Looking for easy, meaningful ways to stay connected and beat the holiday stress? Let’s make this holiday season your most memorable yet!
The holidays are such a magical time, don’t you think? There’s something about gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and creating memories that feels so special. I’ve always loved finding simple activities that bring everyone together, whether it’s making something fun with our hands or bundling up for a brisk walk to admire the holiday lights. These moments aren’t just heartwarming—they can also give us a boost, both physically and mentally, during the busy season.
Here are some tried-and-true and creative spins on holiday activities with family. Try some new activities this year — they might just become annual traditions.
Break Out the Board Games
If your board games are gathering dust in the closet, it’s time to breathe new life into them! I love board games or puzzles and at any time you can find me doing both. Declare a family fun night and rediscover the joy of old favorites. Dust off those classic games and let the laughter and friendly competition begin. Don’t have any games on hand? No problem! Check out your local library—they often have board games you can borrow, making it easy to try something new without spending a dime.
Prefer something simpler? Grab a standard deck of cards and dive into timeless games like Go Fish, Poker, or Rummy. Playing for pennies or nickels can bring out everyone’s competitive side and make the evening even more exciting. Whether it’s a board game marathon or a lively card game showdown, these moments together will surely create memories worth cherishing.
WHATS YOUR FAMILIES FAVORITE BOARD GAME? (Leave@comment)
Create a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Creating a holiday scavenger hunt for your children or family is one way to find joy. Decide what items to look for and where they can look, such as in your house or on your block. You can widen the scope to your whole town for older kids and family members.
Decide on a small prize ahead of time. Whoever finds all the items first wins.
We have quite a few Organized Scavenger Hunts here in SWPA, I thought I would share this one with you, which is pretty cool. I have not done it yet, but I’m hoping to make it to this or other ones.
Holly Jolly Hunt is a holiday photo scavenger hunt done on your smartphone, that brings your entire family and friends together for holiday cheer. During the adventure, you’ll be seeking out all the traditional, and even the non-traditional holiday items we all see this time of year. You’ll use the app to get points for each item you find. The goal is to capture as many items as you can in order to score as many points as possible. Along the way you’ll be asked to perform silly holiday themed tasks meant to bring laughter and smiles to everyone involved. Come play with us. Young or old, this is a scavenger hunt for everyone that enjoys this time of year. Our game should be done in a lively area of town with plenty of holiday decorations! It can be played in any city, big or small!
Have you ever done a Holiday Scavenger Hunt? If so, don’t be shy, share your thoughts.
Foster Shelter Animals
Kids may be asking to get a pet as a gift for the holidays. But, if you can’t take on a pet full-time, you can offer to love a furry friend by fostering a shelter animal. Shelters need foster volunteers for cats and dogs, and sometimes rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, too.
Shelters often supply all the materials that the pet needs. You provide hands-on time and love. If you can’t foster, many shelters also need volunteers to give a shelter dog a fun day away.
This is a great way to see what the experience is for the whole Family.
Holiday Village of Memories
Instead of a generic gingerbread city, have each family member build a structure that represents a cherished memory or tradition. It could be Grandma’s house, a favorite vacation spot, or even a beloved café where you shared a special moment. When you’re done, arrange the pieces into a cozy holiday village that tells your family’s unique story.
Or come up with a theme, Fictional Fantasy Town or even a Personal Gingerbread Keepsake.
I had a friend share this with me: She and her daughter both are on a Gluten Free Regime. I thought I would share with those of you that may feel left out. . You can still make a gingerbread cookie using gluten-free all-purpose flour or gluten-free mix. My Gluten Free Guide by Laura Strange has a recipe and basic building directions.
Make Your Own Garland
Decorating a tree when my son was younger was always a fun family activity. We loved making the Popcorn and Cranberry Garland. I have that probably more popcorn was eaten and was put on the garlands. [big smile]
Rope the family into decorating the tree with a homemade garland-making activity.
Use a tapestry needle and cotton thread to string up a variety of treats.
Try stringing popcorn, cranberries, and mini marshmallows — or mix and match.
Freutcake, a craft blog, has step-by-step instructions for popcorn and cranberry garlands.
Store Bought
If you want something more permanent, string a garland of pompom balls.
