Spending your time enjoying Christmas activities with family is one of the best ways to spend your holidays. The festive season is meant to bring you closer to your loved ones and this is what indulging in these activities does to your bond with your family members.
Christmas is the most magical time of the year when families come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. There is something in the air of winter holidays that makes it so special and cherished even when you don’t do much at the time.
You can use this holiday time to reconnect with yourself. You can spend it with your friends. Or you can create everlasting memories with your family.
One of the best ways to make the most out of this festive season is by engaging in various Christmas activities with your loved ones. These activities not only bring joy and laughter but also strengthen the bond between family members.
Whether you are visiting your extended family or planning to spend Christmas with your parents, siblings, or kids, there are plenty of fun and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore a wide range of Christmas activities with family that will make this holiday season truly special for you and your loved ones.
20 Happy Christmas Activities with Family You Can Enjoy in 2023
As a child, Christmas for me was all about the winter holidays. Because I went to a Convent school, November and December used to be the most happening time of the year.
In November, the whole school used to indulge in different activities and prepare their acts to perform at the Christmas function. The Christmas function used to happen between the 21st and 24th of December, followed by the most awaited winter holidays.
Then, after we passed the school, me and my friends made it a yearly tradition to visit the school church on Christmas.
Christmas has always had a special place in my life. It always reminds me of the best time of my life, my school years.
While I don’t come from a family that celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm, I do come from an educational background that was filled with Christmas Carols and Morning prayers to Mother Mary.
Though I never performed any Christmas activities with family, I did have a memorable time performing them with my school teachers and friends. This is what I am sharing here with you today.
Why Christmas Activities with Family are Important for Bonding?
Christmas activities play a crucial role in fostering strong family bonds. This is an opportunity for family members to spend quality time together, away from the distractions and hustle of everyday life.
Performing these activities with each other for an entire month used to be such a fun experience for me at school. It was the time I spent at that time, which gave me a best friend for life.
Similarly, these Christmas activities are a way for families to create cherished memories, strengthen their relationships, and build a stronger sense of togetherness.
Whether decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or watching a holiday movie, these shared experiences create a strong foundation of love and support within the family.
When you engage in Christmas activities with family members, it also teaches you the valuable lessons of teamwork, creativity, and gratitude, just as I learned them with my school friends. So make sure, you don’t miss out on the chance to bond with your family and loved ones this Christmas season!
3 Christmas Activities for Kids
Christmas is the most magical time for children. As a kid, I made the most of it with my friends in school. Here are 3 Christmas activities that can make this season even more special for your tiny tots.
1. Letter to Santa
One classic activity that we did and you can ask your kids to do is writing a letter to Santa Claus. Encourage your kids to write down their Christmas wishes and mail them to the North Pole. You can also take them to visit Santa at the local mall or participate in virtual meet-and-greets with Santa online. I take my niece and nephew to the nearby Christmas fair too.
2. DIY Your Christmas Ornaments
Decorating the classrooms with Christmas ornaments was such a fun and rejuvenating thing to do. You can ask your kids to make these Christmas ornaments with you. Gather some craft supplies and let your little ones unleash their creativity by designing their own ornaments. You can then use them to decorate your home. Plus, these handmade decorations will also add a personal touch to your Christmas tree.
3. Scavenger Hunt
Lastly, organize a Christmas scavenger hunt in your home or neighborhood. Hide small gifts or clues around the house and let your kids go on a treasure hunt. This activity will keep them engaged and excited throughout the holiday season.
3 Christmas Activities for Adults
While Christmas activities are often associated with children, adults can also try to keep their holiday stress away and enjoy the festive season.
1. Christmas Cocktail Party
One popular activity is hosting a Christmas cocktail party. Gather your friends and family, and impress them with your blending skills by creating different festive drinks. You can also hire a professional bartender to do this for your party.
2. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
You can also organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. Draw the names of all the participants and set a budget, then let the gift-giving begin! It’s a fun way to show your loved ones that you care for them and prioritize them. If needed, you can take some inspiration from my list of 60 Diwali Gift Ideas. It will help you to be more versatile with your gifts.
3. Volunteer for Charity
You can also volunteer at a local charity or organize a fundraising event. As much as love, warmth, and holidays, Christmas is a time for giving as well. If you are capable, then do donate to the needy. And, what better way to spread the holiday cheer than by helping those in need?
After all, Christmas is not just for kids. If at all, Christmas activities should bring out the hidden child inside you alive. Adulthood should not keep you away from enjoying the magic of the season.
3 Indoor Christmas activities
With the cold weather at its peak during the holidays, you don’t have to feel bad about enjoying the Christmas holidays indoors. Just keep yourself warm and dive into the holiday spirit with your family. Here are a few suggestions you can try:
1. Christmas Baking
Christmas is synonymous with delicious treats and festive meals. So get into the festive spirit by baking and cooking together as a family.
You can start by baking classic Christmas cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or shortbread. You can purchase a gingerbread house kit or bake your own gingerbread cookies and let the decorating fun begin.
Let your kids help you with rolling out the dough and decorating the cookies with icing and sprinkles. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making a traditional fruitcake.
Get everyone involved in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating a memorable Christmas feast for all.
