31 Relaxing December Family Activities for a Joyful Holiday Season

31 December Family Activity Ideas for Less Stressful Holidays

Each activity in this collection offers a way to connect and relax with your friends and family amidst the festive cheer, away from the whirlwind of holiday obligations.

The grand idea behind this list isn’t necessarily to do all of these things, it’s to pick out the kinds of activities *your* family enjoys.

1. Post a December Family Calendar

When I was a kid, we’d visit my uncle in Minnesota (where I now live) once or twice a year. On one particular trip, he made a huge interactive calendar from a big piece of foam board and Post-it notes.

Lined to create columns for each day, we would find events, write them on a Post-It, and stick them all over the board, arranging and rearranging until we had a wildly full week of fun stuff everyone was thrilled to jump into.

It was a simple setup, but WOW, we lost our minds over it. Having so much say in planning our time together, finding activities to fill the foam board, and the ease of shuffling items around made it a blast to work on together.

Even better, it was an incredibly effective visual tool we kids could reference throughout the week, ensuring everyone was always on the same page.

Whether marking holiday events, family outings, or important reminders, this visual and tactile approach is a great way to help kids actively participate in the family’s schedule.

It also guarantees that at least a few things are on the calendar that each person is looking forward to, and is a handy tool that can evolve throughout your bustling holiday season.

2. Start a (Simple!) New Holiday Tradition

The holiday season is a perfect time to start new traditions. Freeing ourselves from the trappings of the usual holiday customs and expectations can also be a real breath of fresh air.

Whether embracing the simplicity of a new daily habit or revisiting old traditions with a new twist, there’s something special about creating these memorable moments. Here are a few ideas:

• Start a December winter or holiday-themed collection. A group of cool pinecones, items that are red, collected found objects, vintage holiday stamps, soup recipes…starting a family collection that grows throughout the month can be a fun way to kick off December.
• Create a window wonderland. Decorate a different window in your home with a festive theme each week.
• Introduce candlelit storytime. Each evening, read a short story by candlelight, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Make a holiday memory box. Create a box where each family member puts a note about their favorite moments or quotes throughout the holiday.
• Donate or volunteer. Put aside some time to give to your local community – help out at a soup kitchen, participate in a toy or coat drive, or collect items for a food bank.
• Celebrate “Warm Beverage Wednesday” (or, you know, whatever theme and day works for your family). Make a different warm beverage (a tea, cider, hot chocolate, etc.) every Wednesday.
• Have a weekly holiday exploration night. Once a week, learn and celebrate a winter holiday tradition from a different culture or country.

3. Track Winter Wildlife

We have had a very exciting start to the winter wildlife season here in Minnesota. A moose is on the loose, and 32,000 fans have been following Rutt’s daily journey through observer’s pictures and on a map.

Along with all the excitement and amazing photos, Rutt’s journey has given me a better understanding of how he ended up making this unusual trek, why these types of wildlife displacement happen, the challenges Rutt faces on his journey north to safer moose habitats, and how I can participate in wildlife-friendly tracking.

Local or regional wildlife “events” like these can be so fun to follow, but also provide a great opportunity to learn about the challenges our local wildlife faces.

Here are a handful of ways your family can “adopt” wildlife to track throughout December…

Try Backyard Winter Wildlife Watching

There are so many ways to keep an eye on wildlife right in your own backyard. Learn about animal tracks and look for them in the snow, or look for birds and other wildlife from your window and learn about their winter habits.

Track Winter Wildlife in Your Region

Sites like iNaturalist offer an easy way to log on and see what’s happening with the wildlife in your city, state, or region.

Watch Winter Wildlife Nature Cams from Around the World

Explore.org is a wealth of wildlife viewing. Winter animal-watching fun abounds with the International Wolf Center Cam in Ely, MN, the Mississippi Flyway Cam in Brice Prairie, Wisconsin, the Muskox Cam in Fairbanks, Alaska, a Sheep Pasture Cam in Watkins Glen, NY, the Penguin Colony Cam in Stony Point South Africa, or the Polar Bear Tundra Buggy Cam in Canada’s Wapusk National Park.

Over on YouTube, check out the moose & loon cam streaming live from Maine, or this reindeer cam from Finland!

4. Plant an Indoor Winter Garden

Start an indoor food garden with plants that thrive in cooler temperatures, like kale or spinach, or plant a few small pots with easy-to-grow herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, chives, or mint. OR take all the guesswork out of it and start with an indoor growing kit.

As your plans grow, you can pop them into your cooking and drinks, offering fresh, home-grown ingredients for your holiday meals and recipes. This approach not only teaches valuable lessons about sustainable eating and gardening but also adds a fresh, flavorful twist to your family’s favorite winter foods.

