The holiday season is defined by familiarity.

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There’s no better way to get in the spirit than engaging in annual traditions. Whether trimming the tree or dusting the cobwebs off a family recipe, the ritual of getting together with loved ones makes it the most wonderful time of the year.

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From new ideas to incorporate to the festive customs our designers look forward to every year, we asked our Experts to share the best holiday traditions they love. Maybe you’ll pick up a ritual or two to incorporate into your holiday season.

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Forest Festivities

“Every year, we chop down our own tree from the Tahoe National Forest. We buy a license to cut down a seedling that’s crowding a more mature tree—helping to reduce the risk of forest fires. To me there’s something so rewarding about embracing the imperfection of a wild tree.” —Noz Nozawa

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Embrace the “Nancy Meyers Aesthetic”

“The weekend after Thanksgiving is full-throttle Christmas in my household. The Holiday gets cued up, the fire gets lit, and we hang garlands around the fireplace mantel and the stairwell. For trimmings this year, I’m into a deep wine velvet accent.” —Jess Weeth, Weeth Home

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The Power of Personalizing

“Our tree is never just a collection of random ornaments, I prefer to add things that reflect my family. Even the kids’ school projects get a spot with a ribbon. I enjoy it when my tree looks like a misfit and full of unique character." —Alfredo Paredes

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A Festive Fête

“One of my most cherished traditions is hosting a cozy holiday brunch. It’s a lovely way to kick off the season with loved ones, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere.” —Kate Marker

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Christmastime in the City

“Chicago is incredibly festive during the holidays. Each year we dedicate a day where we enjoy a play or symphony, ice skating on the Maggie Daley Ribbon, and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.” —Christina Samatas, Park & Oak

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Put a Bow on It

“I love the process of wrapping gifts. Each family member has a personalized palette with their own set of paper and ribbons. Seeing them all tucked under the tree on Christmas Eve might be one of my happiest moments of the year.” —Jess Weeth, Weeth Home

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A Night at the Ballet

“Now that our daughter is old enough to enjoy it, we've started a yearly tradition of going to see The Nutcracker. It is one of my favorite memories as a child and it carries so much nostalgia to be able to share that with my children.” —Melissa Oholendt, Oho Interiors

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Twinkle Tours

“A classic holiday tradition for many, but also our family, is slowing down a bit and taking time to go out and admire the Christmas lights in the neighborhood and local park.” —Christina Samatas, Park & Oak

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Oh, Christmas Tree

"One of my favorite traditions is cutting down our tree. It’s less about finding the perfect one and more about spending time together as a family. I hope that as my kids grow older, they’ll feel the same sense of nostalgia I do when we share moments like these." —Alfredo Paredes

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