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Fun Family Activities to Make This Christmas Extra Special

Writer: Sydney SpenceSydney Spence

Christmas is a season of joy, love, and togetherness. It’s the perfect time to bond with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for creative crafts, festive outings, or cozy at-home activities, here are some fun ideas to make your Christmas magical.

Fun Family Activities to Make This Christmas Extra Special


Decorate the Christmas Tree Together

Make decorating the Christmas tree a family event. Play holiday music, sip hot cocoa, and:

  • Hang ornaments with special meanings or memories.

  • Create your own ornaments using craft supplies.

  • Add a tree topper together to mark the official start of the Christmas season.


Bake Christmas Treats

Get into the holiday spirit with a baking session. Some fun ideas include:

  • Gingerbread Houses: Build and decorate gingerbread houses with candy, frosting, and sprinkles.

  • Christmas Cookies: Bake and decorate sugar cookies in festive shapes like trees, stars, and snowflakes.

  • Holiday Cupcakes: Top cupcakes with red and green frosting or candy canes.

Let everyone in the family take turns as head chef for the day!


Have a Christmas Movie Marathon

Gather on the couch with blankets and snacks for a Christmas movie night. Some family-friendly classics include:

  • Home Alone

  • Elf

  • The Polar Express

  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Mix it up with holiday cartoons for younger kids or nostalgic favorites for the grown-ups.


Go on a Christmas Light Tour

Take a drive or walk around your neighborhood to admire Christmas light displays. For an extra dose of holiday cheer:

  • Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate.

  • Vote on your favorite decorated house.

  • Look for local events featuring elaborate light shows or displays.


Make Personalized Christmas Cards

Gather the family for a card-making session. Use supplies like paper, glitter, markers, and stickers to create personalized holiday cards for:

  • Friends and family.

  • Neighbors and community members.

  • Residents at local nursing homes or hospitals.

Handmade cards add a heartfelt touch to the season.


Host a Family Game Night

Bring out holiday-themed games or classic board games for an evening of fun. Ideas include:

  • Christmas Charades: Act out holiday-related themes like "building a snowman" or "wrapping presents."

  • Holiday Bingo: Use Christmas-themed cards and candy as markers.

  • Trivia Night: Test your knowledge with questions about holiday traditions and history.


Read Christmas Stories

Snuggle up by the fire or under cozy blankets and take turns reading holiday stories. Favorites include:

  • The Night Before Christmas

  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas

  • Polar Express

Let younger children choose their favorite picture books to keep them engaged.


DIY Christmas Crafts

Get creative with festive crafts that everyone can enjoy. Projects might include:

  • Making paper snowflakes to decorate windows.

  • Crafting Christmas ornaments for the tree.

  • Designing festive wreaths using natural materials like pinecones and holly.

Display your creations proudly around the house.


Organize a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt with holiday-themed clues leading to small treats or a big family surprise. Ideas for hiding spots include:

  • Under the Christmas tree.

  • In stockings.

  • Near a favorite holiday decoration.

Tailor the difficulty level to suit your family’s ages and preferences.


Give Back as a Family

Teach the true spirit of Christmas by giving back. Volunteer or donate together by:

  • Helping at a local food bank.

  • Donating toys to children in need.

  • Baking treats for neighbors or community workers.

These activities can make the season more meaningful for everyone.


Write Letters to Santa

Younger kids will love writing letters to Santa, and parents can join in by writing "wish lists" or letters of gratitude. For extra fun:

  • Use colorful paper and stickers.

  • Create a special mailbox or "North Pole Express" envelope.

  • Keep the letters as keepsakes to revisit in the future.


Build a Snowman or Have a Snowball Fight

If you’re lucky enough to have snow, head outside for classic winter fun:

  • Build a snowman complete with a carrot nose and scarf.

  • Create a snow fort.

  • Have a friendly snowball fight.

No snow? Make indoor snow with cotton balls or paper cutouts and host a "snowball toss" game.


Plan a Christmas Eve Tradition

Start a new family tradition for Christmas Eve, such as:

  • Opening one special gift.

  • Wearing matching holiday pajamas.

  • Preparing "reindeer food" to sprinkle outside.


A meaningful ritual can make the holiday feel even more special. Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the joy of the season. Try a mix of these activities to create a holiday full of laughter, love, and cherished memories. What are your favorite family traditions for Christmas? Share them in the comments below!

 
 
 

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© 2006 by Sydney Spence

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