If food gardens aren’t your family’s thing, grab a few special plants that bloom throughout the winter months. Amaryllis, Chrismas Cacti, African Violets, Cyclamen, and Crocus are all plants that will produce bright, colorful blooms.

You can even spend an afternoon potting kid-made winter bulb gifts to give others. This is also a perfect time to try putting together some easy egg carton seed starters (our own have an incredibly cute, kid-friendly theme) that you can transfer into larger pots, and then take outside in the spring.

5. Make Up Your Own Holiday

It’s a Festivus for the rest of us! Winter is a time of wonder and imagination, especially for children, so what better way to embrace the magic of the season than by encouraging kids to dream up, plan, and celebrate their made-up winter holiday?

By designing their own special day, children can explore their creativity, learn about event planning, and enjoy a unique celebration that’s entirely their own.

Here are a few simple ways your kids can celebrate:

• Design simple holiday cards, a banner, or a centerpiece that represents their holiday
• Compose a holiday anthem or carol for their holiday
• Make a holiday-themed snack or meal
• Come up with traditions and activities

6. Bake an Easy Family Favorite

December is synonymous with the warmth and comfort of home-baked goods. While traditional holiday recipes have their charm, sometimes the simple act of making an easy favorite family comfort food, like garlic bread or a simple soup, can be equally fulfilling.

Whether it’s a simple family recipe passed down through generations or a tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, these cooking moments can add a layer of joy and simplicity to your holiday celebrations. A tasty reminder that sometimes the most enjoyable experiences are found in the everyday pleasures.

7. Simplify Holiday Decorating

I LOVE decorating for the holidays, but on more than one occasion, I’ve had to remind myself that it should be fun. Those are the times I’ve had to step back and simplify, whether that means scaling down the number of complicated DIYs, skipping the full-sized tree, or simply putting up less.

Here are a few ideas to help ensure a very merry family holiday decorating experience:

1. Window Clings: Use holiday-themed window clings for a fun and easy way to decorate. They are simple for kids to apply and remove, and don’t leave any residue.
2. Battery-Operated Candles: Place battery-operated candles in windows for a quick and easy warm, welcoming glow.
3. Make Paper Door Covers: Grab a roll of wrapping paper, brown Kraft paper, or butcher paper, and let your kids go to town coloring, cutting, and decorating doors for instant festivity.
4. Paper Snowflakes: Making paper snowflakes is a simple and fun activity for kids. Hang them in windows or from the ceiling to create a personal walk-through winter wonderland.
5. Garland and Bow Decor: Have you seen the tension rod garland hack yet? Genius! Simple garlands over mantels, banisters, or doorways (with a quick ribbon or paper bow) are perfect for a festive look without much effort.
6. Natural Table Centerpieces: Create lovely natural centerpieces with greenery from the backyard, dried plants, painted twigs, dry grasses, or pine cones. Add a few candles or ornaments in a large bowl or vase for holiday vibes.
7. Holiday Throw Pillows and Blankets: Swap out regular throw pillows and blankets with holiday-themed ones for an instant, cozy update to your living spaces.
8. Festive Glass Lanterns: Fill clear vases or mason jars with string lights, pine branches, or baubles, and place them around the house for a warm and cozy decoration you can keep out all winter.
9. DIY-ish Wreath Making: Create a simple wreath with a pre-made base, adding a few decorations like ribbons, bells, or pine cones for a personalized touch.

8. Enjoy an Afternoon of Winter Playdough Play

I don’t care how old you are, a laid-back afternoon of squishing, rolling, and molding playdough is ALWAYS a good time. As the winter chill sets in and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, an afternoon filled with winter-themed playdough activities is perfect, easy entertainment for the whole family.

This simple hands-on activity sparks creativity and imagination, but can also help ease some of the stresses of the holiday season. Knead and squeeze those holiday scaries away! And family members of all ages can jump in, collaborate, and share in the joy of creating something together.

Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought playdough, here are a few low-stress, high-enjoyment ways to spend a wintry afternoon with your dough of choice:

• Add holiday scents. Spice up regular playdough with your favorite holiday aroma. Here are a few suggestions for winter scents to add to playdough.
• Use playdough mats. We love getting out the winter playdough mats this time of year! I designed my own set, but pages from a coloring book slipped into a sheet protector or large Ziplock bag offer an easy and quick DIY alternative.
• Incorporate supplies from your kitchen. Skip the fancy playdough tools and scour your cooking supplies for great texture-making and household kitchen play accessories.
• Play with winter themes. From sculpting snowmen and crafting miniature winter landscapes to creating playdough ornaments, playdough pies, a playdough gingerbread bakery, or festive figures like reindeer and Santa Claus, the possibilities are endless.
• Include other toys. See who can make the tallest playdough sledding hill and use it for Lego sled races. Build tunnels and landscaping to use around toy train tracks. Imagine a prehistoric winter scene with dinosaur toys, or make winter habitats filled with animal figures.

9. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon Night

Holiday movie marathons are one of my favorite December traditions. Whether it’s new holiday movies or the ones I grew up with (anyone else hold a special place in their heart for those quirkier late-70s Rankin Bass specials?) It’s a great opportunity to pop some popcorn, pile under the coziest blankets, and snuggle in for the evening.

Stream an Old Holiday Special

And you don’t have to stick to holiday movies only! Quite a few streaming channels also offer playlists of holiday TV episodes, and some of my very favorite Christmas watches are obscure holiday specials I’ve found on YouTube.

The legends of Motown, Cher, John Denver, Dean Martin, Mariah Carey, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, and The Carpenters all have holiday specials you can find on YouTube. From the songs and sets to the outfits and special guests…some of them are absolutely WILD.

There’s a genre for every kind of holiday fan (although, it can sometimes be advantageous to preview a few frames before diving right with the kids – some of those old variety specials have aged better than others!).

Watch a Holiday Performance (and More!) on YouTube

You can find endless free holiday performances, events, and more to stream for free on YouTube – better yet, many are ad-free!

Performances of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, the New York Philharmonic’s holiday concert, The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, various holiday parades, holiday light walk-throughs and displays – they’re all just a click away.

But there’s much more to experience…you can tour winter wonderlands, celebrate Christmas at Hogwarts, go for a dog sled ride, or even check in on Santa. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Walk through Santa’s Village and catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf on The North Pole livestream
• Enjoy an ad-free holiday ambiance room (like this Christmas at Hogwarts video)
• Watch skaters live via the Bryant Park Winter Village Skate Cam
• Tour Norway’s snowy Lofoten Islands
• Go for a quick dog sled ride

10. Have a Toast, Hot Cocoa, or Tea Tasting

A couple of winters ago a favorite local cafe of mine added a toast sampler to their menu and Reader, I’ve never placed an order so quickly. The variety of fresh warm breads with butter and jam was such a cozy treat on a frigid early winter day.

You can recreate the experience right from the comfort of your own home, by setting up your own version of an easy sampling afternoon…

Build a Simple Hot Chocolate Mixing Bar

Remember, when experimenting with flavors and spices, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences...

1. Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and a slightly spicy note.
2. Nutmeg: Grate a bit of nutmeg for a sweet and nutty flavor.
3. Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract brings a smooth and rich aroma.
4. Peppermint Extract: For a minty twist, a few drops of peppermint extract work great.
5. Chili Powder: A pinch of chili powder adds a unique, spicy kick.
6. Cardamom: A little cardamom can introduce a sweet, floral, and spicy flavor.
7. Pumpkin Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice makes a festive addition.
8. Ginger: Ground ginger or a thin slice of fresh ginger can add a zesty, warm taste.
9. Mocha: Mix in a shot of espresso or some instant coffee for a mocha flavor.
10. Almond Extract: A drop of almond extract adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
11. Orange Zest: Grate in some orange zest for a citrusy note.
12. Sea Salt: A small pinch of sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor.
13. Caramel Sauce: Stir in caramel sauce for a rich, buttery sweetness.
14. Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist and creamy texture, add coconut cream.
15. Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup as a sweetener for a distinct, autumnal flavor.
16. Hazelnut Spread: Mix in a spoonful of hazelnut spread like Nutella for a nutty, chocolatey addition.
17. Clove: A tiny pinch of ground clove adds a warm, spicy depth.
18. Marshmallows: While not a spice, adding marshmallows to hot cocoa is a classic choice for added sweetness and texture.
19. Whipped Cream: Topping your cocoa with whipped cream can add a creamy, luxurious touch.
20. Lavender: A hint of culinary lavender can contribute a unique, floral aroma.

