Fun and Festive Christmas Activities for Families, From Homemade Ornaments to Santa Claus Dress-up

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Discover a variety of enjoyable Christmas activities for the whole family! Learn how to make homemade ornaments, put up Christmas decorations, prepare Christmas cards, and even dress up as Santa Claus. Create lasting memories and embrace the holiday spirit with these delightful ideas.

15 Fun Plans to Make This Christmas as a Family

Creating fun and memorable experiences with your family during Christmas is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some ideas for fun plans to make this Christmas:

Decorate together: Involve the entire family in decorating the house and Christmas tree. Assign different tasks like hanging ornaments, stringing lights, or making handmade decorations. Play some festive music and enjoy the process together.

Bake Christmas treats: Gather in the kitchen and bake delicious Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, or festive cakes. Let everyone participate, from mixing the ingredients to decorating the treats. Don’t forget to sample your creations afterward!

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Christmas movie marathon: Set up a cozy movie corner with blankets and pillows. Choose a selection of classic and favorite Christmas movies and spend the day or evening watching them together. Prepare some popcorn, hot chocolate, and holiday snacks to complete the experience.

Have a board game night: Dust off your favorite board games and spend an evening playing together as a family. Encourage friendly competition and laughter. You can also introduce some Christmas-themed board games or create your own festive game.

Go on a neighborhood lights tour: Take a family stroll or drive around your neighborhood to admire the Christmas lights and decorations. Create a game where each family member can vote for their favorite display. Don’t forget to bring some hot cocoa or warm drinks along the way.

DIY Christmas crafts: Set up a craft station with supplies for making DIY Christmas ornaments, cards, or stockings. You can find numerous craft ideas online. Encourage everyone to get creative and personalize their creations.

Volunteer as a family: Find local charities or organizations that need assistance during the holiday season. Spend a day volunteering together, whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, wrapping gifts for children in need, or donating toys and clothes. It’s a meaningful way to give back as a family.

Outdoor winter activities: If you live in an area with snow, enjoy outdoor activities like sledding, building snowmen, or having a family snowball fight. If it’s warmer, consider going on a family hike or organizing a picnic in the park.

Plan a treasure hunt: Create a Christmas-themed treasure hunt around your home or yard. Hide small gifts or clues, and let the entire family participate in solving the puzzles and finding the treasures.

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Write letters to Santa: Encourage your children to write letters to Santa, expressing their wishes and gratitude. You can make it a family activity by writing your own letters too. Seal the letters and either mail them or place them under the tree to be “delivered” by Santa on Christmas morning.

Remember, the most important aspect is spending quality time together and creating cherished memories. Adapt these ideas to suit your family’s interests and traditions, and have a joyful and memorable Christmas celebration!

15 Fun Plans to Make This Christmas as a Family

Make homemade Christmas ornaments

Making homemade Christmas ornaments is a fun and creative activity that can add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Here are a few ideas for DIY ornaments you can make as a family:

  1. Salt Dough Ornaments:
    • Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water to form a dough.
    • Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
    • Use a straw to create a small hole at the top of each shape for hanging.
    • Bake the ornaments in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 1-2 hours or until hardened.
    • Once cooled, decorate the ornaments with acrylic paints, glitter, or varnish. Thread a string or ribbon through the hole to hang them.
  2. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments:
    • Collect cinnamon sticks of various lengths.
    • Use a hot glue gun to attach them together in different arrangements, such as forming a star or a snowflake shape.
    • Tie a festive ribbon around the top of the ornament for hanging.
    • Optionally, you can add small decorations like mini pinecones, dried orange slices, or faux berries to embellish the ornaments.
  3. Paper Snowflakes:
    • Fold square pieces of white paper into triangles.
    • Cut out small shapes along the folded edges to create intricate snowflake patterns.
    • Unfold the paper carefully to reveal the snowflake design.
    • Decorate the snowflakes with glitter, sequins, or spray them with adhesive and sprinkle with fake snow.
    • Attach a string or thread to hang the snowflakes on the Christmas tree or windows.
  4. Button Ornaments:
    • Collect an assortment of colorful buttons in different shapes and sizes.
    • Using a strong thread or thin wire, thread the buttons together to form a cluster or a simple design.
    • Make a loop at the top to hang the ornament.
    • You can also glue buttons onto a Styrofoam ball to create a mosaic pattern.
  5. Pinecone Ornaments:
    • Collect pinecones from your yard or purchase them from a craft store.
    • Tie a string or ribbon around the top of the pinecone for hanging.
    • Paint the tips of the pinecone with white or silver paint to mimic snow.
    • Add glitter, faux berries, or small ornaments to the pinecone for decoration.

