Johann Hunt
Remember when Christmas felt like magic—full of cozy moments, silly traditions, and pure joy? Some of those old-school holiday habits still have the power to make the season feel extra special. They’re fun, heartwarming, and way more meaningful than you might think. If you’re ready to bring back the good stuff, this is where the holiday spirit really kicks in.
Wassailing
Singing and drinking to your neighbors’ health is a fun ancient tradition to revive during the winter. The festive event finds its roots in the old Anglo-Saxon phrase “waes hael,” which means “good health.” People once sang to apple trees and looked forward to a great harvest while sipping on mulled ale or spiced cider.
Telling Ghost Stories
Long ago, people loved to tell spooky tales around the fireplace on Christmas Eve in Victorian England. That popular pastime likely started because the long, dark winter nights were the perfect chilling backdrop for sharing eerie narratives. When it comes to Dickens’ classic “old ghost stories”, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens tops the list.
Burning A Yule Log
You should find a big log to burn in your fireplace right on Christmas Eve. This custom, which continues through the Twelve Days of Christmas, symbolizes the fiery light driving away the darkness of winter. People also believed the Yule log brought good luck and protection for the home, often keeping the ashes as a charm.
Christmas Crackers
Snapping open a Christmas cracker during dinner creates a sharp, exciting popping sound that signals the start of the fun. These festive table favors typically contain a paper crown, a tiny gift, and a cheesy joke. A London confectioner named Tom Smith invented these joyful noisemakers in the 1840s, as a beloved British tradition.
Hiding A Pickle Ornament
The playful holiday ritual involves secretly hanging a pickle-shaped ornament deep within the Christmas tree branches. The first lucky child to spot the ornament on Christmas morning supposedly receives an extra present or a whole year of good fortune. Interestingly, the tradition is mostly unknown in Germany, despite the origin claims.
Door-To-Door Caroling
Groups of singers used to visit homes, spreading festive cheer by performing their holiday songs. This musical tradition actually predates Christmas, having roots in ancient European winter rituals. Early carolers occasionally received food or drink as a joyful reward for their seasonal performances, truly making it a shared community event.
Making Popcorn And Cranberry Garlands
Families in 19th-century America would usually string popcorn and cranberries to create beautiful holiday garlands. These simple, colorful decorations added a festive flair to the Christmas tree before people widely used glass ornaments. Making these garlands together became a favorite family activity and encouraged creativity and togetherness.
Roasting Chestnuts
A warm, comforting treat, roasting chestnuts over an open fire was a very common winter delight across Europe and America. Street vendors would often sell the seasonal food during the Christmas season and fill the air with a sweet scent. The popular holiday song “The Christmas Song” forever cemented it in festive memory.
Appointing A Lord Of Misrule
Imagine choosing one person to be the fun-loving master of ceremonies for all your Christmas parties. In medieval and Tudor England, a Lord of Misrule was appointed to oversee games, dances, and general merrymaking. That temporary leader could also be a servant, flipping social roles that originate from the Roman Saturnalia festival.
Making Pomanders
During the Middle Ages, households crafted pomanders by pressing cloves into oranges or other citrus fruits. These fragrant orbs acted as early air fresheners and were thought to protect against illness. Today, they remain a beloved seasonal craft—both decorative and symbolic of comfort and good fortune.