There are some activities you can really do up during the holidays. I mean, sure, you could sing Christmas songs any other time of year, or make dozens of cookies for neighbors and loved ones…you might just get some weird looks. But the holidays, that’s when you can get sentimental just-because, or unabashedly enjoy classic cartoons like It’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. You could drive for hours to get a glimpse of the most amazing lights display the city has to offer, or even simply enjoy a holiday craft or two with your little people.
This year, if you don’t have an Advent calendar filled with activities, or if you are looking for fun and interesting ways to really ring in the season, check out this great list of ideas. Some of these are my personal favorites, and some are awesome ideas I hope to one day complete with my family.
- Have a holiday-themed family movie night: Pick from any number of classic holiday films from How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Frosty the Snowman, Elf and The Polar Express– this is an activity worthy of a repeat.
- Keep your Pandora on a holiday music shuffle: Because seriously–you can only listen to this stuff for about six weeks a year–unless you want those looks I mentioned earlier.
- Decorate the Christmas tree.
- Make a gingerbread house: Most grocery stores sell a ready-made kit, or check out this awesome reusable house – ready to decorate year after year.
- Donate new toys to a woman and children’s shelter nearby: Click here to see a list of local pantries and toy drives.
- Set up the Nativity Scene.
- Pick out holiday books at the library: It can be interesting to talk about how other folks celebrate.
- Take a tour of Candy Cane Lane: Find the best holiday lights in Dallas by clicking here.
- Pack up a holiday themed lunch for the kiddos: Grab some great ideas from snacktastic mama Jill at Meet the Dubiens.
- Make salt dough ornaments: Your tree won’t be complete without a salt ornament or two. The crafty mama at The Imagination Tree offers up a great tutorial for a great afternoon activity.
- Go to a tree-lighting ceremony.
- Watch the Nutcracker: Live on stage or on DVD
- Play spin the Dreidel: A fun game for Hanukkah, find a cool set for only $6.50 on amazon.com.
- Make a popcorn garland: String up popped corn for Christmas tree decorations. Adding spray glitter to the strand will really make it sparkle.
- Write letters to good ol’ Saint Nick.
- Make and decorate cookies: Drop off delicious goodies for your teachers, doctors, friends, babysitters and more.
- Whip up a batch of Santa slime: Because your sensory project should totally have a holiday theme. Craft master Crystal at Growing a Jeweled Rose has a super simple recipe.
- Help those less fortunate: As a family, serve a meal at a local homeless shelter.
- Spend some time with Kris Kringle: Check out this awesome list–it’ll give you the best spots in Dallas to see Santa!
- Create some Hanukkah crafts: Find some awesome and easy ideas here.
- Make hot chocolate as a family: Don’t forget the extra marshmallows!
- Craft some paper snowflakes: Grab a great how-to guide here.
- Write a holiday letter to friends or troops stationed overseas.
- Make snowglobes: Mama Amber at Crazy Little Projects has an easy DIY here.
- Have a special holiday breakfast.
What holiday traditions do you enjoy with your family? Got any cool activities to share? Let us know in the comments!