Remember to personalize your ornaments by adding names, dates, or special messages with paint or markers. Working together as a family, you can create a variety of unique and meaningful ornaments that will be cherished for years to come.

15 Fun Plans to Make This Christmas as a Family

Put the Christmas decoration

Putting up Christmas decorations is an exciting part of getting into the holiday spirit. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put up your Christmas decorations:

  1. Clear the space: Before you start decorating, clear the area where you plan to set up your decorations. Remove any existing decor or clutter to make room for the Christmas decorations.
  2. Set up the Christmas tree:
    • If you have an artificial tree, assemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all the branches are fluffed and spread out evenly.
    • If you have a real tree, choose a suitable location, preferably near an electrical outlet, and secure the tree in a sturdy tree stand. Water the tree regularly to keep it fresh.
  3. Hang the lights:
    • Start by stringing the lights on the Christmas tree. Begin at the base of the tree and work your way up, wrapping the lights around the branches. Ensure the lights are evenly distributed.
    • If you’re decorating the exterior of your home, outline the roofline, windows, and doorways with Christmas lights. You can also wrap lights around trees or shrubs in your yard.
  4. Decorate the tree:
    • Hang the ornaments on the branches of the Christmas tree. Start with larger, statement ornaments first, spacing them out evenly. Then add smaller ornaments, tinsel, and garlands.
    • Top the tree with a tree topper, such as a star or an angel. Make sure it is securely placed at the top of the tree.
  5. Add additional decorations:
    • Place wreaths on your front door, windows, or walls. You can use pre-made wreaths or create your own with greenery, ribbons, and ornaments.
    • Hang stockings by the fireplace or on a mantel. Personalize them with each family member’s name or initials.
    • Place figurines, snow globes, or other decorative items on tables, shelves, or mantels.
    • Don’t forget to add festive touches like Christmas pillows, blankets, and tablecloths.
  6. Set up a nativity scene:
    • If you have a nativity set, arrange the figures in a meaningful and prominent location in your home.
    • Place Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus at the center. Add the shepherds, wise men, angels, and animals around them.
  7. Final touches:
    • Check that all the decorations are securely in place and adjust as needed.
    • Plug in the lights and enjoy the warm and festive glow of your Christmas decorations.

Remember to involve the whole family in the decorating process. Play some holiday music, sip on hot cocoa, and make it a joyful experience for everyone.

15 Fun Plans to Make This Christmas as a Family

Prepare Christmas cards

Preparing Christmas cards is a heartfelt way to spread joy and send warm wishes to your loved ones during the holiday season. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Christmas cards:

