Lifestyle
12 Christmas Traditions To Start In Your 20s When You Move Out, Because You're A Real Adult

by Kristin Corpuz

The holiday season is officially here. Your town or city is decked out in ribbons, wreaths, and fairy lights, and you're ready to grab a hot cocoa and explore. You're filled with hope for the new year, and you're also simultaneously preparing yourself for all of the delicious Christmas cookies and treats that are to come. You've always had a few special things you did with your family during the Christmas season, but now that you're moved out of the house, it's about time you create some Christmas memories of your own. Here are some Christmas traditions to start in your 20s when you move out.

A huge part of adulting and embracing living on your own is by starting new traditions with your friends and your SO. Whether that means that you and your friends have an ugly Christmas sweater potluck before you head home for the holidays, or you enjoy a Christmas playlist on repeat while you sip wine and clean your house, you should have your own way of getting into the festive spirit.

The beauty of starting your own traditions is that home will always be there whenever you want to return to your roots. Consider adding these things to your list of annual traditions, and have a holly jolly Christmas.

01
Host An Ugly Christmas Sweater Hang With Your Friends
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Ugly Christmas sweater parties are something to look forward to every year, so why not kick this season off by hosting one of your own? You and your friends can take turns hosting it each year, and you'll get dressed up in some seriously awesome sweaters. Lots of laughs and Instagrammable moments will surely be had.

02
Spend A Day Holiday Shopping With Your Mom
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Let's face it: Your mom is the ultimate shopping buddy and definitely knows best when it comes to getting cool presents for your fam. Plus, after you move out, you'll miss seeing Mom on the regular, and will cherish this bonding time with her.

03
Set Up Your Tree And Decorate Your Place With Your SO
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Even if you and your SO aren't living together quite yet, it'll be fun to have this tradition for if (or when) you do. Fix yourselves some spiked eggnog, get that holiday playlist ready to sleigh, and start decking the halls!

04
Have A Cozy Night In Drinking Wine And Listening To Holiday Tunes
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Sometimes, the best holiday celebrations are the ones you have on your own. For me, there are few things I enjoy more than turning on a Christmas playlist, pouring myself a glass of wine, and doing something around the house. That might be cleaning, crafting, face masking, or even just scrolling through Instagram. It's the perfect way for me to get into the holiday mood and enjoy a little alone time.

05
Host A Gift Wrapping Party
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If you and your friends are riding the struggle bus trying to wrap all of your presents, why not ride it together? You can put some slice-and-bake snowman cookies in the oven for snack, and share your gift wrapping tips with each other.

06
Get Matching Holiday Outfits For You And Your Pet
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Yes, I know how cheesy this might sound, but trust me when I say that you'll have the most adorable Christmas cards on your friends' and family's mantles. (Because what's more adult than moving out and sending out your own Christmas card with your furry friend?)

07
Have A Gingerbread House Making Day With Your Extended Family
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You might not have Christmas traditions with your extended family yet, but now that you have your own place, this is the perfect time to start. Have your nieces and nephews over for a gingerbread house building day (because you're the cool aunt), or bake cookies with your cousins. They'll enjoy the quality time, and you'll get to see them a little more than you usually do around the holidays.

08
Kick Back And Stream A Holiday Movie Marathon
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In my humble opinion, some of the best movies of all time are holiday movies, and the holiday season wouldn't be complete without some kind of movie marathon. Elf, Home Alone, White Christmas, and Love Actually are, of course, musts. And if you're looking for a new holiday flick to add in there, hit up Netflix or the Hallmark Channel.

09
Become A Pro At One Christmas Dish You Can Make For Every Potluck
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The holiday season is the time for potluck dinners and parties, and of course, you can't show up empty-handed. One of my favorite things to do in recent years has been to learn one new recipe around Christmastime every year, and make that same dish for every holiday party I go to. (I've gotten really good at making flan.)

10
Plan An Annual Winter #Baecation
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The holiday season can get hectic real quick, so you and your partner should carve out some time to yourselves. My boyfriend and I plan one week a year (either right before or right after the holidays) for the two of us to unplug and decompress. We don't even go anywhere fancy or expensive. Oftentimes, it's just a well-executed staycation.

11
See A Live Holiday Show
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Whether you head to New York City to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, or you watch your little brother perform in his school's production of A Christmas Carol, seeing a holiday show can seriously get you in the spirit of things. You can go by yourself or with friends, but either way, you'll have a great time.

12
Attend A Christmas Tree Lighting
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There's something so special about watching a Christmas tree light up for the very first time. Make an effort to go to your town or a nearby city's tree lighting to get in the ultimate Christmas #mood.