Tips for a Family Fun Holiday Season
By Kim Homuth
The holiday season is a magical time filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. To make the most of it, here are some fun tips to engage your family in festive activities that everyone will enjoy.
1. Plan a Family Fun Day
Make a day of exploring the holiday spirit together! Here are some fun ideas:
Drive Around to Look at Lights: Grab some hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and take a scenic drive to admire your neighborhood’s dazzling decorations.
Polar Express Train Ride: Find a local train that offers a Polar Express experience. This enchanting ride, complete with hot chocolate and storytelling, will captivate both young and old.
Visit the Gaylord: If you’re near a Gaylord hotel, check out their ice sculptures and festive activities. It’s a winter wonderland you won’t want to miss!
Santa’s Wonderland: Spend a day at Santa’s Wonderland, where kids can enjoy rides, games, and even meet Santa himself!
2. Bake Cookies for Santa
Gather the family for a fun baking day!
Cookie Decorating: Not only will you create delicious treats, but you can also make it a creative event. Decorate cookies in festive shapes and colors.
Homemade Ornaments: While waiting for cookies to bake, craft homemade ornaments. This is a great way for everyone to express their creativity, and you'll have beautiful decorations for your tree!
Try a Trending TikTok Challenge:
Reels and TikToks can be a great spot to find festive challenges like our favorite, the Whip Cream challenge.
*Even adults can enjoy these activities
3. Decorate the Tree or A Pumpkin Together
Tree decorating can be a delightful family tradition.
Create a Kid-Friendly Tree: If you have a more traditional tree, consider setting up a smaller tree where the kids can unleash their creativity. Let them choose or make their own ornaments!
Movie and Cocoa: While decorating, watch a favorite holiday movie. Cozy up with some hot cocoa and cookies to make the experience even more special.
Pumkin Carving or Decorating:
It is pumpkin season, head to your local farmers market and buy some pumpkins for you and the kids. Then, go home and carve an original face or character. If you don’t want the kids using sharp objects try painting or adding craft items to your pumpkin.
4. Thoughtful Gift Planning
Make gift-giving a meaningful experience by involving the kids.
Gift Ideas: Encourage each child to think of three categories: something they want, something they need, and something to give to someone else. This can include selecting a charity to support or buying a gift for parents, helping them learn about generosity and thoughtfulness.
Parent Interviews: Have the kids interview you and your partner to find out what you like. This can be a fun and educational way to get them involved in the gifting process.
5. Volunteer as a Family
Giving back is a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Find Local Opportunities: Research local charities, food banks, churches, or shelters that need help during the holidays. Spend a day volunteering as a family, and teach your kids the importance of kindness and community support.
*Some of our local favorites: Feed The Need, Blue Santa, Soldiers’ Angels, Local Nursing Homes.
6. Gift Opening Traditions
Make the gift-opening experience exciting and enjoyable.
Christmas Eve Surprise: If you open gifts on Christmas morning, let each child pick one gift to open on Christmas Eve. It adds an extra layer of anticipation!
Take Turns Unwrapping: Create a system where each family member takes turns unwrapping gifts, starting from the youngest. This way, everyone can enjoy the moment together.
Scavenger Hunt or Draw Names: Add an element of fun by organizing a scavenger hunt for gifts or drawing names for secret gifts among siblings.
7. Stress-Free Meals
Make your holiday meals enjoyable and easy.
Disposable Dining: Consider using disposable plates and cups that look festive. It makes cleanup a breeze!
Seating Arrangement: If you have a large family, mix things up with name cards to encourage conversation among different family members.
Potluck Style: Assign dishes to each family member or friend coming over. This way, everyone contributes, and you can enjoy a variety of flavors.
Create a List: If you like to be organized, write out a list of what each person is bringing to keep things on track.
8. Share Gratitude Before the Meal
Incorporate moments of gratitude into your gatherings.
Thanksgiving Thanks: Before the Thanksgiving meal, have everyone share something they are thankful for.
Christmas Blessings: At Christmas, encourage each family member to express what they feel blessed by from the past year. This fosters connection and appreciation.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the holiday season is about making memories together. If you need help with decorations or planning, don’t hesitate to reach out! Embrace the joy of the season and create lasting family traditions that everyone will cherish for years to come. Happy holidays!
