I love Christmas and really enjoy spending time with my family during the holiday season. It’s a special time of year when we can slow down, connect with loved ones, and create meaningful memories together. If you’re looking for ways to make this Christmas extra special, I’ve put together a list of activities that your family will love. From traditional activities like baking cookies and decorating the tree to more unique ideas like creating a scavenger hunt or hosting a gingerbread house competition, there’s something for everyone on this list.
I have also created a checklist that you can download and print to keep track of all the fun activities you want to do this Christmas. You can also use the fun activity cards provided to randomly select an activity each day, ensuring that you and your family never run out of things to do. Be sure to scroll down to get your free printables.
So let’s dive in and make this holiday season one to remember!
Family Quality Time
Spending time together is an important part of the holiday season. Here are some activities that will bring your family closer together and create lasting memories.
Tree Decorating – Gather your family and decorate the Christmas tree together. Put on some festive music, drink hot cocoa, and share stories while you hang ornaments.
Christmas Movie Marathon – Curl up on the couch with some snacks and have a movie marathon of all your favorite holiday films. You can even make it a competition to see who can name the most Christmas movies.
Here is a list of 81 best Christmas movies for Family’s
Holiday Baking – Get the whole family involved in making some holiday treats. From classic sugar cookies to gingerbread houses, there are endless options for delicious and fun creations. Just be prepared for some mess!
You can even use a Christmas Recipe Planner to write down some of your favorite recipes!
Secret Santa – Instead of buying gifts for everyone in the family, try doing a Secret Santa exchange. This not only saves money but also adds an element of surprise and anticipation to gift-giving. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure everyone gets something they love.
Outdoor Fun
If you live in an area with colder weather, don’t let that stop you from having some outdoor fun. Bundle up and try these activities to enjoy some fresh air and get into the holiday spirit.
Sledding – Grab a sled and find the nearest hill for some snowy fun. This classic winter activity is not only exhilarating but also a great workout.
Of course not everyone gets snow to go snow sledding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy cardboard or sand dune sledding!
Ice Skating – Whether it’s on an outdoor rink or an indoor one, ice skating is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Hold hands, race each other, or attempt some fancy tricks – just be careful not to fall!
Caroling – Gather your family and friends and spread some holiday cheer by going caroling around the neighborhood. Don’t worry if you’re not the best singer, it’s all about spreading joy and happiness.
Christmas Light Tour – Take a drive or walk around your town to admire all the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. This is also a great opportunity for some festive photos.
My children always loved seeing the lit up houses and I have to admit I loved seeing the look on their faces. This is probably one of my favorite activities!
Scavenger Hunt – Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park. This is a fun and interactive way to spend time outdoors while also getting into the holiday spirit.
Arts & Crafts
Get creative and add some personal touches to your holiday celebrations with these arts and crafts ideas.
Homemade Ornaments – Instead of buying generic ornaments, make your own using materials like clay, paper, or even old puzzle pieces. Not only will these be unique and special to you, but they also make great gifts for loved ones.
Imagine the look on your child’s face when they see their very on ornament on the Christmas tree!
Handmade Cards – Personalize your holiday cards by making them yourself. You can use a variety of materials and techniques, such as watercolors, calligraphy, or collage.
Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort put into each card.
Gift Wrapping – Add some extra love to your gift wrapping by creating your own custom wrapping paper. Use stamps, stencils, or even hand-drawn designs to make each gift look truly special.
Wreath Making – Get festive and crafty by making your own holiday wreath. You can use materials like pinecones, twigs, and ribbons for a unique and natural touch. Hang it on your door or give it as a handmade gift.
Snow Globes – Create your own winter wonderland by making homemade snow globes. Use jars, glitter, and miniature figurines to create a personalized and enchanting display.
This is a great activity for all ages. Imagine the different ideas you and your family can dream up together!
Coloring Pages – Coloring isn’t just for kids! Print out some holiday-themed coloring pages and spend a cozy evening coloring and sipping hot cocoa. You can also use them as decorations around your home.
Coloring is one of my favorite activities because of the stress relief it provides but it i also a great way to spend quality time with my family.
