Looking for some family fun on the holidays? We’ve got you! The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but the holidays offer a chance to slow down and enjoy special moments with the people who matter most. Whether you’re decorating the house, baking sweet treats, or starting new traditions, there are so many ways to make the season magical for the whole family. Here are some fun and simple ideas to bring extra warmth and cheer to your holiday festivities! But first, listen to my favorite Christmas song.
10 Ideas for Family Fun on the Holidays
1. Deck the Halls Together
Turn decorating into a family event! Play festive music, serve hot cocoa or cider, and let everyone pitch in. Kids can help hang ornaments on the tree or craft paper snowflakes, while adults can take care of stringing lights or placing candles. Try making a homemade garland or a wreath for the front door—it’s a creative activity that doubles as beautiful décor.
2. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Nothing brings the family together like cozying up on the couch with some classic holiday films. Make it a pajama day, pop some popcorn, and let everyone pick their favorite holiday movie. You can even create a “movie bingo” with little details to spot, like a character in a Santa hat or someone saying “Merry Christmas!”
3. Bake (and Decorate) Sweet Treats
Cookies, gingerbread houses, pies—take your pick! Baking together is a fantastic way to bond, and you get delicious results. Let the kids go wild with decorating cookies using colorful frosting and sprinkles, while the adults handle the oven. You could even make it a competition: who can create the most festive, funny, or creative cookie?
4. Get Crafty with DIY Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones made with love. Gather the family to make DIY presents like candles, bath bombs, or photo frames. It’s a budget-friendly way to share something personal with friends and family. Plus, kids get the joy of giving something they made themselves!
5. Plan a Game Night Extravaganza
Board games, card games, charades—whatever your family enjoys, make it a night to remember. Introduce new games or stick to old favorites, but be sure to have some holiday-themed ones in the mix. You can even split into teams and keep score, with the winner earning bragging rights for the season.
6. Have a Snow Day (Or a Faux Snow Day!)
If you live somewhere with snow, bundle up and head outside! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. If there’s no snow where you are, no problem! You can still bring the winter fun indoors by having a paper snowball fight or making a DIY ice rink using wax paper on carpet.
7. Volunteer Together
One of the most heartwarming ways to spend the holidays is by giving back. Find a local shelter, food bank, or community center that needs volunteers and pitch in as a family. It’s a meaningful way to teach kids about the spirit of giving, and it creates a sense of togetherness that lasts beyond the season.
8. Start a Holiday Tradition
Whether it’s wearing matching pajamas on Christmas Eve or making a special breakfast on New Year’s Day, traditions bring everyone closer. Try adding a new activity that you do every year, like a holiday scavenger hunt, reading a particular book, or a neighborhood light tour. These little rituals are the ones your kids will look back on with fondness.
9. Cook a Meal Together
Gather everyone in the kitchen for a holiday feast. From prepping to plating, involve the whole family in cooking a special meal. It could be a traditional dinner or something more relaxed, like a taco night or pizza party. The point is to make it together and enjoy the process. Bonus points if everyone gets to pick a dish they love!
10. Create a Gratitude Jar
Encourage everyone to write down things they’re thankful for on little slips of paper and place them in a jar. You can read them aloud over dinner or on a quiet evening. It’s a lovely way to reflect on the year and spread some warm, fuzzy feelings. We hope you can implement some family fun on the holidays. You will be so glad you did!
Celebrate the Season with Love and Joy
As the holidays come and go, what truly lasts are the memories we make with our loved ones. It’s the shared laughter, the warm hugs, and the simple joys that make this time of year so special. Take time to embrace these moments, be present, and find joy in both the planned activities and the spontaneous, silly bits in between. And most importantly, remember the true reason for the season—celebrating the birth of Christ, whose love and light are at the heart of every holiday gathering. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