Host a Winter Tea Party

During winter and the holiday season, certain teas can provide a warm, comforting experience, often with flavors that resonate with the festive spirit. Here are a few warming, wintry teas that are perfect for this time of year:

1. Chai Tea: A blend of black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. It’s warm, spicy, and perfect for cold days.
2. Peppermint Tea: Known for its refreshing and cooling flavor, peppermint tea is a holiday favorite, especially after meals.
3. Ginger Tea: Ginger tea, with its warming and slightly spicy taste, is great for cold weather and can also help soothe winter colds.
4. Cinnamon Tea: Cinnamon is a quintessential holiday spice, and cinnamon tea is both warming and sweetly aromatic.
5. Apple Spice Tea: This tea, with flavors of apple, cinnamon, and other spices, captures the essence of the holidays.
6. Winter Fruit Tea: Look for herbal teas with a mix of winter fruits like oranges, apples, or pears for a naturally sweet and comforting cup.
7. Licorice Tea: Known for its natural sweetness and warming properties, licorice tea can be a soothing winter beverage.
8. Pumpkin Spice Tea: This tea captures the essence of pumpkin pie with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it a holiday favorite.

Create a Toast Sampler

Hello, fellow carb-lovers, this one’s for you! Head to the bakery and pick out 2 or 3 (or more…) loaves to sample. Here are just a few of my own seasonal faves to tempt your tastebuds and inspire your own toast party:

1. Walnut and Cranberry Bread: The nutty and fruity flavors go well with cream cheese or a light goat cheese spread.
2. Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Pair this sweet bread with apple butter or a dollop of vanilla yogurt.
3. Challah Bread: Perfect for its soft texture, pair it with honey butter or a rich chocolate spread.
4. Pumpkin Bread: Try this with maple cream cheese or a simple butter spread (you can download our own family recipe here!).
5. Gingerbread Loaf: Spread with lemon curd or ginger butter for a zesty twist.
6. Panettone: This Italian sweet bread pairs wonderfully with mascarpone cheese or a simple orange marmalade.
7. Rye Bread: Offer a savory option with toppings like cream cheese or a honey mustard spread.
8. Winter Fairy Toast: Cream cheese on cinnamon swirl bread with small sprinkles of icy blue-hued sugars added for a magical touch.
9. Elf’s Delight: Dress honey-drizzled toast with slices of green kiwi inspired by an elf’s green outfit.
10. Frosty’s Blueberry Toast: Spread blueberry cream cheese on a bagel and decorate it with coconut flake “snow”.
11. Candy Cane Striped Toast: Alternate stripes of cream cheese and strawberry jam on a rectangular piece of toast to resemble a candy cane.

11. Enjoy a Laid-Back Holiday Craft Afternoon

Admittedly, this is my wheelhouse. Setting aside an afternoon to make some simple crafts like handmade holiday cards, DIY clay ornaments, or decorated paper stockings adds to the air of festivity, but is also oh so relaxing.

Make “Gifts” for the Backyard Wildlife

December is the perfect time to put your craft skills to work giving the birds a helping hand. Use simple materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed, or try these incredibly easy frozen bird feeder ornaments. A DIY bird nest helper is also a thoughtful “gift” (especially if you have a lot of snow!).

Craft Using What You Already Have at Home

Rather than stressing about getting to the store to pick up a supply you need, use this handy collection of easy family holiday crafts organized by material.

Make A Few Old-Fashioned Holiday Crafts

Take a trip back to the Gilded Age by way of dried orange slice ornaments, a popcorn garland, a Pomander ball, paper candy cones, and “gilded” walnut ornaments, paper chain garlands, or party crackers.

Try a Holiday Process Art Project

Blow off a little steam with an invitation to freely play with art supplies. The only goal here is to let loose and see where the process takes you! This guide to process art from Tinkerlab has lots of great info and suggestions, and you can put a holiday spin on the projects by using festive supplies (think sparkly metallic pipe cleaners, wrapping paper, or holiday-hued finger paints).

12. Have a Family Board Game Tournament

Gather around the table for some good, old-fashioned board game fun! Pick a mix of games everyone can enjoy—maybe classics like Sorry! or Uno for the little ones, and something more strategic like Catan or Ticket to Ride for older kids and adults.

To make it extra special, create a bracket for the games, keep score, and award silly prizes like “Best Strategist” or “Most Dramatic Dice Roller.” It’s a cozy way to spend time together, share laughs, and build memories—no screens required.

13. Go Indoor Camping

When the winter chill sets in and outdoor camping isn’t an option, bringing the adventure indoors can create a magical experience for the whole family. Indoor camping during the holiday season is a perfect, stress-free way to enjoy the camping spirit from the comfort of your home.