  1. Gather your supplies:
    • Christmas cards: Choose or purchase blank cards or pre-designed ones that suit your style.
    • Decorative materials: Gather colorful pens, markers, stickers, stamps, glitter, ribbons, or any other embellishments you want to use.
    • Writing tools: Have a selection of pens, markers, or calligraphy pens for writing your messages.
    • Personal photos: If you want to include personal photos in your cards, print them out beforehand.
  2. Choose a design or theme:
    • Decide on the overall design or theme you want for your Christmas cards. It could be traditional, whimsical, religious, or any other style that reflects your personality and preferences.
  3. Write a heartfelt message:
    • Start by addressing the recipient by name or using a general greeting like “Dear Friends” or “Dear Family.”
    • Write a warm and personal message, expressing your holiday wishes, gratitude, and any other sentiments you want to share.
    • Consider adding a personal touch by referencing shared memories or experiences from the past year.
  4. Add festive decorations:
    • Use your creativity to decorate the cards. You can draw holiday-themed images like snowflakes, ornaments, or Christmas trees.
    • Embellish the cards with stickers, stamps, or glitter to add sparkle and festive elements.
    • Consider using ribbons or washi tape to create borders or accents on the cards.
  5. Include personal photos (optional):
    • If you want to include personal photos, print them out and attach them to the cards using photo corners, adhesive, or by simply pasting them on.
    • Choose photos that capture special moments or memories from the year to share with your recipients.
  6. Sign and address the cards:
    • Sign your name at the end of the message or consider including a personalized holiday signature.
    • Address the envelopes neatly, including the recipient’s name and address. You can handwrite or use address labels for convenience.
  7. Add postage and send:
    • Attach the appropriate postage to each envelope based on its weight and size.
    • Place the stamped envelopes in a mailbox or take them to the post office to send them on their way.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating each card. Personalize them with your unique touch, and your recipients will appreciate the thought and effort you put into making their Christmas special.

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15 Fun Plans to Make This Christmas as a Family

Remember and share special moments of the year

Reflecting on and sharing special moments from the year is a wonderful way to celebrate and cherish the memories you’ve created as a family. Here’s a guide on how to remember and share those special moments:

  1. Gather as a family: Set aside dedicated time to gather as a family and reminisce about the year. Find a cozy and comfortable space where you can share stories and memories without distractions.
  2. Create a memory jar or scrapbook: Encourage each family member to write down their favorite moments or experiences from the year on small pieces of paper. Fold them and place them in a jar. Alternatively, you can create a scrapbook where each person can contribute by adding photos, ticket stubs, or written memories.
  3. Share stories around the dinner table: During a special family dinner or mealtime, take turns sharing memorable moments from the year. Start with one person sharing a story, and then go around the table until everyone has had a chance to share. This allows each family member to listen, reminisce, and celebrate together.
  4. Look through photos and videos: Gather your family’s collection of photos and videos from the year. Sit together and browse through them, reliving the special moments captured. Share anecdotes, laughter, and conversation around the memories.
  5. Create a slideshow or video montage: Compile the photos and videos into a slideshow or video montage. Add music that holds significance for your family or use festive holiday tunes. Watch it together as a family and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
  6. Write a family newsletter: Create a family newsletter summarizing the highlights and special moments from the year. Include significant events, achievements, milestones, and any other noteworthy experiences. Share it with extended family members and friends, either by mailing physical copies or through email.
  7. Host a “Memory Night” with loved ones: Invite close friends or extended family members to a special gathering where everyone can share their favorite memories from the year. Provide a comfortable and welcoming space for storytelling and bonding.
  8. Create a gratitude jar or board: Set up a gratitude jar or board where family members can write down things they are grateful for from the past year. Encourage everyone to contribute regularly, and read the notes aloud during family gatherings or at the beginning of the new year.
  9. Preserve memories in a time capsule: As a family, gather items that represent the special moments from the year, such as photos, handwritten notes, or small mementos. Seal them in a container or time capsule to be opened and revisited in the future.
  10. Share memories on social media or through digital platforms: Share special moments from the year with friends and extended family through social media platforms or create a private digital album. Write captions or stories to accompany the photos or videos, allowing others to celebrate and connect with your memories.

Remember that the most important part is to be present and engage in meaningful conversations and connections as you share and celebrate the special moments from the year.

