5 Holiday Items We Used Every Year Growing Up

The holiday season has a magical way of weaving nostalgia into our lives. As kids, certain items seemed to spring to life each year, bringing with them the warmth of tradition and a sprinkle of joy. If you grew up in a household that celebrated the holidays with gusto, you probably had your own set of cherished items that made every December feel special. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit five holiday items that many of us relied on year after year.

The Christmas Tree Ornaments

Ah, the ornaments! Each one tells a story, doesn’t it? Some of them were delicate glass globes that sparkled like the stars, while others were hand-painted creations we made in elementary school—let’s be real, they were probably more “abstract” than “art.” I mean, who knew that a lopsided clay reindeer could evoke such joy? Every year, we’d pull out the box, and it was like opening a treasure chest. Each ornament brought back memories of past holidays, from the ones that made us giggle to the ones that made us roll our eyes (sorry, Mom, but that glitter explosion was not going to go unnoticed).

The Advent Calendar

Photo by Bianca Ackermann

If you had an Advent calendar growing up, you know it was a race against time. Who could resist the allure of tiny chocolates or the thrill of peeling back those little doors? I remember counting down the days with a mix of excitement and impatience, wondering if I could somehow cheat and open more than one door at a time. The anticipation built up to Christmas Day, and let’s be honest, sometimes the chocolate was a bit stale, but who cared? It was about the tradition, the countdown, and the sweet little surprise that made each day feel a little more festive.

The Holiday Sweater

You can’t talk about holiday traditions without mentioning the infamous holiday sweater. Oh, the joy (or horror) of donning that festive knit with reindeer or snowmen plastered all over it! Some of us had sweaters that were so ugly they were downright charming, while others might have been more on the sophisticated side—if you squinted. There’s something so cozy about wearing a sweater that screams, “I’m here to celebrate!” Even if it means looking ridiculous in family photos. Plus, once the holiday season is over, it doubles as a great conversation starter at parties—because who doesn’t love a good “Worst Holiday Sweater” contest?

The Cookie Baking Set

Let’s be real: the holidays aren’t complete without cookie baking. Whether it was rolling out dough, cutting out shapes, or slathering on frosting, the kitchen became a winter wonderland of sweetness. My family had a collection of cookie cutters that would rival Santa’s workshop. From gingerbread men to snowflakes, every year was a new opportunity to create (and eat) holiday magic. Plus, there was always that one batch that went a little awry—thank goodness for icing’s ability to hide a multitude of baking sins! It was less about perfection and more about gathering together and enjoying the process (and the cookies, of course).

The Family Holiday Movie

And then there’s the family holiday movie—because what’s a holiday without a little cinematic magic? Whether it was the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” or a more comedic take like “Home Alone,” curling up on the couch with hot cocoa and popcorn became a cherished ritual. Families would gather, cozy blankets draped over everyone, while we quoted our favorite lines or tried to guess what would happen next. It was a time for laughter, a few happy tears, and a reminder of what the season was all about: togetherness. Plus, let’s face it, that one family member who always fell asleep halfway through is a tradition in itself!

Final Thoughts

The holidays are about creating memories, and these items played a huge role in shaping our festive experiences. They made our childhoods feel rich with tradition and love, sometimes even sprinkled with a bit of chaos. As we grow older, it’s easy to forget the little things that brought us joy, but revisiting them can reignite that spark of nostalgia. So whether you’re still using these items or you’re passing them on to the next generation, remember that it’s not just about the objects themselves; it’s about the memories we create and the love we share during this special season.

So, what items were staples in your holiday celebrations growing up? Let’s keep the conversation going, because the more we share our memories, the more we can appreciate the magic of the season.

Vinyl and Velvet