Turn your living room into a cozy campsite by setting up tents or building a grand blanket fort! Here are a few ideas to help set the mood…

• Make indoor s’mores. Use a microwave or oven to make s’mores – the quintessential camping treat – without the need for a campfire.
• Add ambiance with nature sounds. There are quite a few apps, Spotify playlists, or YouTube and streaming channels that can help you play nature sounds in the background (think wind through a forest, a gently babbling river, or night barn owl sounds) to create an outdoor atmosphere.
• Fire up a camp flick. The Parent Trap, Troop Beverly Hills, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown, Camp Rock, or a Salute Your Shorts marathon (my top pick) are all fun options.
• Try winter star map exploration. Cozy up under a blanket and explore a winter star map or create flashlight constellations. The BBC has a handy guide to winter constellations here and PBS offers a seasonal winter sky heroes PDF you can download and print.
• Make shadow puppets. Use a flashlight against a wall to make simple shadow puppets.
• Exchange winter legends or tall tales. Grab a camp lantern and tell the story of Jack Frost, St. Nicholas, Scandinavian Tomte, the Inuit tale of Nanook, or the legend of the Abombinable Snowman.

14. Celebrate a Family Holiday History Night

Setting aside an evening to retell old stories, look at old photos, or explain the origins of a family holiday tradition is an excellent (and easy!) way to share some moments of connection with your kids.

Here are more simple but creative ideas to make this a fun night of reminiscing special:

Learn About Ancestral Family Traditions

Discuss family history and how ancestors celebrated holidays. Research holiday traditions from your family’s country or region of origin. This can include food, music, games, or specific customs.

Memory and Storytelling Sharing

Sharing favorite holiday memories or stories from years gone by is a great way to pass on a bit of family lore to the next generation, and often pretty entertaining!

Virtual Family Gathering

For those with relatives far and wide, setting up a virtual gathering via Facetime or Zoom can extend the warmth of your family circle, helping distant loved ones, eldery family members, or friends who may be more isolated share in the festivities and enjoy some time to connect.

Heirloom Show and Tell

Have each family member present an heirloom or an old object with a story tied to past holidays, explaining its history and significance.

Recipe Revival

Cook a meal or a special dish that has been passed down through generations, or try to recreate a long-lost holiday recipe from your ancestors’ time and place.

Holiday Postcard Project

Create postcards that reflect your family’s holiday history or traditions, and send them to family members who couldn’t be there.

Interview Session

Kids can prepare interview questions about holidays for the older members of the family and record or write down their responses. I did this as part of a fifth-grade school project, and the questions led to stories my parents had never heard themselves!

15. Take a Holiday Light Tour

Whether by car or on foot, a trip around the block to admire decorations is always a delight! For riders, a mug of hot chocolate and a holiday playlist are an absolute must.

And a walking tour on a chilly evening offers a completely different experience and is a great way to get the blood pumping and de-stress.

I highly recommend you embrace the festive energy of the season and do both.

16. Play Flashlight Tag

There’s something about games after dark that is inherently exciting – no matter the season.

Especially as the winter solstice rolls around and the nights get longer, a quick game of flashlight tag is a great way to get moving and blow off a little steam.

Flashlight tag can be easily adapted for indoor play too, making it a good option for dangerously cold nights, those who live on especially busy streets, or apartment dwellers.

Whether darting around rooms and hallways or navigating the backyard, the simple addition of flashlights transforms this traditional game into a thrilling experience that adds to the atmosphere of the winter evenings.

Trade up your flashlight for a glow-in-the-dark ball or frisbee for more reindeer games that are perfect for after-dark December play.

17. Make Fondue

Fun fact: When I was in my twenties my roommates and I had fondue nights once a week. We’d grab a cheap veggie tray and a couple of baguettes, throw a box of Trader Joe’s Swiss Fondue (scary good!) in a pot, and dig in. Every Wednesday evening felt like an escape to a chalet in Switzerland. And come on, hot melted cheese…what’s not to love?

Perfect for chilly evenings, the simplicity of fondue is part of its charm. Many grocery stores even offer ready-made kits that include the basics for a delicious fondue, making the prep hassle-free.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftovers, as almost any type of vegetable or fruit can be dipped and enjoyed. Whether you opt for a classic cheese fondue, a rich chocolate dessert, or even a savory broth or oil for meats, the versatility and communal sharing of fondue make it an excellent choice for a relaxed family meal.