Dressing up as Santa Claus

Dressing up as Santa Claus can be a fun and festive activity, especially for family gatherings, holiday parties, or surprising children with a visit from Santa. Here’s a guide on how to dress up as Santa Claus:

  1. Get the Santa Claus costume:
    • Red suit: Find a red Santa suit that includes a jacket with white faux fur trim, matching pants, and a black belt. Look for a costume that fits your size appropriately.
    • Hat: Get a red Santa hat with a white fur trim at the bottom.
    • Boots: Wear black boots that reach your calves.
    • White gloves: Find a pair of white gloves to complete the Santa look.
    • Beard and wig: If you don’t have a natural white beard, consider getting a Santa beard and wig set. Ensure that it is comfortable and fits securely.
  2. Pay attention to details:
    • Ensure that the suit fits well and is comfortable to wear.
    • Make sure the suit is clean and ironed or steamed to remove any wrinkles.
    • Adjust the belt to fit your waist and fasten it securely.
    • Put on the black boots, making sure they are comfortable and match the Santa costume.
  3. Complete the Santa Claus look:
    • Put on the red Santa suit jacket and pants.
    • Place the white fur-trimmed Santa hat on your head, adjusting it to sit securely.
    • Wear the white gloves on your hands.
    • Put on the Santa beard and wig, following the instructions provided with the set. Ensure that it is positioned securely and looks natural.
  4. Add accessories and props:
    • Carry a red velvet sack or bag filled with small gifts or candy canes to distribute.
    • Consider wearing wire-framed glasses to enhance the Santa Claus persona.
    • Optionally, you can bring a jingle bell or a small toy sleigh to add to the festive ambiance.
  5. Practice Santa’s jolly demeanor:
    • Study the character of Santa Claus and practice a warm and friendly demeanor.
    • Speak in a deep and cheerful voice, using phrases like “Ho, ho, ho!” and “Merry Christmas!”
    • Interact with children or party guests in a jolly and kind manner, listening to their Christmas wishes and spreading holiday cheer.

Remember, dressing up as Santa Claus is about bringing joy and happiness to others. Have fun with the role and enjoy the experience of embodying the beloved character of Santa Claus during the holiday season.

Christmas movie film marathon

Having a Christmas movie marathon is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy quality time as a family. Here’s a selection of popular and heartwarming Christmas movies to consider for your film marathon:

  1. “Home Alone” (1990): Follow the adventures of Kevin McCallister as he defends his home from two bumbling burglars during Christmas vacation.
  2. “Elf” (2003): Join Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to find his real father and spread Christmas cheer.
  3. “The Polar Express” (2004): Embark on a magical train ride to the North Pole with a young boy who learns the true meaning of Christmas.
  4. “A Christmas Carol” (2009): Experience the classic tale by Charles Dickens as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, teaching him the importance of compassion and redemption.
  5. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Discover the heartwarming story of George Bailey, a man who learns the value of his own life with the help of an angel during the holiday season.
  6. “The Santa Clause” (1994): Follow the journey of Scott Calvin, who unintentionally becomes Santa Claus and must embrace his new role with the help of his son.
  7. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994): Witness a heartwarming story about a little girl who believes in the real Santa Claus and sets out to prove his existence in a court of law.
  8. “Love Actually” (2003): Delve into interconnected love stories set during the Christmas season, featuring an ensemble cast and themes of love, family, and friendship.
  9. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989): Join the Griswold family in their hilarious and chaotic holiday adventures as they try to create the perfect Christmas.
  10. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000): Watch the Dr. Seuss classic come to life as the Grinch attempts to steal Christmas but learns the true meaning of the holiday.
  11. “The Holiday” (2006): Follow two women who swap homes during the holiday season and find unexpected romance in their new surroundings.
  12. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): Enjoy the beloved Peanuts characters as they come together to discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Prepare some cozy blankets, snacks, and hot cocoa to enhance the movie-watching experience. You can also set up a themed movie night with decorations and activities related to each film. Enjoy the magical world of Christmas movies and make lasting memories with your family.

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