The holidays are a time for family, laughter, and creating meaningful memories. Many families enjoy common traditions like decorating the tree or sharing a meal. However, it's also a great time to introduce new activities that foster connection and fun.
For instance, if your family loves playing cards together, you can plan to design a custom deck with them. A custom card deck can have personalized images or text on the cards. It can even feature family jokes, milestones, or inside memories. It's an interactive and memorable way to unite everyone while celebrating your unique family bond.
There are many creative ways to bring your family closer during the holidays.
Host a Family Movie Marathon
Family movie marathons are an enjoyable way to spend quality time together during the holidays. You can kick off the season by selecting a mix of classic holiday movies and newer releases that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and festive snacks like popcorn or hot chocolate. To add an extra layer of fun, consider playing a movie bingo game where family members can mark off phrases they expect to hear.
This simple yet effective activity can easily become a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to each year. It's a perfect way to relax, unwind, and bond over shared memories while watching films that hold sentimental value.
According to TimeOut, some of the best family movies that everyone will love, regardless of their age, are:
- Star Wars (1977)
- The Lion King (1994)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Harry Potter series
- The Goonies (1985)
- Coco (2017)
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Frozen (2013)
- Home Alone (1990)
DIY Craft Projects
Holiday craft projects offer an excellent opportunity for families to express their creativity while spending time together. Whether decorating your home, crafting festive cards, or making unique holiday gifts, there's something special about creating together. You can also tackle a larger project, such as designing a family mural or collaborating on a giant scrapbook.
Crafting allows everyone to slow down, reflect on the holiday spirit, and create meaningful, personalized items with sentimental value. If you want to combine creativity and tradition, consider crafting a family ornament with a special theme. Or you can opt for a homemade holiday wreath that can be passed down yearly.
Here are some tips offered by Jenna Rainey on preparing for the art party:
- Set up ample table space
- Offer snacks and drinks
- Have a holiday-themed music playlist
- Always have extra supplies
- Have some packaging options for someone who wants to take their creation home
- Capture memories with photos
Family Talent Show
A family talent show is an entertaining and lighthearted way to bring your loved ones together. It's fun for each family member to showcase their skills, whether singing, dancing, or performing a skit. The beauty of a family talent show is that there are no strict rules; anything goes! Encourage everyone to get creative.
Children may want to dress up as their favorite characters, while adults can reminisce about their youthful performances. You can also form group acts for a shared experience that strengthens family bonds. After the performances, celebrate with a family meal or snacks while reminiscing about the evening's fun moments. This activity is sure to become a cherished memory for years to come.
You can also create a list of talent show ideas for someone who might need help. There are many age-appropriate activities everyone can enjoy. For example, children can do a fun dance routine or play a musical instrument. Adults can do magic tricks or solve a Rubik's cube.
Interactive Holiday Games
Games are an excellent way to get the whole family involved, and holiday-themed games take it a step further. Consider hosting a scavenger hunt where each clue leads to a festive surprise. Family members can team up to solve riddles, complete challenges, and discover hidden treats or gifts.
You can also play holiday trivia or card games and incorporate personalized elements like using your custom card deck. According to The Poker Depot, you don't have to be an expert graphic designer for this. Many custom card providers usually have predesigned templates you can use. Simply select a predesigned template and add some text and images you want to customize the design.
A holiday game entertains and allows everyone to work together, making it an ideal bonding experience. Whether inside the home or outdoors, interactive games encourage laughter, creativity, and teamwork, all while embracing the season's festive mood.
Holiday Storytelling Night
Holiday storytelling is an age-old tradition that brings families closer by sharing personal anecdotes, family legends, or creative tales. Set the stage for a cozy storytelling night by gathering everyone around a warm fire or in the living room with blankets.
Each person can take turns telling a story, or you can use a custom card deck to inspire the narratives. For example, you could draw cards representing different themes or memories, and the storyteller must weave those elements into their tale. This activity promotes communication, allows for creativity, and often sparks laughter as family members share amusing or heartfelt stories from their lives.
You can also read books if you don't have any stories of yourself. Here are some winter holiday books you can read to children:
- Eight Dates and Nights
- Finding My Elf
- Juniper's Christmas
- Love in Winter Wonderland
- Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- The Night Before Kwanzaa
- Our Italian Christmas Eve
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we manage screen time during family gatherings without making it feel forced?
Encourage screen-free zones during key family times like meals or evening activities. Offer fun alternatives like board games, crafts, or storytelling. Let everyone be part of setting the rules so it feels more like a shared decision rather than a restriction.
How do we keep teenagers interested in family holiday activities?
Let them help plan parts of the celebration. Give them roles in leading games, choosing music, or hosting a segment like a trivia round. Tailor some activities to include their interests, music, pop culture, or photography so they feel more engaged.
What are low-cost ways to celebrate together as a family during the holidays?
Simple ideas like baking cookies, making homemade decorations, doing a puzzle together, or watching old family videos can be meaningful without spending much. You can also do themed nights like pajama day, breakfast-for-dinner, or a backyard campfire evening to spend quality time together.
The holidays are about more than just the usual traditions; they're a chance to create lasting memories with the people you love. Whether you're bonding over family movie nights, crafting homemade gifts, or helping the community, the key is spending quality time together.
Activities like these allow your family to connect meaningfully and create moments that will be cherished for years to come. With a little creativity and a spirit of togetherness, you can make this holiday season one to remember.
