Does the holiday season feel a little different to you lately? Maybe a bit less about the frantic shopping spree and more about actually slowing down? You’re definitely not the only one feeling this shift.
I’ve noticed that for many families and Gen Zers, the magic isn’t in the pile of presents anymore. It’s in the quiet moments that happen in between.
Here is a fascinating stat: recent reports from PwC and Deloitte show that Gen Z shoppers are planning to cut their holiday spending by nearly 30% in 2025. But they aren’t cancelling Christmas; they are rewriting it.
Instead of stressing over big-ticket items, we are seeing a huge move toward “deluxe” daily rituals. For example, deluxe advent calendars are popping up everywhere, offering a daily spark of joy rather than just one big morning of tearing paper.
I’m going to walk you through exactly how these new traditions are taking over and how you can bring that same sparkle into your home this year.
Key Takeaways
- Luxury over quantity: In 2025, deluxe advent calendars like the Rituals Festive Winter Garden (typically ranging from $90 to $125 in the US) are becoming the main event. These sets often double as decor, featuring battery-powered lights and exclusive body care products.
- Streaming the spirit: Digital platforms are replacing cable for holiday vibes. Services like Hallmark+ ($7.99/month) provide a constant stream of festive movies, proving you don’t need a pricey cable package to get that festive glow.
- Experiences first: The focus has shifted from material gifts to shared moments. Trends like the Icelandic “Book Flood” (reading books on Christmas Eve) and “Holiday Games” nights seen on TikTok are replacing expensive outings.
- Sustainable swaps: Young families are trading glossy paper for Furoshiki (Japanese fabric wrapping) and creating biodegradable ornaments from dried citrus slices, turning decoration into a fun family activity.
- Tech-enabled connection: Technology isn’t isolating us; it’s bringing us together. Families are using Spotify’s “Jam” feature to build collaborative holiday playlists and sharing their daily advent unboxings on social media.
The Rise of New Christmas Rituals
Fresh ideas are shaping how young people spread Christmas magic this season. If you scroll through TikTok, you won’t just see haul videos; you’ll see “Cozy Gaming” setups and “Dopamine Decor” trends where people decorate with things that make them happy, not just what looks perfect.
Google searches for creative family traditions are surging as Gen Z swaps shopping bags for laughter, games, and cozy parties under glittering Christmas lights.
The shift from materialism to meaningful experiences
A walk through string lights with family feels more magical than a pile of gifts under the tree these days. I’ve found that Gen Z and young families are prioritizing sensory experiences over things.
Think about cinnamon-scented crafts, cozy music nights, or simple gatherings around the Christmas Eve table. It’s about joy found in laughter and touch rather than what’s wrapped up under the tree.
This shift is backed by data. A 2024 survey by the National Retail Federation highlighted that nearly half of younger consumers plan to spend their money on gifts of “experience” rather than physical items. This explains why activities like baking cookies or making DIY ornaments are becoming the new standard for a “successful” holiday.
Technology’s role in modern traditions
Scrolling for a deluxe advent calendar now often means racing the clock online. People head to websites early, trying to snag their favorite before they sell out. Once it arrives, the excitement does not stop with just chocolate or skincare; many calendars shine bright with built-in Christmas lights powered by two AA batteries.
Technology also solves the distance problem. I know families who use Zoom to host virtual candle-lighting ceremonies so that no one feels left out, no matter where they live. Even customer service has gone digital; if a light flickers out on your deluxe set, help is often just a WhatsApp message away.
Streaming services act as the new fireplace
With Hallmark+ costing just $7.99 per month, it turns any living room into festive glow central. You get access to hundreds of movies that you can binge-watch while wrapping gifts or drinking cocoa. It’s an affordable luxury that anchors the entire month of December.
Advent Calendar Redefined
This year, a deluxe advent calendar does more than count the days. It lifts spirits with daily sparkle and surprise. Even TikTok challenges can spark fresh holiday traditions, making each December morning buzz with anticipation and a festive glow.
Why they are worth the investment
You might wonder why anyone would spend over $100 on a calendar. The “girl math” logic here is simple: instead of buying one expensive gift that might not get used, you are buying 24 days of guaranteed happiness. It spreads the joy out across the entire month.
Luxury Advent Calendars with unique surprises
Forget stale chocolate squares; deluxe advent calendars now come packed with festive magic. The Classic Advent Calendar from brands like Rituals often starts around $90 but contains products valued much higher. You get body care treats and miniature wonders behind each tiny door.
For those who want more sparkle, the Deluxe Advent Calendar (often priced around $125-$140 in the US) is a showstopper. It comes loaded with premium products and often transforms into a glowing 3D Christmas village.
Pro Tip: Many of these village sets require batteries that aren’t included. Make sure you have a pack of AAs ready on November 30th so you aren’t scrambling to get the lights working on day one.
Each calendar exudes holiday traditions without fuss over wrapping paper since they arrive in elegant boxes tied with ribbons. Some items inside are exclusive finds you cannot buy outside the set, making every December morning feel like Christmas Eve all month long.
Daily rituals to spark joy throughout December
December becomes a month of cheerful surprises for many families now. Each day feels like a new page from a festive storybook, brimming with little joys.
- Daily Anticipation: A deluxe advent calendar brings 24 days of excitement. Each gift offers both luxury and value, turning a mundane Tuesday morning into a mini-celebration.
- Morning Connection: Families gather around the calendar each morning. Opening doors to candles, creams, or tiny trinkets encourages a moment of shared connection before the rush of school or work.
- Moments of Self-Care: Children and adults alike savor these daily treats. It’s a reminder to pause and take care of yourself during a busy season.
