AllCo-owningBuyingOwner storiesHousing marketVacation home destinationsAgents

Simple holiday traditions to start in your second home

Fun ideas to make lasting holiday memories in your second home.
Pacaso Icon for profile pictures
Pacaso's Editorial Team
December 10, 2025
Holiday decor for the table
Spending the holidays in your second home brings fresh opportunities to create holiday traditions that deepen your family connection and make the season more fun. When you have a special place to return to year after year, the memories you make become part of your family’s story.
Here are some simple traditions to help make each holiday season in your second home feel even more special:

Holiday traditions for your second home

Hold a fun gift exchange

Try a themed or location-inspired exchange — like Secret Santa, white elephant or a regional twist that reflects your second home’s setting. Your loved ones may enjoy gifts tied to the home’s region, like a local craft or something meant to be enjoyed during your stay. It’s a lighthearted tradition that will quickly become one of your favorite family traditions.

Add a new ornament each year

Collecting ornaments over time is a beautiful way to watch your family’s story unfold. Each year, buy or make an ornament that reflects the home’s location or a meaningful moment from the past year. As your collection grows, your tree becomes a visual timeline of holidays spent together.

DIY decorations

Bring the outdoors in by crafting decorations inspired by the surroundings of your second home — pinecones from nearby trails, seashells from a morning beach walk, driftwood, or local greenery. Turn it into an annual hands-on activity that everyone can look forward to during your holiday stay.
A woman and child kneading dough on a countertop of ingredients.

Plan a holiday baking day

Dedicate one day of your visit to holiday baking. Create gingerbread houses, revisit a favorite family recipe, or try a regional treat popular in your home’s location. Baking together in your second home’s kitchen instantly sets the tone for the season and fills the space with comforting holiday scents—and delicious treats.

Enjoy a seasonal story hour

Slow things down by gathering in a cozy corner or beside the fireplace to read a classic holiday book aloud. This simple ritual invites everyone to unwind and share a quiet moment together — a welcome contrast to the bustle of the season. 
A family gathers around a holiday dinner table raising a glass.

Host a family dinner

Choose one holiday meal you only make at your second home. Maybe a family-favorite recipe like grandma’s lasagna, or tamales, or one of your best holiday party dishes like fondue or bite-sized appetizers. Keeping the menu consistent each year builds anticipation and anchors the holiday to that specific place and moment.

Create a “home away” time capsule

On the final day of your stay, have each family member write down a favorite memory from the visit. Seal the notes in a container and save it until the next holiday trip. Opening it the following year becomes a joyful tradition of reflection and nostalgia.
A woman gazes and colorful holiday lights while sipping a warm beverage.

Tour local holiday lights

Every community has its own festive charm. Make it one of your annual family traditions to walk or drive through the area to explore nearby holiday displays. It’s a simple, joyful way to feel connected to your home’s location.

Find your second home with Pacaso

A second home isn’t just a house; it’s the backdrop for the holiday traditions your family will treasure for years to come. Whether you’re whipping up your favorite holiday party dishes, hosting extended family, or simply spending uninterrupted time together, Pacaso makes it possible to enjoy all the benefits of second home ownership — more shared experiences, more connection and more moments that become lasting holiday memories. Find your dream home today. 

Sign up

Get the latest insights and tips.