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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?)

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.