Simple Winter Traditions to Keep the Season Going

There’s something about winter days with kids. The days are a bit slower (and feel longer), the kids are constantly asking what are we doing next, and you find yourself looking for little ways to make the season feel special (without going crazy). Keeping the sanity and balance this season is hard. We find ourselves bundling up and braving the cold some days to visit local events and playgrounds, (because they still have plenty of energy and indoor play places can get expensive), and some days we stay in, pull out a recipe or two, and create our own fun in the kitchen.

Over the years, we’ve built a few simple winter traditions that make even the coldest, longest days feel joyful. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just fun hands-on activities the kids look forward to the minute the temperature drops.

Here are a few of our favorites that turn snowy afternoons (or whole weekends!) into memory-making, and boredom busting moments.

Winter Popcorn Mix Bar

My daughter asked for a popcorn maker for her birthday, well because she loves popcorn and gadgets! Honestly, I can visualize her kitchen one day full of every kitchen gadget out there! This one though, has now become a fixture on our countertop and one of our favorite kitchen appliances. When we need something fun and really low-effort, making a popcorn bar together is the hero of winter afternoons. The kids love watching the kernels burst out, and then I set bowls out for them to decide on the various toppings they want.

Sometimes I laugh at myself because it doesn’t feel like cooking… but you know what? They’re learning how to use an appliance, measure toppings, and be creative. So yes, it absolutely counts.

Some of our favorite mix-ins are:
• mini M&Ms
• marshmallows
• seasonal sprinkles
• Reese’s Pieces
• butter and kettle corn popcorn seasoning

This is perfect for snow-day movies, family game nights, or when everyone needs a quiet activity that still feels special.

Check out our favorite popcorn maker here: Dash Pop Popcorn Maker

Cozy Hot Chocolate

On extra chilly days, we make a huge batch of hot chocolate using our favorite mix, Swiss Miss. The kids love dumping the mix in and stirring everything together. But the best part is the toppings!

I create a little hot chocolate bar to jazz up their drinks which includes whip cream, marshmallows, sprinkles and candy canes to make it just feel more. Depending on what we have in the house we may also crush up some oreos or chop up a chocolate bar for the chocolate lovers in our house.

Our kids always ask for this when they come in from playing out in the old, especially on snowy days. And if you buy the toppings in bulk, and then stash some of them away for later, you'll be sure to have a variety of toppings on hand the next time the cold hits.

Rice Krispie Treat Cut-Outs

This tradition started as a one-time experiment and turned into a winter staple. We make a classic sheet of Rice Krispie treats and once it cools slightly, the kids press in cookie cutters to make stars, gingerbread people, hearts—whatever shape fits the mood. Just makes sure you use metal cookie cutters and choose shapes that don't have thin, tiny parts such as reindeer. Those will break off easily.

This winter the kids asked to use some food coloring, so we added green when we mixed the melted marshmallows with butter. We then decorated them with icing, winter sprinkles, and in the past have drizzled them with melted chocolate. They turn out adorable and it’s the easiest no-bake winter craft/snack combo.

Snow Day Chocolate Chip Cookies

The first true snow day of the season calls for chocolate chip cookies. The kids drag their stools over to the counter, someone inevitably sneaks a handful of chocolate chips when they think I’m not looking, and we pull out the one and only recipe: the one on the back of the Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chip bag.

While the kids love getting these together with me, I also find them sitting in front of the oven watching them bake and counting down the time when we can pull them out. They love the gooeyness, and eating them when they are warm and right out of the oven. It’s a wonderful way to warm up after playing outside in the cold!

Parent Tip:
Use an ice cream scooper so the kids can easily make even-size cookie balls and add silicone baking mats for super easy cleanup (and to save your sanity).

Homemade Mini Pizzas

Weekends often end with make-your-own mini pizzas. The kids love kneading the dough (sometimes a little too much), rolling it out, and assembling their creations.

Cheese is, of course, their favorite, but they love trying to make patterns or “fancy designs,” as they call it.

While it takes a bit more time than ordering take out, it is definitely a cost savings and encourages them to try new toppings without having to order a half or whole pizza that way.

The Heart of It All

None of these winter traditions are fancy or complicated, but that’s why they work. They remember the warmth of these little rituals and they have fun doing it. If you have the time, make a whole day out of it, or just pick one activity to do on the weekend. Whichever you prefer, the kids will love it.

These are the moments that make winter feel less long and more magical. The season feels special when you slow down, gather in the kitchen, and make something simple together.

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