightest when you’re working with constraints.
Ideas include:
- Host a potluck instead of cooking an entire feast yourself.
- Swap gifts with a handmade-only rule.
- Offer acts of service—babysitting, yard work, pet-sitting—as gifts.
Connection Above All
More than 40% of shoppers say they’ll stop buying from brands that don’t align with their values, according to Basis Technologies. That same principle applies on a personal level—holidays should reflect your values and the connections that matter most to you.
Reach out to loved ones you haven’t spoken to in a while. Organize a holiday video call for faraway friends. Create a collaborative photo album where everyone can upload their favorite snapshots.
Wrapping It All Up
This year, let’s slow down and make the season about connection, creativity, and intention. Whether you’re crafting ornaments, giving experience-based gifts, or starting new traditions, the goal is to create a holiday that feels like yours—not just one that looks good in a catalog. Because the real magic? It’s in the moments you make.
