12 Days of Family Fun: Holiday Activities to Enjoy Together

One year I planned 25 activities to do for Christmas and boy was that a mistake. I do know that  having activities and traditions it’s a great way to make memories as a family. Because the holiday season is a time for joy, laughter and creating lasting memories with your family. But it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag! Here’s a list of 12 low-cost or free activities to help your family connect and celebrate the magic of the season together. If we’re being honest, we’re all looking for ways to save some money.

Day 1: Bake Christmas Cookies

We love baking Christmas Cookies in our home. It is definitely one of the first traditions we started for Christmas with the kiddos. We make at least 10 different kinds of cookies. We use my mom’s sugar cutout cookie recipe and my gingerbread cookie recipe and the kids love to decorate with frosting and sprinkles. We package them up and give them out to different people. I think this this is a great way to teach kids about serving and giving. 

Day 2: Create Handmade Ornaments

Break out the craft supplies and make ornaments for your Christmas tree. Use materials like popsicle sticks, glitter, and paint. Not only is this a fun activity, but you’ll also have keepsakes to cherish for years. Every year I look on Pinterest for ideas and usually make a couple different kinds. We had fun making these crayon ornaments for school. 

Day 3: Write Letters to Santa

Set up a cozy writing station with paper, markers, and stickers. Have your kids write letters to Santa or create Christmas wish lists. Younger kids can draw pictures if they’re not writing yet. We actually did this as part of homeschooling one day. 

Day 4: Drive to See Christmas Lights

This is one of our favorite traditions as a family, it really might be mine and Jimmy’s favorite. Kids get in their pajamas and we make hot chocolate and pile into the car. We play Christmas music and drive around looking at lights and do a scavenger hunt. So many houses have amazing decorations.

Day 5: Host a Family Game Night

Grab some hot chocolate and pull out your favorite board games or card games and spend the evening laughing and competing. Add a holiday twist by playing games like Christmas trivia or charades. You can also do a Christmas puzzle. 

Day 6: Watch a Christmas Movie

Have a family movie night with popcorn.  Snuggle up in blankets and enjoy some movies. We tend to watch a lot of GAC and Hallmark movies. 

Day 7: Make a Gingerbread House

Pick up a gingerbread house kit or bake your own gingerbread pieces. Gather candy, icing and sprinkles, and let everyone’s creativity shine as you build and decorate.

Day 8: Read Christmas Stories Together

Grab some Christmas books and read together.  Classics like The Polar Express or Twas the Night Before Christmas are perfect for setting a festive mood. We love to go to the library and grab as many Christmas books as we can and read them. 

Day 9: Have a Snow Day (or Fake One!)

If you live in a snowy area, head outside for sledding, snowball fights or building a snowman. Or if you live in a warmer area like us, you can make your own snow day indoors with paper snowflakes and winter crafts.

Day 10: Make Wrapping Paper

Grab some craft paper and lay it out for the kids to draw and color it. Then you can use it as wrapping paper. This is great way to wrap grandparents gifts or someone that has special meaning for the kids. This is our first year doing this and we are gonna wrap Jimmy’s presents and grandma’s presents in it. 

Day 11: Sing Christmas Carols

Have a family sing-along with classic Christmas carols. If you’re feeling adventurous, bundle up and go caroling in your neighborhood or record a video to share with loved ones.

Day 12: Have a Pajama Day

Stay cozy in your pajamas and have breakfast for every meal. This is a favorite with my kids and hard for me. I like to get up workout, shower and get dressed for the day. During this pajama day you play games, watch movies, have a pillow fight, build a fort or just spend time reflecting on your favorite moments of the season. 

These 12 days of family fun are sure to bring joy and connection without breaking the bank. Remember, the most meaningful memories are created through the time you spend together, not the money you spend. 

Which tradition do you want to start this year?

Merry Christmas