Candle Making – Add some warmth and ambiance to your holiday celebrations by making your own candles. Use scents like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint for an extra festive touch.
Giving Back
The holiday season is also a time to give back and spread kindness. Here are some ideas for giving back as a family:
Volunteer at a Shelter or Soup Kitchen – Many shelters and soup kitchens rely on volunteers during the holidays. Spend some time helping those in need and making their holiday season a little brighter.
Volunteering teaches your children the importance of giving back and what better way to spend the holidays then giving back to those in need.
Donate to a Toy Drive or Food Bank – Spread the joy of giving by donating toys to a toy drive or non-perishable food items to a food bank. Get your kids involved in picking out gifts and food items to donate.
Random Acts of Kindness – Encourage your family to perform random acts of kindness, such as paying for someone’s coffee in line behind you or leaving a kind note on a stranger’s car. These small gestures can make someone’s day and spread positivity during the holiday season.
Creating Traditions
One of the best things about the holiday season is the traditions that families create and continue year after year. Here are some ideas for starting your family traditions:
Baking Day – Set aside a day to bake and decorate cookies with your family. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and make delicious treats.
DIY Decorations – Get crafty and make your holiday decorations as a family. This could include making ornaments, wreaths, or even a gingerbread house.
Here is a list of 35 Christmas Printable Decoration that are sure to help make your holiday a smash.
Giving Back as a Tradition – Make giving back a tradition in your family by choosing a charity or cause to support every year. This could include volunteering, donating money, or participating in a fundraising event together.
Staying Connected
With the busy holiday season, it’s important to make an effort to stay connected with loved ones. Consider these ideas for keeping in touch:
Virtual Gatherings – If distance or safety concerns prevent in-person gatherings, consider hosting a virtual party with family and friends. This could include a holiday-themed game night or simply catching up over video chat.
Sending Cards or Letters – In the age of technology, receiving a handwritten card or letter can mean even more. Take the time to write a personal message and send it in the mail to loved ones near and far.
Holiday Calls – Make it a tradition to call or video chat with family members who you may not be able to see in person during the holidays. It’s a great way to catch up and spread some holiday cheer.
Shared Memories – Share photos, videos, or stories of past holidays with friends and family. This can help keep cherished memories alive and make new ones as well.
Creating New Traditions
While it’s important to hold onto family traditions, it can also be fun to create new ones. Consider these ideas for starting your holiday traditions:
Holiday Baking Day – Pick a day during the holiday season and spend it baking with loved ones. You can choose traditional recipes or try out some new ones together.
Ornament Exchange – Instead of just buying ornaments have a family ornament exchange. Each person can make or buy an ornament to give to someone else in the family.
This adds a personal touch and creates new memories every year.
Volunteer Together – The holidays are a great time to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local charity or organizing a donation drive with friends and family.
Family Movie Night – Pick a holiday movie or create a themed movie night with loved ones. This can be especially fun for families with young children who may enjoy watching their favorite holiday movies together.
Decorate Together – Instead of decorating your own home, gather with friends and family to decorate one house together. This not only saves time but also creates a sense of togetherness and collaboration.
These are just a few ideas for creating new traditions during the holiday season. Get creative and make them your own!
Remember, the most important part is spending quality time with loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Free Printable Checklist and Activity Cards
As promised, here are some free printable resources to help you plan and organize your holiday activities and traditions.
Christmas Checklist – Use this simple checklist to keep track of all the tasks and activities you want to do during the holiday season.
Holiday Activity Cards – These cards are perfect for families with children, or even adults who enjoy a bit of fun during the holidays. They feature 27 activities (some from this list) to help you make the most of your time together. Simply print, cut, and draw an activity at random to enjoy with your loved ones.
I have included a set of blank cards so you can add your own personalized holiday activities as well.
The Christmas season is a perfect time to bond and create memories with your loved ones. Whether it’s through traditional activities or new ones, the most important thing is to spend quality time together. Take the time to cherish and enjoy these moments with your family and friends, as they are what truly make the holiday season special. And don’t be afraid to get creative and start your own unique traditions that will be passed down for generations to come. Happy holidays!