2. Christmas Themed Game Night
You can also organize a Christmas-themed game night. Ask everyone to dress in their ugly Christmas sweaters and have a fun night. Choose games like charades, Pictionary, or trivia with a holiday twist.
3. Christmas Movie Marathon
Another idea and my favorite is to have a cozy movie marathon. Pick your favorite Christmas movies, prepare some popcorn or hot chocolate, and snuggle up on the couch with your family. This is a great way to relax and enjoy some quality time together. This is how I spend my Christmas holidays. The feeling of getting lost in the winter wonderland and magic on the screen brings out that little girl who used to get super excited at her school’s Christmas functions.
3 Outdoor Christmas Activities
If the weather favors your plan and you get to enjoy the holiday season, go ahead and take advantage by engaging in outdoor Christmas activities.
1. Ice Skating
One classic winter wonderland activity is going ice skating. Find a local ice rink and glide across the ice with your family. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy the winter weather.
2. Visit a Christmas Fair
The next activity is to visit the Christmas fair or market in your city. This is one of my favorite outdoor Christmas things to do. The decoration, the lights, the coldness of the weather, and the warmth of the winter season, all of these perfectly sum up my enthusiasm for the holiday season. So step out of your home and explore your favorite stalls. Indulge in some delicious treats and pick up unique gifts for your loved ones.
3. Christmas Lights Tour
Finally, consider going on a Christmas lights tour in your neighborhood. Take a walk or drive around to admire the beautifully decorated houses and twinkling lights. It’s a magical experience that will fill you with holiday spirit.
3 DIY Christmas crafts and decorations
Get creative this Christmas by making your own crafts and decorations for the holiday season.
1. Handmade Christmas Cards
A DIY activity is creating handmade Christmas cards. I remember we used to do this every year in school. If you don’t have the art supplies, visit your nearest stationary and gather some cardstock, colored pens, glitter, and other relevant materials and let your imagination run wild. These personalized cards will be the most cherished gifts for your loved ones.
2. Paper Snowflakes
You can also try making paper snowflakes. You only need some paper and scissors to create intricate and beautiful snowflake designs. For inspiration, you can find some ideas here.
3. Make Your Wreath
You can also make your own wreath collecting natural materials from your surroundings like pinecones, branches, berries, etc. Hang it on your front door to welcome your guests with a festive touch.
2 Virtual Christmas activities for long-distance families
If your family is spread out across different locations, distance doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying Christmas activities together. Embrace the boon of technology and organize virtual Christmas activities with your extended family.
1. Set up a video call and have a virtual gift exchange. Each family member can open their gifts while others watch and share in the excitement.
2. You can also have a virtual cooking or baking session. Choose a recipe and cook or bake together, following the same steps and enjoying the finished dish as a family.
Don’t let distance dampen your holiday spirit – virtual activities can keep you connected and make you feel closer than ever.
3 Budget-Friendly Christmas Activities with Family
Celebrating Christmas activities with family doesn’t mean you have to break your bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can still bring joy and fun to your holiday celebrations.
1. Recycle your Christmas Decor
Instead of buying expensive Christmas decorations, encourage your family to make their own using recycled materials or natural elements like pinecones and leaves.
2. DIY your Gifts
You can also have a “DIY gift” theme, where each family member creates a homemade gift for someone else. Not only will this save money, but it will also add a personal touch to your gift-giving.
3. Low-Cost Community Events
You can also find free or low-cost community events, such as tree lighting ceremonies, carol singing, or holiday parades. These events will provide your family with entertainment and a festive atmosphere without digging a hole in your pocket.
How to Create a Christmas Activity Schedule?
To make the most out of your Christmas activities, create a schedule or plan. Sit down with your family and brainstorm the activities that you want to do together, or use this blog for reference.
Dedicate specific days or times for each activity to ensure that there is a good balance between indoor and outdoor, as well as kid-friendly and adult-oriented activities.
Planning these activities and staying organized will help you to not miss or forget any activity. It will also build anticipation and excitement as you count down to each planned activity.
How to Plan Christmas Activities with Family?
To ensure that your Christmas activities are enjoyable and free from the holiday stress, keep these tips in mind.
1. Delegate
First, delegate the tasks and involve everyone in the planning and preparation. This will not only lighten your load but also make everyone feel included and invested in the activities.
2. Be Ready to Adapt
Second, be flexible and open to change. Sometimes things may not go as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected situations and go with the flow.
3. Capture those Moments
Third, take plenty of photos and videos to capture the memories. These will serve as wonderful keepsakes that you can look back on in the future and reminisce about these beautiful moments.
4. Spend time with Family
Lastly, remember the whole point of these Christmas activities, that is to spend quality time with your family. Don’t get too caught up in the details or the perfect execution of each activity. Focus on creating joyful moments and treasuring the time you have together.
Conclusion
Christmas will always remain one of the most special festivals for me. The holiday season will always take me back to the most beautiful phase of my life; my school.
Similarly, you can also enjoy this magical time of year, and engage in Christmas activities with family and friends to make it even more special.
Whether it’s decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or having a movie night, these activities will create memories forever and strengthen your bond with each other.
So, remember to involve everyone, be flexible, and most importantly, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones.
This holiday season, make it a priority to partake in these Christmas activities and create a festive atmosphere that will be cherished for years to come.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you!
