12 fun and easy Christmas activities to do with the whole family
Christmas to me is all about spending time with loved ones and being cosy in our nice warm homes. But sometimes it can be difficult to come up with ideas on what to do together. To help I’ve put together my top 12 fun and easy Christmas activities you can do at home or nearby.
1. Hot chocolate bar
I think everyone loves hot chocolate. It’s such a delicious drink to get warmed up and perfect for adults and children. This year why not make it into an extra special treat by creating a hot chocolate bar.
First of all, you need a hot chocolate drink. Shop bought hot chocolate powder can be great, though if you want to be more adventurous you could try making your own. Here is a great recipe if you want to give a go (Homemade hot chocolate recipe – BBC Good Food). If you do make your own, you can keep it nice and warm by keeping it in a slow cooker.
The second step is to add your toppings. Get together your favourite toppings like mini chocolate chips, mini gingerbread men, sprinklers, mini marshmallows, whipped cream and caramel sauce. The possibilities are truly endless!
2. Festive jumpers
Get into the festive spirit by wearing your favourite (or most funny/hideous) Christmas jumpers. You can even have a go at making your own using art supplies you have around the house. You can use old bits of tinsel, drawn on cardboard, use felt or cut up old clothes to make something fabulous and festive to wear.
3. Decorate a gingerbread house
I don’t know about you, but I love gingerbread and even better when it’s a gingerbread house.
If you want to turn your hand to baking, try this simple recipe. or try these mini gingerbread houses.
If baking is not your thing or if time is a little short, there are lots of fabulous kits out there. Here are a couple of my favourite ones:
4. See the Christmas lights
Lots of people are going crazy over Christmas decorations this year, so why not do a little tour of your neighbourhood to see all of the lights and decorations. Either get in the car to explore a little further afield or wrap up warm and go for a little walk.
Choose which ones you like the best. Do you like the houses with all the inflatables and bright coloured lights, or something more classic and understated?
5. Make Christmas decorations
My parents still have some of the Christmas decorations I made as a child and I remember making some of them.
This is an activity you can all get involved in and get creative. Make your own wreaths, candy canes for the tree or popcorn garlands (don’t eat all the popcorn though!).
6. Christmas films
I think everyone secretly loves Christmas movies even if they don’t say so. Why not let everyone choose their favourite Christmas film and watch them all together. There are so many great festive films out there like the Christmas Chronicles, the Grinch, Home Alone and Elf. Put your PJs on and snuggle up on a blanket together.
7. Make your own Christmas cards
This year has been tough not seeing our friends and family as much as we would have liked. But let them know you are thinking of them by creating them personalised Christmas cards.
Your kids will have lots of fun making the cards. They can draw, colour in, cut out paper shapes and glue coloured pasta to make something lovely. If you are a little stuck for ideas check out this article on 50 homemade DIY Christmas cards for kids to make.
8. Have a family games night
It wouldn’t be Christmas without playing a game or two with your family. Board and card games like Scrabble, Cluedo and Uno (my personal favourite) can be good for those who are a little competitive. If you like team games try Charades or Pictionary.
If you fancy a game with more of a festive edge you could make a snowman slam or play find the reindeer. This article has some great suggestions on 13 Christmas party games.
9. Read a Christmas story together
If you have young children who love a story, read a Christmas book together. There are plenty of storybooks out there. You could even make it extra special by getting a personalised Christmas book for your children. There are quite a few choices on NotOnTheHighStreet.com.
10. Scavenger hunt
Put together a list of things to find around the house that your children have to find such as a red decoration, a Christmas story, and Christmas jumper. Alternatively, you can place different clues around the house that everyone has to search for together. The end reward can be a secret message or some yummy Christmas treats.
11. Make a Santa themed craft
Do a Santa themed craft like this fun tissue paper Santa. Use the free printable and tissue paper for a fun and easy craft. Afterwards, you can hand the decorations up on the wall or in the window.
12. Christmas Eve box
Start a new tradition by making a Christmas Eve box to make the Christmas day spirit go further. It’s believed to be inspired by countries such as Germany where they open their presents on Christmas Eve.
Fill a cardboard box or create with little goodies like a new set of PJs, Christmas stories, films, board games or edible treats. On Christmas Eve you can open the box all together and enjoy the little presents together. You don’t have to go to the shops and buy new things to put in the box. If you already have a game or Christmas book you know the kids will love, put that in the box. The aim is to have fun opening the box together and finding out what you are going to be doing on Christmas Eve as a family.
I hope you found these ideas useful. I would love to know if you tried any or if you have suggestions of your own!