Here are six simple fondue combinations you can quickly pull together yourself:

1. Classic Cheese Fondue: Combine hard cheeses like Gruyère, Cheddar, or Swiss with a bit of white wine and garlic for a classic cheese fondue. Serve with cubes of stale bread, blanched broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Melt chocolate (milk, dark, or white) with a splash of cream for a decadent chocolate fondue. Dip in leftover fruits like strawberries, bananas, apple slices, or dried fruits like apricots. Marshmallows or pieces of pound cake also make great dippers.
3. Broth Fondue: Use any broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef) as a base for a savory fondue. Dip thinly sliced meats, mushrooms, or vegetables and cook them gently in the hot broth.
4. Tomato Basil Cheese Fondue: Melt together mozzarella and parmesan cheese with some tomato sauce and a touch of basil. This goes well with bread cubes, steamed vegetables, or cooked pasta.
5. Caramel Fondue: Make a simple caramel fondue by melting together caramel candies with a bit of cream or milk. This is perfect for dipping apple slices, pretzels, or leftover cookies.
6. Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue: Combine melted chocolate with a spoonful of peanut butter for a twist on the traditional chocolate fondue. This pairs wonderfully with banana slices, marshmallows, or rice krispie treats.

18. Throw a Holiday Dance-Off

Get ready to add some rhythm and cheer to your holiday festivities with a spirited holiday dance-off! Compile a joyous holiday playlist and let loose together. Whether your family prefers classic yuletide tunes or jamming out to modern seasonal hits, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to show off their best dance moves.

And for those who love to sing as much as they love to dance, a holiday karaoke night can be the perfect follow-up. Sing along to your favorite holiday songs using a karaoke app on your phone or TV, making it an evening of entertainment.

19. Take a Holiday Spa Day at Home

Because we all need a moment (or full day) of zen this time of year. As the holiday mania reaches a fever pitch, taking a day to unwind and indulge in a family holiday spa day can be a wonderfully rejuvenating experience. Amidst the festive hustle, dedicating time to relaxation and self-care might feel like a luxury, but it offers both parents and kids a much-needed chance to recharge.

You can recreate the serenity of the spa (without the expense) using a few simple household supplies. Here are some easy ideas to create a serene spa atmosphere right at home:

• Cucumber Eye Rest: Cut fresh cucumbers for a classic eye rest, perfect for rejuvenation.
• DIY Face Masks: Use ingredients like yogurt, honey, or oatmeal to create gentle, natural face masks.
• Relaxing Bath Time: Add Epsom salts or a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bath for a soothing soak.
• Homemade Sugar Scrubs: Mix sugar with coconut or olive oil for an easy, effective body scrub.
• Mini Mani-Pedi Station: Set up a space with nail polishes, files, and lotions for a do-it-yourself manicure and pedicure.
• Calming Herbal Teas: Serve a selection of herbal teas to complement the relaxing day.
• Soothing Music: Play soft, calming music in the background to enhance the spa-like ambiance.
• Aromatherapy: Use scented candles or diffusers with essential oils to create a tranquil environment.
• Relaxation Yoga or Stretching: Incorporate a short session of gentle yoga or stretching to relax the body fully.

20. Make a Holiday Scent Simmer Pot

As mid to late December rolls around, the comforting aroma of a simmer pot can enhance the cozy holiday atmosphere, making your space more inviting and warm. Bonus: it’s an easy activity for kids of all ages to participate in!

These natural scents, simmering away on the stove, are a sensory delight that can also have calming or invigorating effects, depending on the ingredients used, but kids (younger or older) can measure, mix, and pour ingredients.

I have a *whole* post with lots of different holiday simmer pot ideas and gift sachet instructions to help you find the perfect recipe for nearly effortless ways to make these as kid-made gifts or fill your own home with festive fragrances.

They’re incredibly simple to put together with everyday kitchen ingredients or inexpensive supplies, and they offer a safer, chemical-free alternative to store-bought air fresheners.

21. Explore Your Neighborhood in December

With its crisp winter air and festive ambiance, December presents a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of your neighborhood in a new light. Whether it’s a leisurely hike in a nearby park or a nature reserve, a tranquil walk in the evening, or a daytime stroll to observe the subtle changes in nature, these simple activities are a wonderful way to connect with your surroundings.

Take a Silent Night Walk

Need a peaceful respite from the holiday bustle? Take a silent evening walk, appreciating the quiet and stillness of a winter night.

Or a Daytime Winter Nature Walk

Take a walk around the neighborhood or a local park, observing how nature changes in winter. From the bare branches silhouetted against the sky to the frost sparkling on the grass, each observation provides a unique perspective and a moment of serenity.

Start a Neighborhood Walk Group

One of the things I love about my current neighborhood is that, no matter the season, you’re guaranteed to see every neighbor out walking – with their kids, with their pets, or with each other. And pulling a group together has lots of benefits. It’s a great way to keep up the motivation on chilly days, a fun opportunity to catch up, and the best way to meet new neighbors.

22. Have a December Candlelit Dinner

Totally transform the atmosphere of your dining room with nothing but a bit of candlelight. This simple change can make an ordinary meal feel like a cozy gathering and a snug little escape from the norm.