- Discovering Favorites: Some calendars highlight bestsellers from favorite brands. This makes each surprise feel extra special and meaningful for all ages.
- Aromatic Atmosphere: December nights glow brighter as homes fill with scents from festive candles found behind one magical door.
- Social Sharing: People swap stories on social media, posting pictures of their advent calendar discoveries to spread joy beyond their four walls.
- Conversation Starters: A growing number use these small gifts as prompts. One day’s lotion might start a conversation about skincare routines and cozy winter tips.
- The Grand Finale: On Christmas Eve, the final calendar door opens. Many families make this the kickoff for their own unique holiday tradition.
Exploring Global Holiday Practices
Every place has its own way to spark that festive glow, from sharing books to lighting candles for loved ones. These traditions show how Christmas magic can warm hearts with the simplest touch.
Iceland: Reading by candlelight
Icelanders gather for Christmas Eve with stacks of fresh books, often gifted as part of the “Jolabokaflod” (Christmas Book Flood). Families settle in with these new reads and a warm drink, letting candlelight fill their homes.
The soft glow sets the stage for quiet stories and laughter, far from the pull of screens or loud parties. The mix of storytelling by flickering light creates a festive glow that wraps everyone in comfort.
This ritual fits right into 2025’s push for meaningful rituals over flashy presents. In the US, bookstores like Barnes & Noble and local libraries are even hosting “Book Flood” events to help you find that perfect read for the holiday night.
| Traditional Night | The “Book Flood” Twist |
|---|---|
| Watching TV reruns | Reading a new book by candlelight |
| Snacking on leftovers | Sipping hot cocoa with luxury chocolate |
| Scrolling phones separately | Reading quietly together in the same room |
Finland: Honoring ancestors during the season
In Finland, many families visit cemeteries during the season. They light candles for their ancestors, filling graveyards with a festive glow. The sight of hundreds of flickering lights in the snow brings quiet magic to Christmas Eve.
This ritual honors loved ones who came before and helps children see how family ties shape new celebrations. It reminds us that the holidays are about connection across generations.
Grandparents get called “invisible scaffolding,” holding up new generations through stories and traditions more than gifts. New customs take root here—young Finns share memories or cook recipes once passed down by late relatives instead of focusing only on presents.
Gen Z’s Influence on Holiday Celebrations
Gen Z skips wrapping paper and goes straight for real moments, like cozy movie nights or group cooking. They light up Instagram with festive snaps, swapping old Christmas magic for memories that last longer than a deluxe advent calendar.
Focus on sustainability and minimalism
Homemade ornament nights fill homes with warmth and creativity. Dried orange garlands, salt dough stars, and clay shapes replace plastic trinkets that gather dust by February.
One specific trend gaining traction in the US is Furoshiki. This is the Japanese art of fabric wrapping. Instead of tossing out bags of torn paper, families use beautiful, reusable cloths to wrap gifts. It looks elegant and leaves zero waste behind.
Social feeds sparkle with luxury advent calendars packed with small acts of kindness or experiences instead of random, cheap toys. The shift away from materialism makes Christmas magic last longer than new gadgets ever could. Minimalist values are shaping how young people celebrate—less waste, more meaning, and brighter memories every December.
Christmas magic now grows from what people do together, not just what they buy. Many young families and Gen Z skip long shopping lists for cozy rituals at home.
You might spot groups huddled around a fire, each person burning one of 13 wishes during the winter solstice. Everyone laughs or sits quietly, feeling close as paper turns to ash.
Nightly movies fill living rooms with popcorn crumbs, while matching pajamas turn simple couch time into a highlight. People gather at kitchen tables to paint sugar cookies and string popcorn garlands by hand. Some jot memories in holiday jars; others join friends for wish-burning ceremonies where worries dissolve into smoke.
Sharing these moments sparks joy that lingers far longer than wrapped gifts tucked under a tree ever could. This trend shapes new family traditions rooted more in presence than presents.
Takeaways
Today’s Christmas feels fresher, lighter on stuff, and heavier on memory-making. I love seeing how Gen Z and young families are shaking up traditions with Advent calendars like the Rituals Festive Winter Garden—finding those tiny daily joys tucked inside fancy boxes.
Everyone gets in on the fun, all genders are welcomed, and the old rules of who should do what are fading away. Tradition rolls forward as people swap waste for wonder and gifts for good times.
Tech helps memories last longer, but laughter around a candle may be what sticks forever. So, grab your favorite book, light a candle, and start your own new ritual tonight.
FAQs on Christmas Rituals
1. How are Gen Z and young families changing Christmas traditions in 2025?
Younger generations are swapping rigid etiquette for “dopamine decor” and eco-friendly practices like using reusable Furoshiki wrapping cloths. Instead of expensive travel, many are keeping the connection alive through casual video hangouts that prioritize comfort over perfect presentation.
2. What new rituals stand out for these groups during the holidays?
Families are bypassing the stress of shopping malls by using apps like Elfster to organize seamless Secret Santa exchanges. Even the entertainment has evolved, with interactive Jackbox Games replacing dusty board games to keep everyone laughing and engaged.
3. Why do Gen Z and young families prefer these fresh ways to celebrate?
They prioritize genuine connection and mental health over material clutter, preferring to spend their budget on shared experiences rather than obligatory gifts.
4. Are traditional holiday meals still part of their celebrations?
The formal roast is often replaced by casual “grazing tables” featuring plant-based options like Field Roast to accommodate diverse diets. This potluck approach ensures no one is stuck in the kitchen all day and everyone gets to share a dish that matters to them.
