Having Christmas traditions with your friends and family helps to make the holidays season truly the most wonderful time of the year. There are so many different traditions that each family has, but here are some of the best universal Christmas traditions.

1. Decorating the Christmas tree

Putting your tree up is a tell-tale sign that Christmas is right around the corner. Once your tree is all decorated and lit up your whole house feels so festive. Also, your tree ALWAYS makes your house smell like Christmas and is there anything more magical than that?

2. Making cookies

Making Christmas cookies is one of the tastiest ways to spread the holiday cheer. Cookie cutouts shaped like candy canes, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men allow for people of all ages to enjoy the crafty Christmas project.

3.Ugly Sweaters

Most of these sweaters are so ugly that they’re cute and ugly sweater parties are always incredibly fun.

4. Christmas music

Every time Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You comes on you can be sure to hear multiple people belting out the catchy tune. Christmas music puts everybody in a happier mood as it is an essential part of getting into the Christmas spirit.

5. ABC/ Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas

No matter what your favorite Christmas movie is, chances are that it is a part of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas movie schedule. You can be sure to find Christmas classics like Elf, The Santa Clause, and The Polar Express on the list multiple times.

6. Decorating gingerbread houses

Decorating gingerbread houses with friends and family is a fun way to show your creativity over the Christmas season. Also, they taste delightful when it’s time for you to eat it.

7. Christmas decorations

There’s nothing better than driving around at night during the holiday season and seeing all of the houses all lit up for the holidays. The more lights the merrier!

8. Wrapping and unwrapping presents

Wrapping presents up nice and decorating the top of each box is very satisfying, but not nearly as satisfying as ripping the paper off of your presents on Christmas morning.

9. Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a friend group must. It's always interesting to see who had who and what everyone got their person when its time for the gift exchange.

10. Making a Christmas list

Lastly, there is nothing quite like making a Christmas list as a kid and sending it off to Santa in the hopes that you've been good that year.