29 Simple But Special Ways To Make Christmas Memorable For Your Family
When it comes down to it, Christmas is all about the moments that bring us closer to our nearest and dearest. These are the moments we truly cherish when we look back on Christmases past.
But, in amidst all the hype and social sharing it can be easy to forget that sometimes it's the simplest things that create the best memories.
If you are looking to add a bit of magic to your holiday season, here’s a list of creative, memorable ways to make this Christmas your family’s most wonderful one yet.
Consider it a cheat sheet for busy mums who want to bring out the sparkle in every holiday moment!
Family Crafts And Decorations
Decorate the Christmas Tree Together A.K.A Be Less Monica!)
Don't be a Monica (as in Monica from Friends...) Instead of setting up the tree on your own, make it a family affair!
If you want to keep some level of control, decide on a theme beforehand and then gently guide your family team to create your vision.
DIY Advent Calendar
Why buy an advent calendar when you can create a custom one that’s just as exciting?
You don't have to make it from scratch, you can buy calendars that you fill yourself.
Whichever way you choose, fill the calendar with little surprises for each day, such as small toys, sweets, or festive coupons like 'no chores' or 'special dessert'.
Make Homemade Ornaments
Homemade ornaments don't have to be fancy if you're not a family of natural crafters...
but something I know from experience is that it's the homemade ones that get the most love as they get dusted off each year.
Create Personalised Christmas Stockings
Set aside time for each family member to decorate their own stocking.
Use fabric paint, markers, patches, or festive stickers, and encourage everyone to personalise their stocking with their name or a fancy Christmas design.
Holiday Memory Jar
Start a holiday memory jar by placing it on the table and inviting everyone to write down their favourite moments on slips of paper throughout December.
On New Year’s Eve, open the jar and read the memories together, reflecting on all the joyful moments you shared.
Also read: Free 23 Page Christmas Planner Printable
Festive Foods And Treats
Bake Holiday Cookies Together
Baking Christmas cookies is a classic holiday activity. Choose a simple recipe and let everyone pick a cookie cutter shape to create a festive variety.
Decorate with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter, then package some up to give to neighbours or enjoy with hot chocolate at home.
Speaking of hot chocolate...
Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a DIY hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes for stirring.
Add extras like chocolate shavings or caramel syrup to customise each cup.
This little festive ritual goes down especially well when paired with a family Christmas movie night.
Kids' Choice Christmas Eve Dinner
Let the kids take charge by planning the menu for Christmas Eve dinner. Whether they choose their favourite foods or just choose a theme, it makes the evening feel a little extra special.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Spend an afternoon creating a gingerbread house together. Kits make it easy, but if you’re up for a challenge, bake your own pieces for a fully homemade touch.
Set out plenty of sweets, icing, and edible glitter, and take photos of everyone’s work to remember each year’s creations.
Christmas Morning Breakfast Favourites
Surprise the family with a breakfast spread of everyone’s favourite dishes.
Whether it’s pancakes, cinnamon rolls, or a full English breakfast, this special meal is a comforting and festive way to start Christmas morning together.
Christmas Traditions And Special Moments
Read a Christmas Story Each Night
Make bedtime special by reading a short Christmas story or chapter each night in December.
Gather everyone around with blankets and enjoy a quiet, cosy moment to end the day.
It’s a simple but effective tradition that helps keep the excitement bubbling for little kids in the run-up.
Write Letters to Santa
Encourage everyone to write their letter to Santa, no matter how young or old.
Then make it extra magical by 'sending' the letters up the chimney in a fireplace, if you have one.
Or take advantage of USPS Operation Santa or Royal Mail Write To Santa
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Organise a scavenger hunt with festive clues around the house or garden. Hide little prizes or holiday treats at each stop.
This activity is especially fun for younger kids, but you can make the clues trickier to keep older children entertained too.
Family Christmas Movie Night
Pick a classic Christmas film or try a new one this year and vote on a new family favourite.
Make some popcorn, grab blankets, and snuggle up together. Movie night is a great way to relax and bond as a family during the busy holiday season.