Here are a few ideas to help you embrace the charm of a winter meal by candlelight:

Make it a Quiet Winter Solstice Celebration

Mark the shortest day of the year with a warm, restful dinner and lots of candles.

Give it a Theme

Pick a theme for your dinner, like a “Winter Wonderland” or “Cozy Cabin” night. You can prepare or order dishes that fit the theme, like hearty stews for a cabin night, and decorate the table accordingly. Even wearing themed attire can add to the fun!

Cook Together

If you’re putting together a home-cooked meal, make it a family affair! Assign everyone a task like chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or setting the table.

Make Simple Homemade Table Decorations

Get creative with simple, kid-made DIY table decorations. Gather pinecones or greenery from outside for a centerpiece, or invite the kids to draw snowflakes and handwritten menus on butcher paper placemats.

Make a Special Dessert or Drink

Conclude your meal with a special (mini! easy!) dessert or a warm winter drink. This could be a family toast with hot chocolate and marshmallows or sparkling apple juice, a surprise piece of candy or chocolate hidden under everyone’s dinner plate, or a store-bought family favorite that you don’t have very often or isn’t expected this time of year. It’s a sweet way to end a cozy family meal.

23. Share a Holiday Coloring or Drawing Session

Gathering around for a holiday coloring or drawing session is a delightful and creative way to engage the family, especially during the bustling holiday season.

Whether it’s filling in pre-designed coloring pages or creating original holiday drawings, this activity can be a peaceful and meditative break from holiday preparations, offering a chance to unwind, connect (and maybe even discover some hidden artistic talents!).

24. Enjoy Reading a Special Holiday Picture Book or Chapter Book

Snuggle up together and dive into the magic of a special holiday book—it’s a tradition that turns quiet moments into cherished memories. For little ones, picture books with colorful illustrations and heartwarming stories bring the season to life, while older kids might get lost in chapter books full of holiday adventures and festive surprises.

Whether it’s an old favorite like The Polar Express or A Christmas Carol, or a new story you’re discovering for the first time, reading together is a chance to slow down and share the wonder of the season.

Light a candle, pour some hot cocoa, and let the words whisk you away to snowy landscapes, cozy cottages, and magical holiday tales that make this time of year feel extra special.

26. Have a Holiday Snowball Fight

The holiday season comes with its share of hustle and stress. What better way to unwind and de-stress than a holiday snowball fight?

Whether it’s outdoors with real snow or indoors with paper snowballs, this activity is a fantastic way for kids, teens, and adults alike to blow off some post-holiday steam.

28. Build a Backyard Snow Maze or Pathway

After the flurry of the holiday season, creating backyard winter paths or mazes offers a wonderful outdoor activity to release all of the pent-up energy that kids often accumulate during this time. Channel that surplus of enthusiasm and vigor right out the door!

Constructing and navigating through these mazes or paths offers kids a great hands-on, active challenge. It’s a fun, interactive way for the whole family to spend time together outside for a bit of fresh winter air through the joy of simple, unstructured play.

Ad there are so many ways kids can utilize natural materials to create their own cool trails (snow or no snow!). Leaves, sticks, pebbles, chalk, and birdseed or grit are all excellent path-making or lining supplies.

29. Put Together a Family Time Capsule

As the year draws to a close, creating a family time capsule can be a fun, way to mark the end of December.

It’s an opportunity for everyone to share highlights, challenges, and hopes, and also a great way to capture a snapshot of your family’s life at a specific moment in time.

Nothing fancy is required – a simple box filled with items like photos, letters, small mementos, or predictions for the future – and the act of opening the capsule in future years can also become a family tradition, offering a unique glimpse into your family’s history and growth.

When making a time capsule with household items, remember that the importance lies in the memories and sentiments you choose to preserve, not in the container itself. Here are a few options you probably already have at home…

• Recycled Coffee Cans: A large coffee can, thoroughly cleaned, makes an excellent time capsule container. You can wrap it with construction paper and let the kids decorate it with markers, stickers, or paint. The lid will keep the contents secure, and the can’s durable nature makes it ideal for storing items.
• Old Shoebox: Transform an old shoebox into a time capsule with a bit of creativity. Have the family decorate it with wrapping paper, drawings, or photographs. Shoeboxes are easy to store and can hold a variety of items, from letters to small keepsakes.
• Mason Jars: For smaller time capsules, mason jars are perfect. They’re airtight and can be used to store items like notes, photographs, and other small mementos. You can decorate the outside of the jar with fabric, ribbons, or labels.
• Plastic Storage Containers: Utilize any plastic storage containers you have at home. They come in various sizes, are durable, and can be easily sealed. Plus, they’re great for protecting the contents from moisture if you plan to bury the time capsule or store it in a basement.

