Planning fun Christmas activities for your family will help you get in the holiday spirit and focus on what’s important, rather than being overwhelmed by all the shopping and cooking the season entails. During the holidays, there are so many opportunities to bond with your loved ones. You can plan a fun day ice skating, or find a meaningful volunteer opportunity. The holidays are a great time to give back and instill a sense of gratitude in your little ones.
Make an advent calendar. Your kids will be so excited to wake up to a sweet message or chocolate each morning!
Make homemade Christmas ornaments. You can stick with something simple like a pinecone with ribbon or try something more advanced like mini felt Christmas trees. For a tutorial, check out the DIY Dreamer.
Decorate your Christmas tree. Help everyone get in the holiday spirit by making sure your tree is bright and festive.
Make a Christmas wreath. Use real pine tree boughs for an extra festive scent for your entryway! StayGlam shares a roundup of DIY wreath options for every style.
Make paper snowflakes. The more family members that get involved the more different types of snowflakes you will have to hang up in your windows!
Hang up your stockings. To get everyone involved, have each family member write a sweet note so that on Christmas morning everyone has more to be thankful for than fun toys.
Decorate a gingerbread house. Be sure to prepare with lots of fun candies!
Go carolling or crafting at a local nursing home. It will bring joy to both your family and everyone at the nursing home.
Make Christmas fudge. Your kids can fill cute Christmas tins and gift them to teachers and you can bring some to neighbors and nearby friends. We love Sweet 2 Eat‘s gingerbread fudge recipe!
Donate food to a homeless shelter. You could also volunteer at a food pantry to help your kids appreciate their blessings.
Host a Christmas cookie party. Invite all of your friends and family over to share sweet treats and recipes and give any extras to your local community center.
Go Christmas shopping for a local children’s hospital. All kids should have a new toy to play with on Christmas and its a great way to get your kids involved.
Donate an old coat or sweater. Over the Winter season, many charities are in need of warm clothing and toys for the less fortunate.
Participate in a 5k run or walk. Pick one that donates the proceeds to your favorite charity!
Send Christmas cards. Have everyone help write out the addresses and apply the stamps.
Write letters to Santa. Include your wishlist and why you deserve to be on the nice list! Spaceships and Laser Beams has a cute printable for your little ones.
Make homemade hot chocolate. Start from scratch by melting your favorite chocolate bar for an extra indulgent treat!
Have a holiday movie. Make fancy Christmas popcorn with melted white chocolate and red and green sprinkles or mix pretzels with red and green candies.
Take photos with Santa. Make this a yearly tradition, and create a photo album of Santa photos over the years.
Have a family game night. You may even be able to pull out some toys from last year’s Christmas!
See the nutcracker ballet. If you are unable to attend a live performance, you can watch the movie.
Check out Christmas light displays. Maybe you’ll even get some inspiration for your own front yard!
Spend the evening wrapping gifts. It can be fun to get everyone involved!
Go ice skating. Be sure to check to see if they have specific family hours.
Print the calendar and hang it on your fridge or family board so everyone can see all the exciting activities you have to look forward to through the month of December.
Take lots of photos as you spend family time together. These will be cherished memories that you will enjoy looking back on. You can also create so many fun photo gifts which are perfect for any grandparents that are unable to come for a visit.