Thanksgiving is almost here, and before we know it, December will come charging in with its sparkle and chaos. It’s our favorite month, and I love finding ways to make the most of the time we have together. I’m not just trying to make the holiday fun for my kids; I’m doing it for myself, too.
Winter is meant to be a season of rest, but it often becomes a whirlwind of shopping lists, school events, traditions, and to-do lists. Somewhere in the hustle, we forget to focus on what matters the most. However, instead of rushing through the season, we can choose to create small, intentional holiday moments that help us slow down and savor our time together.
If you’re looking for simple, cozy ways to bring your family together this December, I’ve created a list of 24 activities that you can do with your family this year. And yes, we plan to do some of these, too!
Using This List Intentionally
This list is not law. It’s not meant to add more stress to your already-full plate. Think of it as a suggestion for ways to connect during the holidays. If you do it, great. If you don’t, that’s ok. It’s about nourishing connection, so there’s no pressure to check every item on the list. You can do them daily or even just do one weekly. It’s about creating those intentional holiday moments that bring you joy.
You can write these down on a piece of paper and pull them out of a jar if you like a surprise. Or you can jot them down on a calendar so you know what to plan for. Mix and match them depending on your energy levels and your schedule’s allowance.
The Activities
Cozy Moments
- Movie Night
Grab some popcorn, a cozy blanket, and snuggle up on the couch for a Christmas movie together. Make this a tradition with matching PJ’s and favorite movie snacks. - Game Night
Choose a board game (or five) and sit down together for a night of fun. Bring some finger foods and drinks and don’t forget to dust off that old competitive streak you had going for you during those college days. You can invite friends, as well. - Read a Story
Have everyone gather around the Christmas tree for the reading of a Christmas story, or a favorite book from your childhood. - Bake Cookies
Pick a favorite cookie recipe and make it together. For even more Christmas fun, turn it into a cookie decorating night with frosting and sprinkles. - Make Dinner
Gather everyone into the kitchen to make a dinner. If you’re head chef, delegate tasks to other members of your family and enjoy cooking a meal together. For that cozy winter feel, light some candles and add some vintage Christmas music. - Dress Up Dinner
Put your Sunday best on (or your favorite Christmas outfits) and have a nice candlelit dinner together. No screens, no distractions. Good food, great company, and a little Christmas cheer. - Hang Candy Canes
Add some of your favorite candy canes on the tree together. Don’t forget to snack on a few along the way. - Do a Drink Bar
Make some hot cocoa, hot apple cider, or some tea. Set out all the fixing’s and mix and match them with your drinks. Chat or play a game while you sip your warm drink by the fire. - Listen to Christmas Music
Get out the playlist and put on some Christmas tunes. Don your favorite Yule Tide socks and get your bodies grooving for a fun family dance party.
Creative Moments
- Do a Puzzle Together
Put your heads together to do a puzzle by the fire. Sip on some tea or cocoa while you chat and put the pieces together. - Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Hide Christmas themed items around your house or use your decorations to create a scavenger hunt for the family. Or print a scavenger hunt list and see how many of those items you can find in one night, either at home or out and about. - Handmade Ornaments
Make some handmade keepsake ornaments together that you can enjoy for years to come. - Build a Fort
Grab some sheets and old blankets and throw them across various pieces of furniture to make a fort. Snuggle in there together and tell stories or watch your favorite Christmas movie. Don’t forget to bring snacks - Build a Christmas Playlist
At the beginning of the month, take some time and build a family Christmas playlist together. Now you can listen to it all month long – and save it for next year! - Tell a Story
A cold winter night is the perfect time to sit around a fire for some story telling. Put on your PJs, grab a snuggly blanket, and take turns making up stories, or collaborate together on one. - Craft Night
Find some DIY Christmas crafts on Pinterest and do them together. Or pick up a few from your local craft store and make it a night of crafty Christmas fun.
Seasonal Outings
- Stargazing
If it’s not too cold, get outside after the sun sets and look up at the stars. Bonus if you can get away from the city lights – you’ll see way more stars that way. Bring some warm drinks and plenty of blankets. - Take a walk
Get outside for some fresh air. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. Slip on some gloves and get moving together. - Visit a Local Park
Winter is one of the best times to hike (as long as it isn’t icy). Not as many people are out, so it’s less crowded and the chances of overheating are slim to none. Weather it’s hiking or just enjoying a park, it’s the perfect time to be outdoors. - See the Lights
Load up the car and take a drive to see the lights at your local hot spot. Pack warm drinks, wear your favorite PJ’s and play your favorite Christmas tunes while you look at Christmas lights in your area.
Moments of Connection
- Lights Out Night
Turn the lights out for a cozy feel and a digital detox. Whatever you do this night, do it without screens. - Family Photo Op
Make memories and create some fun photo ops at home. Put on matching PJ’s, use your Christmas décor, and pose for photos you can look back on later. - Make Plans for the Next Year
Sit by the fire and make a vision board together, or just make plans for the New Year. Dream about trips you want to take or goals you want to accomplish – separately and together. - Do Something Nice
Get the whole family in on a random act of kindness for a stranger or for a loved one. Make a donation, serve in the soup kitchen, or bake a bread loaf for a neighbor.
Tips for Creating Your Own Winter Rhythm
This is supposed to be a supportive holiday activity, not a rigid challenge, so make sure you keep it light and flexible. Keep supplies minimal and make as many of the activities as screen-free as possible. Make a list of the activities your family enjoyed the most and repeat them next year!
Closing Thoughts
As the holiday busyness begins to pick up, creating intentional holiday moments can help anchor you (and your family) in what truly matters: connection, presence, and a sense of joy. Whether you complete all 24 activities or just a handful, each one is a reminder to slow down and savor the season. And feel free to add your own ideas to this list – the point is to have fun. Friends, I hope your December is cozy, memorable, and filled with joy.