Use the Christmas Movie Bucket List free download to plan your Christmas Movie schedule.
And then grab the Christmas Movie Match game from the shop to test your family's Christmas Movie knowledge...
Christmas Eve Surprise Box
Fill a box with small treats like pyjamas, a Christmas film, and hot chocolate mix.
Open it on Christmas Eve to kick off the celebrations and create a cosy evening of togetherness.
Outdoor Adventures And Outings
Visit the Best Light Displays
Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate to go, and take a drive to explore the most festive light displays around your neighbourhood.
It’s a simple outing that’s always exciting, and everyone can vote on their favourite decorated house.
Go Caroling (or Host a Sing-Along at Home)
Gather your family and go around the neighbourhood singing Christmas carols, or host a sing-along at home with your favourite holiday tunes.
Caroling can be a fun way to spread holiday cheer and bond as a family at the same time.
See Santa Claus at the Mall
Plan a visit to see Santa and capture the kids’ expressions when they meet him.
This outing always makes for treasured memories and adorable photos, and it’s a great way to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
We have photos in snow globes and Christmas ornaments from all the visits to Santa.
Family Pyjama Day During “Betwixtmas”
Take a down-day during “Betwixtmas” (the days between Christmas and New Year) by declaring a family pyjama day.
Spend the day relaxing, playing games, watching films, and just enjoying each other’s company while wearing your cosiest pyjamas.
Sometimes enforced quiet family time is turns out to be the bestest day of the festive season.
New Year’s Eve Letter to Future Selves
On New Year’s Eve, have each family member write a letter to open next Christmas.
Include wishes, favourite moments, and thoughts about the year ahead.
It’s a meaningful way to close out the season and reflect on what everyone’s excited for in the coming year.
Giving Back Together
Volunteer as a Family
Spend a day volunteering at a local charity, food bank, or soup kitchen.
This experience not only brings the family closer but also teaches children the importance of helping others, which is truly in the spirit of Christmas.
Donate to a Food Bank Together
Collect items from your pantry or go shopping as a family to put together a box for a local food bank. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to show kids the importance of giving back during the festive season.
Make Handmade Holiday Cards
Create simple, heartfelt cards to send to family, friends, and neighbours. Add a short message or drawing for a personal touch.
This is a wonderful way to spread joy and show that you’re thinking of others during the holidays.
Gift of Time Coupons
Have each family member create “gift of time” coupons, like “one game night” or “no chores today.”
This small but thoughtful idea shows that time together is the best gift of all.
Family Games And Fun
Christmas Photo Booth
Set up a corner with fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or festive glasses, and capture some silly photos every time you get an opportunity.
Holiday-Themed Game Night
Play some classic board games, or create your own Christmas trivia or charades game.
We've got a brilliant bundle of 22 Christmas Games in the shop, with games to suit all ages, from kids to seniors.
Grab the Christmas Games Bundle
Christmas Play or Puppet Show
Encourage everyone to write and perform a mini-play or puppet show.
You could act out a favourite Christmas story or make up something completely original.
Make a Holiday Scrapbook
Collect photos, cards, and little mementos throughout December, then add them to a family scrapbook.
This ongoing project creates provides a creative focus to keep kids and teens occupied in the run up to the big day.
Plus it becomes a beautiful keepsake that can be revisited each Christmas.
Create Santa Footprints for Christmas Morning
Use flour (don't use powdered sugar, it turns sticky!) to create “Santa footprints” by the tree or from the fireplace, making it look as though he visited in the night.
This small detail brings a magical element to Christmas morning and will delight the kids.
I know it works, we've tried it
Enjoy Every Moment!
Remember, it’s the time and love you share that makes the season magical. These simple yet special activities can help turn Christmas into a collection of unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Before you go...
You might also like The Big Christmas Bucket List Of Fun Activties For All The Family, or the Christmas Movie Bucket List. Then there's our Quick Fire Christmas Would You Rather Questions, plus Fun Christmas Eve Activities For All The Family and 15 Tips And Ideas To Help You Host A Cool Yule Christmas Party
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