30. Plan the Next Year

As the holiday season reaches its zenith, taking time to dream about what the upcoming year will hold can be a wonderfully fun, sometimes reflective, low-stress activity that offers everyone a bit of a reset or chance to ease into a new year.

Here are a few ways you can turn this into a crowd=pleasing activity that’s easy to organize without extensive preparation:

1. Share predictions for the New Year. Write down predictions for the new year, and be sure to save your list so you can check them next December!
2. Make dream or goal jars. Write down individual and family goals or hopes for the coming year on pieces of paper and place them in a jar. Throughout the year, you can pull out a goal to focus on or celebrate when achieved.
3. Create a bucket list board: Make a family bucket list board displaying all the activities, trips, or experiences you want to do together in the coming year.

31. Have a Pajama Party

As someone who now routinely goes to bed around 9 pm, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that my favorite way to ring in the new year is with a marathon of pajama-wearing.

Whether it’s your VERY favorite time of the year, or you reach the 31st having pulled half of your hair out, December is A LOT. If ever there were a day to give yourself a break and embrace doing nothing, it’s this one.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun! Instead of going all out, trying to make allll the things, icing little cookies to look like clocks, or attempting to plan the perfect evening, try one of these ideas instead…

Celebrate with a festive, SIMPLE activity

1. Prepare midnight mini countdown bags. Prepare (little!) bags, mini paper cups, or cupcake liners with a small treat, surprise, or activity, opening one each hour leading up to midnight. My mom calls these nutcups and they’re always a hit. A scratch-off lottery ticket, a little bag of trail mix, gum, coins, stickers or a temporary tattoo, bouncy balls, silly putty, sidewalk chalk…all favorites over the years.
2. Make DIY noisemakers. Create noisemakers using household items like pots and pans, a water bottle filled with dry rice or beans, or a cardboard tube kazoo for the midnight celebration.
3. Have a midnight balloon pop. Fill balloons with confetti and pop them at midnight.
4. Play Holiday-Themed Charades. Play a game of charades using only holiday-themed prompts.
5. Buy a Pinata. First of all, piñatas are always a good time. Second, New Year’s Eve is a wonderful time to just buy one (and I say this as a DIY addict).
6. Make your own confetti. Make a set of simple cardboard tube confetti poppers filled with DIY’ed eco-friendly confetti to release at midnight.

Toast with a Special Drink or Sparkling Juice

Have a family toast with sparkling juice at midnight. When I was a kid I was THRILLED with sparkling grape juice, but if you feel like going the extra mile, here are some combinations to try using ingredients you might already have at home…

1. Festive Punch: Mix cranberry juice, apple juice, and ginger ale for a bubbly, festive punch. Add in slices of oranges and apples, and some fresh cranberries for a colorful and festive presentation.
2. Peppermint Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream with milk and a drop of peppermint extract (ensure it’s just a small amount, as it’s quite strong). Garnish with crushed peppermint candy or a mini candy cane for a fun, holiday-themed treat.
3. Berry Sparkler: Combine sparkling water or club soda with a splash of cranberry or raspberry juice. Garnish with frozen berries and a twist of lime for a refreshing and bubbly drink.
4. Minty Hot Cocoa: Give the regular hot chocolate a minty twist. Prepare hot chocolate and add a drop of peppermint extract (be careful with the quantity as it’s potent). Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed mint candies or a small candy cane for garnish.
5. Cinnamon Vanilla Warm Milk: Heat milk on the stove and stir in a bit of vanilla extract and a cinnamon stick. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste. It’s a wonderfully comforting and sweet drink, ideal for bedtime or relaxing after dinner.
6. Orange Spice Warmer: Warm orange juice gently on the stove with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a star anise. Sweeten with a touch of honey or sugar. This drink offers a beautiful blend of citrus and spice, making it a festive and warming beverage.

BONUS: Celebrate a Surprise Snow Day (No Snow Necessary)

Because I haven’t included nearly enough ideas that have the potential to be a bit controversial (especially coming from the daughter of a past elementary school principal – wink!), I want to make a personal case for taking off a surprise family snow day…

Amid a particularly hectic season or during especially trying times for your family, taking a day off to celebrate an impromptu “Snow Day” – even without actual snow – can provide a much-needed respite for everyone.

Setting aside a day to call in sick to work and keep the kids home from school is a way to create space for relaxation, joy, and togetherness, a signal to your kids that emotional care matters, and a chance to step back from the daily grind, recharge, and reconnect (or just disconnect!) for the day.