How to Start a Family Ornament Tradition With Personalized Ornaments

Some Christmas traditions take planning. This one takes a minute: every year, add one ornament with a name and a year. A decade later, decorating the tree becomes a walk through your family's history — the first Christmas in the new house, the year the baby arrived, the year you hosted everyone.

Here's how to start an ornament tradition, what to put on each one, and how to keep them safe.

Why ornaments make the perfect keepsake

Ornaments are small, affordable, easy to ship and — crucially — they come out every year. Unlike most gifts, a personalized ornament gets more meaningful with time. It's also one of the few gifts that works for everyone: grandparents, new parents, couples, teachers, even the neighbors.

Our ornaments are 3-inch white ceramic rounds with the design printed on, not stuck on — so the print won't peel or scratch off — and each comes with a string, ready to hang.

Tradition ideas to try

A family ornament every year

The classic. Each December, order one ornament with the year and your family name. Our 2026 Family Christmas ornament is designed for exactly this. Line up the years on the tree, or hang the newest one front and center.

One ornament per child

Give each child their own ornament every year with their name and the year. When they grow up and have a tree of their own, they leave with a box of ornaments that tell their story — one of the most treasured gifts a parent can give.

Milestone ornaments

Mark the big moments:

• First Christmas married — our First Christmas as Mr & Mrs ornament includes both names and a calendar with the date highlighted.
• First Christmas in a new home — a new home ornament with the family name makes a lovely housewarming gift.
• Baby's first Christmas, a graduation year or a big move — any family ornament with a name and a year works.