You can buy these in different sizes and colors at a craft store. Or gather some pinecones to create a forest-inspired garland.
If you or your child likes to braid their hair, make a braided garland.
Use three rows of natural or colored twine or narrow ribbon to create a braided garland.
If You Aren’t Feeling Crafty
Mix Up Some Cocktails/Mocktails
Mix up some holiday cheer with festive cocktails that everyone can enjoy! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or relaxing by the fire, these drink recipes add a special touch to your celebrations. From classic holiday-inspired alcoholic cocktails to refreshing nonalcoholic options, there’s something to delight every guest. Click the link to discover easy-to-make recipes that will make your Christmas extra merry!
Here are a few to try.
Play in the Snow
When the weather outside is frightful, grab your warmest coat and mittens—it’s time to turn that snow-covered yard into your personal playground! Classic winter activities like building a Snowman or Snowwomen never go out of style, but why not add a little creative flair to make it extra memorable?
Skip the usual carrot nose and coal eyes this year. Instead, dress your frosty friend in a funny T-shirt, Hawaiian shirt, or a favorite baseball cap. Feeling bold? Use an old sports helmet or a colorful scarf for a whimsical twist. Want to take it to the next level? Build your snowperson their very own house—or a fortress fit for a Medieval knight! Grab some old plastic containers to mold snow bricks or stones, and let your imagination run wild. The only limit is how much snow you have—and how long your fingers can last in the cold!
Did you make Igloos when you were younger? Gosh how I remember the fun we had doing that and it seemed to take all day.
See The Christmas Lights
Check out a holiday light display or show to help get your family into the holiday spirit. Make a day, weekend, or even an entire week of it.
You can do a simple holiday light tour by walking or driving around your neighborhood. Or do an online search to find the best holiday home light displays in your area.
This time of year, lots of places like to get in on the light display fun. Arboretums, zoos, and botanical gardens often have unique holiday light displays. The tickets usually sell out fast, so if you’re interested, decide where and when soon.
Festival of Lights Ogelbay Park, WV
We have a beautiful Light Display in Wheeling , West Virginia. It is about an hour from where I live. It’s absolutely beautiful and every time someone is visiting during the holidays, we take a ride through the Christmas village to see the lights. You almost feel like a kid again.
Try a New Winter Sport
Check out a local state park or nature trail near you. Many offer winter activities such as snowshoeing. We have quite a few in PA you can see them @ VisitPa.com has a list of snowshoe trails in Pa., some even rent snowshoes. Some nature trails even let you bring along your dog.
You can rent a pair of ice skates at your local ice rink. If it’s been a while since I’ve skated — my favorite and fondest memory ice skating at Rockefeller Center. It was always so much fun. I Love New York 🍎. If you feel a little nervous about ice skating — you can sign up for lessons. And it’s never too late to learn downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding. I can honestly say the last three things here I have never done in my life and I don’t believe I ever will. I’m kind of frightened of it. It looks like fun. So if you do ski, enjoy it.
Snow Painting
Bring a pop of color to a snowy day is snow painting—it’s so easy and fun for all ages! I have never tried this. I have not even seen it in person, but others have told me about. It showed me some pictures and it’s in an inexpensive activity for the whole family. Just fill spray bottles or squeeze bottles with water mixed with a few drops of food coloring and let the family become snow artists. You can draw pictures, write messages, or even decorate a Snowman/women with colorful details. Just be sure to use gloves—it can get chilly! Snow painting is a simple yet magical way to enjoy the outdoors and spark some creativity. I read about it on this site: Snow Painting Activity @ Happy Houligans.com
Conclusion
The holidays are a time to slow down, have fun, and connect with the people who mean the most to us. Whether you’re building snow forts, painting the yard in vibrant colors, or laughing over a family card game, these moments create memories that will last long after the snow melts. It’s not about perfection—it’s about enjoying the little things together. So, bundle up, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember. And don’t forget to take plenty of photos—you’ll want to look back on all the smiles and laughter. After all, these simple joys are what make the holidays truly special.
Before You Go . . .
As always, I appreciate your visit, comments, and shares here on the blog! I’d love it if you also follow along with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook so you won’t miss any of my inspiration and ideas.
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