Introduction
December is here, bringing with it the magic of the holiday season! It’s a month full of festive lights, cozy gatherings, and a sense of togetherness that families cherish. However, with all the excitement comes the challenge of creating a meaningful and enjoyable holiday that doesn’t feel overwhelming. From setting up holiday decorations to planning family activities, there are so many ways to create a magical December that everyone can enjoy without stress. In this post, we’ll cover 10 simple and memorable tips to make this holiday season unforgettable for your family!
1. Create a Holiday Bucket List Together
Kick off the season by gathering your family to brainstorm a holiday bucket list. This could be anything from baking cookies and building a gingerbread house to having a cozy holiday movie marathon. Include everyone’s ideas, from the youngest to the oldest family member, to make sure everyone has something to look forward to. You can even make it into a fun craft activity by creating a festive checklist with holiday-themed stickers and colorful markers.
Pro Tip: Keep your list visible in a common area, like the fridge or family room, so everyone can see what’s next!
2. Decorate with DIY Ornaments and Crafts
Instead of buying new decorations, make your own ornaments and holiday crafts as a family. This activity not only brings everyone together but also creates lasting memories. You can make simple salt dough ornaments, paper snowflakes, or even DIY wreaths. Plus, homemade decorations often have a personal touch that store-bought items lack, making your home feel extra special during the holidays.
Try This: Set up a crafting station where everyone can create their own ornament. Every year, you’ll have new homemade ornaments to add to the tree!
3. Host a Family Baking Day
Nothing says “holiday” quite like the smell of fresh-baked cookies filling your home. Choose a weekend to gather in the kitchen and bake festive treats together. From classic sugar cookies with holiday sprinkles to gingerbread men, the options are endless. Baking together is not only fun but also a great way to teach kids about cooking and create delicious memories.
Recipe Idea: Try making a batch of holiday-inspired thumbprint cookies with jam or chocolate filling. They’re simple, delicious, and fun for kids to help with.
4. Plan a Family Advent Calendar of Activities
An advent calendar doesn’t have to be filled with candy or small gifts. Instead, create a calendar that features a daily family activity. Each day can include a new holiday-themed activity, like reading a Christmas story, having hot cocoa, or taking a drive to look at holiday lights. This way, the whole family has something to look forward to each day, making December even more special.
Suggestion: You can make a DIY advent calendar with small envelopes or mini gift bags, each containing a different activity. Hang it up in a common area for easy access!
5. Organize a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
A holiday scavenger hunt is a great way to get everyone involved and moving around the house or yard. Hide small holiday treats or notes with festive clues that lead to the next location. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, and it’s easy to adapt for different ages. This activity adds an element of adventure and excitement to your holiday celebrations.
Bonus: If you want to make it extra fun, have a small prize or treat waiting at the final location, like a new holiday book or a family game.
6. Make a Holiday Movie Marathon Night
Snuggling up for a holiday movie night is a simple yet memorable way to enjoy December. Gather blankets, pop some popcorn, and let everyone choose their favorite holiday film. Consider making it a themed night where everyone wears matching holiday pajamas, or add a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes.
Movie Suggestions: Classics like Home Alone, Elf, or The Polar Express are always a hit. You can also include animated favorites for younger kids!
7. Set Up a Family Giving Tradition
The holiday season is a wonderful time to teach kids the importance of giving back. Choose a family giving tradition that aligns with your values and interests. This could be volunteering at a local shelter, donating toys, or creating care packages for those in need. Involving kids in these activities teaches empathy and gratitude, making the holidays more meaningful.
Easy Idea: Many communities have toy drives or adopt-a-family programs where you can shop together to help make another family’s holiday brighter.
8. Have a Cozy Family Reading Night with Holiday Books
Create a cozy holiday reading night by gathering everyone in the family room with blankets, pillows, and a stack of holiday books. Reading together not only fosters a love for books but also provides a relaxing, screen-free way to connect. Choose from classic holiday stories or find new ones that reflect your family’s unique traditions and values.
Books to Try: The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Polar Express are great choices. For something new, try The Snowman or Olive, the Other Reindeer.
9. Decorate a Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar
Who doesn’t love hot cocoa on a chilly December night? Setting up a holiday-themed hot cocoa bar is a fun way to make a family night extra festive. You can include different types of cocoa, toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes, and even festive mugs. This little station can stay up all season, so it’s ready whenever anyone wants a warm treat.
Add Some Fun: Include extras like peppermint sticks, chocolate spoons, or a cinnamon sprinkle for a creative touch.
10. End the Year with a Family Memory Jar
Throughout December, encourage everyone in the family to write down their favorite memories from the past year and place them in a “memory jar.” On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, gather as a family and read each note together. This simple tradition is a beautiful way to reflect on the year, express gratitude, and share laughs. It also becomes a keepsake that captures the unique memories of each year.
Pro Tip: Decorate the jar with holiday stickers, ribbons, or paint so it becomes a treasured family tradition each December.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable December doesn’t have to be about expensive outings or grand events. Often, the most cherished moments come from simple activities that bring family members closer together. From baking cookies to cozy reading nights, each of these ideas offers a way to slow down, connect, and enjoy the magic of the holiday season with loved ones.
As you plan your December, remember to embrace the imperfections and focus on the joy of being together. Whether it’s through crafting, giving back, or simply spending quality time with one another, these traditions can become treasured memories that you’ll look forward to year after year. Here’s to a joyful, love-filled holiday season!
