Holiday Activities

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s always refreshing to pause, slow down, and sprinkle in some genuine fun amidst all the traveling, family gatherings, and everything in between. This month, I wanted to share a few simple, joyful activities you can do not just with your kids, but with your whole family—activities that don’t require extra gifts, just creativity, connection, and the chance to build those core memories that last far longer than any present.

Gingerbread Houses 

Growing up, one of my favorite traditions was baking cookies with my grandma. The entire house smelled like cinnamon and sugar—a homemade air freshener that felt like pure magic. Building gingerbread houses is a wonderful way to recreate that same warm feeling. Make it a friendly family competition and let everyone design their own sugary masterpiece. The littles love the creativity (and the candy!), and the best part is getting to enjoy your edible architecture when you’re done.

Holiday Lights Tour 

I’ll be honest—I am not the person who wins awards for best outdoor light display. We consider it a success if all the lights plug in and at least most of them stay lit! So instead of wrestling with frozen fingers and rebellious light strands, explore local neighborhoods or check out community holiday light shows. Some let you drive through miles of glowing displays, while others invite you to walk with friends and family through twinkling paths. You get all the sparkle with none of the tangled wires.

Homemade Garland 

Garland in my house has only one rule: we hang it if we make it. And honestly, that makes it so much more fun. You can use almost anything—paper shapes, found objects, tiny toys, natural materials, or anything else your family discovers around the house. Sometimes you need to make a quick hole for stringing, but the result is a one-of-a-kind decoration that reduces waste and highlights little treasures from your home. Every garland becomes its own story.

DIY Ornaments 

Homemade ornaments are another beautiful way to celebrate creativity while cutting down on waste. Over time, they tell a story—each one holding a memory from the year it was made. You can transform a beloved but no-longer-played-with toy into an ornament, decorate a wooden shape, or create your own miniature globe.

Supplies for a DIY Memory Ornament:

• Clear plastic ornament with removable topper

• Ornament hook

• Filler options: confetti or tiny keepsakes

• String or ribbon

• Small toys or objects that reflect your child’s interests this year

• A permanent marker to label the year and capture the memory

  
  

Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, carefully add each item to your globe ornament—glitter, tiny toys, confetti, or anything that holds meaning. After securing the top back in place, give it a gentle shake to watch everything swirl and sparkle inside. It’s a simple step that brings the whole creation to life and adds a little magic to your masterpiece! These can become treasured keepsakes you pull out each December, sparking conversations about how your children have grown and changed.

While there are countless holiday activities to enjoy, these simple options bring creativity, connection, and joy to the forefront—and best of all, they’re fun for the whole family. Here’s to slowing down, making memories, and savoring the season together.